What Dental Implants Could Do For You

Missing or damaged teeth can make anyone feel as though their smile is not up to par with those around them. However, instead of replacing missing teeth with bridges or dentures, you can now fill in your gaps permanently with dental implants. But what can dental implants do for you? Find out with Dr. Edward Yates at Norwich Aesthetic Dentistry in Norwich, CT.How do dental implants work? Dental implants use your body’s natural healing abilities to hold a small post, called the fixture, in place. After your dentist implants the fixture, the bone begins growing around it, a process called osseointegration. After several months of healing, your bone will completely encompass the implant’s fixture, holding it securely and permanently in place. Successful integration allows the fixture to become an effective foundation for your replacement tooth.The Benefits of Dental Implants in Norwich, CT Dental implants don’t just replace a missing tooth, but they also replace your tooth’s root. This keeps the jawbone stimulated to avoid bone atrophy. Atrophy, if left untreated, can result in some less than ideal side effects, such as drooping or sagging facial skin or healthy teeth drifting to compensate for the gap between them. Missing teeth also affect your mouth’s bite, which could create difficulties in eating or chewing. Replacing your teeth will give you a full smile you can feel proud of.What can dental implants do for me? Implants have several uses which can benefit you whether you are missing all or only one of your teeth. Dentists use implants to: …replace a single tooth: Replacing one tooth requires only a single implant fixture placed into the missing tooth’s socket. One dental crown sits on top of the fixture to complete the implant. …replace multiple teeth: If your gap spans several teeth in a row, a dental bridge can replace several teeth at once. One implant on either end of your gap holds the restoration in place. …replace all your teeth: An implant-supported denture uses four or more implants throughout your mouth’s top or bottom arch to hold a full denture in place. The denture can be removable or permanent, depending on what you and Dr. Yates decide is best for you.For more information on dental implants, please contact Dr. Yates at Norwich Aesthetic Dentistry in Norwich, CT. Call (860) 889-6445 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Yates today!