Millions of Americans will suffer tooth loss at some point in their lives. Many times, adult tooth loss can be caused by gum disease or decay that has been left untreated. But even those of us who take great care of our teeth can experience unexpected tooth loss through an injury. At our dental office in Wicker Park, we know that nobody wants to go through life missing a tooth. And the truth is, nobody has to. Thanks to improvements in dental technology and skills, we have the ability to permanently replace teeth through the use of dental implants.
Now, while dental implants aren’t the only tooth replacement option available to those missing a tooth or even several teeth, it is usually the preferred treatment method for your dentist in Wicker Park. Unlike other tooth replacement procedures such as a dental bridge or removable denture, a dental implant is a permanent solution that functions very similarly to your natural tooth. It’s like you were never missing one in the first place! There are many benefits to a dental implant including:
Losing a tooth isn’t something that only affects your oral health. In fact, leaving a gap in your smile can have side effects on your overall health as well. Chewing food can become difficult or impossible, limiting your ability to fuel your body with proper nutrition. Other teeth may start to shift, causing overlapping or crooked teeth that can lead to jaw pain and a misaligned bite. Your jaw bone is also left without anything there to keep it strong. This can cause bone loss in the jaw and your face to take on a saggy, old appearance. However, replacing a tooth with a dental implant solves all of these issues.
Since a dental implant replaces the entire tooth’s structure, including the roots, it’s a restoration that functions almost identically to a natural tooth. This allows you to eat what you want, keeps your jaw bone stimulated and strong, and keeps your smile full and straight.
While the dental implant procedure can sound intimidating, scary, and painful, the truth is, many patients find the process very easy and experience minimal pain. The secret? Start by talking with your dentist in Wicker Park to see if a dental implant is right for you. If it is, here’s what you can expect.
We believe that nobody should go through life with a missing tooth and invite anyone who may be considering a dental implant or other tooth-replacement option to schedule an appointment with us. We’re here to help all of our neighbors find the right solution for them. Call us today!
