Implant Restoration

Missing teeth not only affect your smile. There can also be problems with chewing and speaking. When looking for tooth replacement options, there are many considerations to take into account.

• Is the tooth root still present?

• Do you want a permanent replacement or a removable appliance?

• Is other dental work required?

Dental implants are becoming the most popular replacement option in the last 20 years. They are not only a permanent replacement but it is also the healthiest option in terms of overall oral health.

The teeth and teeth roots provide a very important function in maintaining the health, shape, and structure of the face and cheeks. Chewing creates vibrations and sensations to be conducted through the teeth and roots. This vibration stimulations the jawbone and maintains a healthy bone density. If a tooth and root are both lost, bone loss begins immediately and continues up to approximately 25% in the first year alone. Afterward, bone loss continues to progress. When several teeth are lost, the bone loss causes the cheek muscles to sag, leaving a sunken-in look that is associated with edentulous patients (patients with no teeth or multiple missing teeth).

Implants replace the root of the tooth by inserting a titanium screw into the jaw, placing an abutment, and connecting a crown to the abutment. Once healed, the implant feels and functions like a natural tooth.

Mark W. Sheppard, DDS, offers dental implant restorations in Lewiston, Idaho.

More Information Here: https://education.avadent.com/ada/index.php/portal/show/7aa02bc0774716/5/15