The holiday season is here, bringing for most people a time of family, friends and food. If you have missing teeth, it can be a challenging time of year. Eating some foods is uncomfortable and smiling at those close to you exposes gaps you’d rather keep hidden.
If all you want for Christmas is a healthy smile, here’s what you need to know.
Missing Teeth Aren’t Just Cosmetic
You probably already know what a missing tooth can do to your self-esteem, but you may not be aware of the other dangers involved. When you have an open space in your gums, it provides a place for bacteria to breed.
The surrounding teeth can keep you from properly cleaning the area, and the gap might hold food particles. Stuck food and bacteria cause you to have bad breath, which doesn’t do anything for your confidence. Nearby teeth can develop cavities, and you’re more susceptible to gum disease.
When you’re missing teeth, you alter the way you chew to work around that open space. The adjustment can lead to TMJ disorder, causing pain in your jaw, headaches, and difficulty completely opening your mouth. As other teeth shift into the space, your risk of TMJ increases.
How Dental Implants Help
Dental implants give you back a tooth permanently. While dentures and other replacement methods still require you to avoid eating certain foods, implants are made from titanium and fused with your own jaw tissue through osseointegration.
During the procedure, a titanium implant is placed where your tooth used to be. An abutment and the dental prosthetic (crown) attach to the implant. The process creates a solid, durable structure within your jawbone.
Recovery Expectations
How long it takes for you to recover depends on how extensive the procedure. Once the osseointegration is complete, your oral surgeon will attach the abutment.
The recovery process solidifies implant security and provides a tooth. Dental implants look and feel like the rest of your natural teeth, restoring the smile and chewing ability you once had.
If a new tooth is at the top of your Christmas list, OMSNashville can help. Let us restore your confidence and smile this holiday season. Request your appointment online today.
The information and content on our website should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment or advice from your doctor.
