If you are missing a tooth, you will want to take the time to become better informed about the treatments available for correcting this cosmetic and functional dental problem. A relatively new but increasingly popular solution for this problem is the installation of teeth implants.

How Are Teeth Implants Better Than A Bridge?

Teeth implants consist of a post that is made of titanium, and this is drilled securely into place in the jaw bone. Other replacement options rest on the surface of the gums. This might not seem like it would pose problems, but it can contribute to an erosion of the jaw bone. Teeth implants minimize this risk by providing the support that a natural tooth's root would offer the jaw bone.

Can A Dental Implant Be Used When The Tooth Was Lost Many Years Ago?

Unfortunately, many patients will not consider a tooth implant, as they may have lost the tooth many years ago. Luckily, there is no need for the tooth to have been lost recently in order to receive this type of treatment. However, it may have been possible for the neighboring teeth to have shifted to close the gap created by the missing tooth. If this is the case with your mouth, you will need to use braces to correct the spacing before you can undergo the implant procedure. Otherwise, there will not be sufficient space for the replacement tooth.

What Are The Warning Signs That You Are Suffering From Jaw Erosion?

For those that will be waiting before having an implant installed, it is possible for the jaw bone to erode. In addition to causing other teeth to loosen, this could also make it more difficult for the implant to be installed. Typically, the warning signs of jaw erosion will be a visible change in the contour of your chin and jawline. Also, you might find that the neighboring teeth are loosening. If you are experiencing these problems, you may still be able to receive a dental implant, but you may need to undergo a bone graft to help restore the bone mass in the jaw. Your dentist will be able to determine whether this is needed after conducting a visual examination and taking x-rays of your jaw. When a bone graft is required, it will likely extend the time for this procedure by several months as the grafted bone will need ample time to fully bond and heal. If the implant is installed before the graft has fully bonded, it will be more likely to fail or be rejected. Therefore, the bonding process will need to be regularly monitored by your dentist so that the implant procedure can be started as soon as possible.