Sunnyvale dentist explains how dental implants are beneficial for patients with tooth loss

If you have experienced tooth loss or are facing upcoming dental extractions, you may be concerned about the effects that missing teeth have on your smile, speech, and eating habits. Tooth loss can have a negative impact on all of these important aspects of your life, as well as your oral health, but fortunately, at the practice of Derek H. Tang, DDS & Todd S. Adams DDS, patients in the Sunnyvale, California area have a terrific option that prevents all of these issues: dental implants.

Dental implants explained

Each tooth in the mouth has two main components:

• The crown, which is the portion you see above the gumline
• The root, which extends beneath the gums into the jawbone where it holds the tooth firmly in place while you are eating, speaking, and enjoying your daily activities

Whereas other types of tooth replacements, such as dentures and bridges, only replace the crown portion of the tooth, dental implants are designed to mimic the entire tooth anatomy, replacing both the root and the crown. The implant itself is surgically placed into the jawbone, where it undergoes a process called osseointegration, in which it fuses with the bone to create a stable, strong foundation for your new tooth. After the implant has healed, a connecting piece called an abutment is placed on top, and then a durable, natural-looking dental restoration is used to replace the crown portion of the missing tooth.

Benefits of dental implants 

While the process for getting a dental implant placed typically takes a few months, patients find that it is well worth the wait because of the many benefits that dental implants offer! Dental implants:

• Offer unparalleled function: Because dental implants are fused with the jawbone, they offer better functionality and stability than other tooth replacement options, requiring no dietary restrictions or special dental care beyond regular brushing and flossing.
• Are good for your oral health: Tooth loss affects your entire mouth. From bone loss to gum disease and shifting teeth, just one missing tooth can have a negative impact on the way your whole mouth functions. However, dental implants prevent all of these issues from occurring by keeping your permanent teeth in their proper locations and providing sufficient stimulus for your jawbone to keep it healthy.
• Are versatile: Dental implants can replace one tooth or a whole arch of missing teeth. In cases where only one tooth is missing, a dental crown is typically used for your replacement tooth, whereas dental bridges or dentures are typically used to replace multiple missing teeth. If a full arch of teeth is being replaced, as few as four to six implants are typically all that is needed to attach a full denture securely.
• Improve your appearance: Tooth loss affects the appearance of your smile and can contribute to a “sunken in” appearance in the cheeks, making you look older than you are. Restoring your smile with natural-looking dental implants not only makes you look healthier but can take years off of your overall appearance!

Learn more at a consultation

Dental implants are an excellent choice for most patients who have lost teeth, but it is important to work with skilled dentists like Drs. Todd Adams and Derek Tang, who can help determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs. For example, patients who have suffered from underlying bone loss may require a procedure called bone grafting prior to dental implant placement for the best long-term outcomes. To schedule your consultation at our Sunnyvale, CA office, call (408) 355-9292 or request your appointment online!

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