The Effects of Tooth Loss
 More than 36 million Americans do not have any teeth, and 120 million people in the U.S. are missing at least one tooth. These numbers are expected to grow in the next two decades. At Rai Oral Surgery & Dental Implants we provide dental implants to our patients that are requiring replacements for their missing teeth. What Are the Effects of Tooth Loss?Tooth loss can have a huge impact on your overall health and self-esteem, not just your oral health. Tooth loss is not merely a cosmetic issue, it goes beyond affecting your smile. Tooth loss can compromise your chewing efficiency, which can affect your diet and nutrition. Moreover, it can also lead to bone loss in your jaw. After just one year of missing a tooth, the jawbone can shrink by 25 percent. Having missing teeth can also impact your speech, and some cases may lead to a collapsed facial profile, causing your cheekbones to have a sunken in and aged appearance. Additionally, tooth loss can affect self-esteem. Dental Implants to Replace Lost TeethLuckily, dental science has advanced significantly, providing effective solutions to cope with tooth loss. One such solution is dental implants. Dental implants serve as synthetic tooth roots implanted into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. Typically crafted from titanium, a material well-received by the body and seamlessly integrating with bone tissue, these implants act as robust supports for artificial teeth. By doing so, dental implants not only renew your smile but also maintain the integrity of your facial structure. Whether you've lost one tooth or multiple teeth, dental implants offer a lasting, resilient solution to revive your oral health.
Types of Dental ImplantsWhen it comes to restoring your smile, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. That's where dental implants come into play. These are tailored specifically to your needs and are designed to mimic the look, feel, and function of natural teeth. Primarily, there are two types of implants you need to consider - endosteal implants and subperiosteal implants. Endosteal dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone to support artificial teeth. These implants are commonly used as a highly effective and durable solution for tooth replacement. Subperiosteal implants are a type of dental implant that is positioned on top of the jawbone, underneath the gum tissue. Unlike endosteal implants, which are placed directly into the jawbone, subperiosteal implants rest on a metal framework that sits atop the bone and under the gums. If you've lost a single tooth, this will involve inserting one dental implant into the jawbone to serve as your new tooth root. Often, when multiple adjacent teeth are missing, a single dental implant won't suffice. That's where multiple tooth implants enter the picture. Multiple tooth implants involve inserting two implants into your jawbone to serve as anchors for a bridge. The prosthetic teeth are then attached to these anchors, filling in your gaps with a secure, natural-looking solution. Do Not Suffer the Effects of Tooth Loss Any Longer!If you are experiencing tooth loss, contact Rai Oral Surgery & Dental Implants at (757) 777-9883 to get scheduled for a consultation. Let us help give you a confident, new smile! |
