It’s easy to take for granted all of the hard work your natural teeth do while you’re speaking and eating. It’s only when the permanent teeth start to fall out that people realize how important the teeth really are. Missing teeth cause a change in bite pattern and strength. Dentures have long been used to try to replace missing teeth. The problem with traditional dentures is that they come with a diet restriction; there are some foods the appliance is just not suited for. The development of dental implants has revolutionized what patients with missing teeth can and can’t eat.
Your teeth are responsible for speech and eating. There are many different sounds in every language that involve the tongue being able to contact the teeth in some form. The teeth work together in order to bite and chew food. Some people even use their teeth for useful functions such as opening packages, although this is not a recommended use. Missing teeth lead to a change in biting, eating and pronunciation.
Dental implants are artificial teeth that rest on titanium posts imbedded into the gums and integrated into the jawbone. The post acts similar to the natural tooth root in preserving bone and gum and holding artificial teeth in place. Implant dentists can restore bite patterns by placing the implant in the same position as the real tooth. Unlike other dental procedures that use removable appliances, implants are permanently in place. This means patients can eat their favorite foods just like they could with their natural teeth without restriction.
There are many different factors that go into determining whether or not dental implants are a good choice for you. Although there are many advantages, it’s not necessarily the perfect solution for everyone. Consult with Dr. Letelier to learn more!