Do you have missing teeth or have recently had a tooth extracted? If so, it’s time to schedule an appointment with our dentist in Wyoming, Michigan. Dr. Eric Langellier will be able to determine if you’re a candidate for dental implants or other tooth replacement options.
Here are the main health advantages of the dental implant procedure.
Once your body detects a missing tooth, it starts to absorb the minerals in your jaw to use elsewhere. If left untreated, bone loss in the jaw can lead to a condition called facial collapse. This condition can give the patient a sunken appearance and make it difficult or uncomfortable to wear dentures.
The good news is that a tooth implant prevents further bone loss in the jaw. This is because dental implants replace the entire function of your tooth, from the root to the crown. The titanium post exerts pressure on the jawbone like a natural tooth root would. The crown gives you the appearance and function of a tooth.
It’s hard to feel confident about your smile when you have missing teeth or slipping dentures. That’s why we recommend dental implants for patients who’d like a long-lasting solution to tooth loss.
Unlike dentures that sit on top of your gums, dental implants are embedded in the jawbone for the ultimate stability while you eat, talk, smile, and laugh. Out of all the tooth replacement options available, a dental implant will look and feel the most like a natural tooth.
Even well-fitting dentures can occasionally slip when you make a sudden movement, such as sneezing or coughing. For this reason, many patients prefer the security they feel with a dental implant.
When you lose one tooth, the adjacent teeth start to drift toward the empty socket. This can cause crowding and even lead to further tooth loss. That’s why we recommend scheduling an appointment with Dr. Langellier as soon as possible to discuss your tooth replacement options and learn if you’re a candidate for dental implant surgery.
A dental implant not only keeps your jawbone healthy, but helps prevent the other teeth in your smile from leaning toward the empty space and eventually falling out due to the lack of support.
Not all of your taste buds are on your tongue, which is why dentures can dull your sense of taste. For example, an upper denture can block the taste buds on the roof of your mouth. This may mean that patients with dentures don’t enjoy their food like they once did. Certain foods can also be tricky for dentures, making them more prone to slipping in the middle of a meal.
The good news about dental implants is that they function like natural teeth so you can enjoy all of your favorite foods again. Unlike dentures, a tooth implant won’t slip or block your taste buds. This allows you to savor your meals and fully enjoy the foods you eat.
Dr. Eric Langellier is an experienced emergency dentist in Wyoming, Michigan. He’s also accepting new patients and would be more than happy to help you explore your tooth replacement options. To schedule an appointment, please call Bowtie Dental at (616) 532-9003. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.