Life with a missing permanent tooth can be uncomfortable and challenging. Permanent teeth help people speak, eat, and smile. Those with missing permanent teeth often struggle to chew properly and pronounce words correctly. If you’re missing a permanent tooth, a dental prosthetic can restore functionality while making your smile whole again. This is why many people turn to dental implants.
Eating Without Worry
Implants are installed in the bone and act like natural tooth roots, anchoring the crown to the body. If you’ve been avoiding foods that require you to use a specific part of your mouth for chewing, this restores your ability to enjoy those foods again. For many people, having dental implants means being able to eat foods like apples, steak, and corn on the cob.
Unlike dentures, implants can’t slip out of place and don’t require the use of adhesives. This makes eating easier and can lead to an improved diet and nutrition.
Speaking Clearly and Confidently
Our teeth affect how we pronounce words, so missing teeth can create problems when it comes to speech. People who are missing their permanent teeth may have a lisp, muffled speech, or slurring. Implants help ensure proper tongue placement, improving clarity and confidence. Speech is often essential in personal, social, and occupational settings, so having a dental implant can help in everyday life situations.
Smiling with Pride Again
When a tooth is missing, this can impact your smile and how you feel about your appearance. Implants blend naturally with existing teeth to restore your smile. This can help restore your confidence in social and professional settings.
Long-Term Health Benefits
Tooth roots stimulate the jawbone. Every time you bite down on a tooth, it helps stimulate the jaw to keep it firm and dense. When a tooth is lost, the jawbone begins to deteriorate. This can lead to a sunken appearance in the face.
Implants are designed to last decades with proper care (longer than bridges and dentures), and during this time, can help maintain your appearance and the health of your jaw. In this way, implants are considered both a cosmetic and long-term health investment.
Simple Care and Maintenance
A simple care routine will help implants last as long as possible. For some patients, implants can last a lifetime.
- Brush twice each day and floss around the implants as directed by your dentist.
- Avoid using your implants as scissors. Don’t use your implants to chew on anything that isn’t food.
- See the dentist twice a year for dental checkups.
Choosing the Right Provider
Implant success depends on the expertise of your dentist. If you’re considering getting an implant to replace a missing permanent tooth, look for an experienced, reputable provider that offers personalized care and long-term support. This is why many patients contact Weninger Dentistry for implants in Tampa, Florida. To learn more, contact us to schedule an appointment.