Many patients visit our office looking for solutions to replace their missing teeth. Whether you are missing one tooth or several teeth, Dr. Leah Butler can offer you a variety of treatment plans to fit your lifestyle and budgetary goals. As your trusted cosmetic dentist in Strongsville, OH, we want to provide you with more information on our premier tooth replacement option, dental implants. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about dental implants:
What is a dental implant?
Dental implants are a unique tooth replacement option that restores not only the visible crown of the tooth but also the lost tooth root functionality below the gumline. Implants consist of three parts, including a titanium post that is surgically implanted below your soft tissues to allow it to fuse together with your jawbone. As the post heals, it provides your restoration with tooth root functionality that you won’t find with any other restorative dentistry option. This is why dental implants have become the “gold standard” of tooth replacement, offering permanent, stable results that are as close to a natural tooth as possible.
What benefits come with dental implants?
Dental implants offer patients the look, feel, and function of natural teeth. They minimize bone loss in the jaw, enable a normal chewing function with no dietary restrictions, and blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile. Unlike dental bridges, which require the support of surrounding teeth, dental implants completely support themselves. This means that you do not have to compromise perfectly healthy teeth to replace your missing tooth. While the healing process can span up to six months for a dental implant, the results are long-lasting, and patients find that they enjoy the benefits of implants in the long run.
Why should I replace a missing tooth?
If you are missing a tooth, this puts a strain on your remaining dental structures. This means that your teeth, gums, and jawbone have to work harder to perform daily tasks like chewing or speaking to make up for the compromised tooth. Because your dental structures are designed to all work together, a missing tooth can drastically change the way you speak or chew. Additionally, a missing tooth can cause jaw pain or tension headaches because of this additional strain to your dental structures. It’s important to replace a missing tooth as soon as possible to avoid further tooth loss or dental damage that can be caused due to the pressure it puts on your remaining dental structures.
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
The best way to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Butler. A restorative dentist in Strongsville, OH, Dr. Leah Butler places all types of dental implants at Butler Family Dentistry to replace one or more missing teeth. Taking a comprehensive, individualized approach to your care, Dr. Butler can work with you to restore your smile, your confidence, and your quality of life. Please schedule an appointment, and we look forward to seeing you soon.