If you’ve ever lost a tooth to accident or disease, you’ll know how mortifying it can be to venture out in public with a gap in your mouth.
According to one clinical study by the International and American Association for Dental Research, tooth loss is associated with depression and anxiety, and can have a negative impact on self-confidence and self-perception. This is in part because tooth loss is sometimes stigmatized for being unfairly seen as a marker of poverty or poor personal hygiene.
This is on top of the well-documented long-term oral health problems that can arise when there are gaps in your smile, such as gum decay, drifting, and erupting.
The good news is that missing teeth are actually quite easy to replace with dental implants that can be nearly impossible to tell from the real thing — in fact, dental science has progressed to a point where it is now possible to replace one or more missing teeth in under 24 hours.
If you’ve lost one or more teeth, here are three reasons why dental implants could be the solution you are looking for.
1. Implants are the Gold Standard for Tooth Replacement
Dental implants are to the highest standards, and consist of two parts: metal posts or frames that are fused to the jaw, and replacement teeth that are designed to match the size, shape, and color of the rest of your teeth.
Because of their durable construction, implants generally last a lifetime, meaning that this is the best long-term solution for tooth loss currently available in dentistry.
2. Implants Stimulate the Jaw
Your teeth form an integral part of your jaw structure and gum tissue, and one of the best things about implants is they function very much like natural teeth, stimulating your jaw and preventing the bone loss that comes when teeth are removed for long periods of time.
For patients who have already suffered bone loss, it is important to find a dentist who can also offer bone grafting surgery to rebuild the damaged area before the implant is installed.
In addition to restoring your radiant smile to its former glory, implants serve an essential medical function, playing an important role in maintaining the structural integrity of your mouth and jaw.
3. Implants Let You Eat and Speak Naturally Again
One of the more frustrating elements of tooth loss is the way it effects everyday activities like eating, talking, and singing. When you’re missing space in your teeth, it can change how your voice sounds and make it awkward to eat your favorite foods. By filling these gaps, implants boost your confidence and help you get back to your usual self.
For many of us, our smile is an essential part of how we see ourselves. A smile can express joy, delight, and love, and when it is marred by an accident or illness, it can be devastating.
Fortunately, dental implants can help you restore your grin and keep your mouth working its best. So, if you’re feeling embarrassed about a missing tooth, get in touch with your Hamilton dental clinic today for a consultation.