Being forced to eat soft foods for a few days due to tooth loss is doable. However, the thought of having to forego fresh fruits and vegetables, a juicy steak, or a piece of chewy bread (and many other great tasting foods) for the long term is intolerable. Tooth loss can impact your ability to chew. One of the best ways to replace missing dentition allowing you to consume your favorite foods is with dental implants.
Dental Implant Advantages
Once permanent teeth are lost the bones that held teeth in place begin to atrophy. This allows gum tissue to shrivel which can alter your facial appearance. The metal used in most dental implants, titanium, actually promotes bone growth preventing bone resorption
While being able to chew is very important, so is being able to speak properly. Words form when teeth and tongue work in tandem. Missing teeth can make pronouncing certain word sounds difficult.
Missing teeth can erode self-esteem. You may hesitate to eat, smile, or speak in public. With dental implants, you will never have to worry. You can be confident in your smile and be assured that your dentition will not move or slip while eating, laughing, or speaking.
Will I Really Be Able to Eat Anything I Want?
Once healing has taken place and the cosmetic restoration has been affixed and cured, your new dentition will allow you to enjoy all your favorite foods. That is because these tooth replacements look and function very much like your biological teeth.
The implant itself is a small titanium post that is inserted in gum tissue where tooth loss has occurred. A healing period ensues; during this time bone is encompassing the implant making it a permanent part of your oral structure. This healing time is important … the implant area must be properly cared for to prevent infection, a leading cause of implant failure.
Your implant dentist will monitor your progress along the way so keeping all follow up appointments is very important. Once completely healed and the implant is firmly entrenched, the cosmetic restoration can be placed.
Your implant journey is completed when a cosmetic restoration is cemented to the implant. It will mirror neighboring teeth providing a great smile and allow complete functionality for a lifetime of eating pleasure.
To learn more about your tooth replacement options, contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
