Replacing missing teeth is important. If you have gaps in your grin, you run the danger of letting plaque build-up in those spaces in your smile. Those spaces allow your remaining teeth to move out of their proper alignment. That can lead to those teeth striking each other at the wrong angles, which can damage your teeth. A full set of teeth allows you to speak and eat more effectively and is a boost to your self-image.
Dental implants are a very popular tooth replacement method. Implants look like your normal teeth and are attached to titanium posts that have been placed directly into your jawbone. This not only makes the implants very sturdy but also stimulates the growth of the jawbone. However, implants require surgery and you must have healthy gums and enough jawbone to support them. Certain medications like immunosuppressants and medical conditions such as hemophilia and uncontrolled diabetes may mean that implants are not a good choice for you.
Implants can be cared for just as you do your normal teeth. You may experience some difficulty flossing around your implant until it is fully healed. If that is the case, you should talk with the dentist about using a water flosser or a floss threader.
To find out if implants are best for you, talk to our periodontist, Dr. Greg Fertik. Your doctor can give you a thorough exam and recommend the best course of treatment. If you live in the Hendersonville, North Carolina, area and would like to make an appointment at Mountain Perio, call (828) 693-7533 today. We look forward to seeing you with a full and healthy smile.