Dental implants can be one of the best restorative options if you want to replace your missing teeth. Implants can provide long-lasting, durable results and renew the smile’s aesthetics. But how do you know if dental implants are right for you? We will review some of the problems dental implants can solve in our Chapel Hill, NC, dental office.
We can provide dental implant treatment for patients with one or all of their permanent teeth missing. In addition, we recommend dental implants to ensure comfort and aesthetics if you have an old, damaged, or removable restoration.
Treating Problems with Dental Implants in Chapel Hill, NC
If you have one or more of these problems, implant treatment can help:
Missing Teeth
One or more missing teeth present many difficulties for patients, from an increased risk of decay to difficulty eating certain foods. Even a single missing tooth can create dental problems. Harmful bacteria can collect in an empty tooth socket, contributing to gum disease. Adjacent teeth can also be prone to harmful bacteria, or the teeth may shift to close the gap left to form the missing tooth.
Replacing missing teeth with an implant-secured dental crown, dental bridge, or denture can prevent these problems, improving the smile’s aesthetics and patient health.
Loose, Broken, or Old Restorations
Damage or wear to dental bridges or dentures can cause discomfort and lead to further damage. Therefore, when you require a replacement for your restoration, we may recommend an implant-secured restoration in its place.
Implant-supported restorations offer long-lasting results and durability over removable denture options. Traditional dental bridges can also require support from adjacent teeth, which can prove unreliable. Dental implants help stabilize the smile and lessen the chance of loosened restorations.
Difficulty Eating
Removable dentures, traditional bridges, and gaps in the smile can lead to difficulty eating. Traditional dentures rest on the gums and use adhesive to stay in place. However, they can still slip around the mouth and make it difficult to eat hard or crunchy foods.
However, implant-supported bridges and dentures are fixed in the mouth. The dental implant posts support the bite, creating a stronger force when biting than with removable restorations. With implants, patients can eat the foods they enjoy without difficulty.
Aesthetic Problems
If you have a dental restoration, but you’re still dealing with aesthetic problems like facial sagging, you may need dental implants. Facial sagging occurs when there is no bone tissue to support the facial structure. Because implants replace teeth at the root, they add more structure to the face and can create a more youthful look.
Gaps in the smile left by missing teeth can also impact aesthetics. Filling missing tooth gaps with implant restorations creates a fuller, more balanced smile.
Do you want to discuss your implant options with our team? Call Chapel Hill Family and Cosmetic Dentistry today at 919.736.6175 or schedule a dental consultation with Dr. Jim Furgurson online. We’re here to help you restore your smile’s full function and appearance with comfortable, natural-looking dental implants.