Dental implants are a revolutionary way we approach replacing missing teeth. If your smile has one or more gaps in it, you’re not alone. Missing teeth is common amongst hundreds of millions of Americans. If you have missing teeth, here is how dental implants can revive your smile. 

Missing Teeth in Adults

When children have a gap in their smile, it’s a cute sign that the tooth fairy is about to visit. However, with adults, a gap is far more concerning. Missing teeth in adults if one the result of tooth decay, gum disease, or even injury. While some people are born without certain teeth, a condition known as congenitally missing teeth, this is not common to the general public and is typically an issue in families that have seen the issue for generations. 

According to the American College of Prosthodontists, missing teeth in adults disrupts proper function and the teeth near the gaps in your smile will begin to shift, move, and tip into the space overtime. The most common missing teeth are the wisdom teeth, upper lateral incisors, and second premolars/bicuspids. It is important to replace missing teeth so you can chew your food properly, have adequate jaw support, stability for the remaining teeth, and a nice, full smile. 

Living with Missing Teeth

If you lose a tooth as an adult, we recommend getting to the dentist sooner rather than later to learn about your options to fill the gap. Living with missing teeth has practical negative consequences, such as:

• Avoiding hard foods and changing the way you chew.
• Changing how you talk and sound due to receding gums. 
• Shrinking and weakening of the jaw bone, causing facial sagging. 

Dental Implants to Replace Missing Teeth

If you are missing teeth, you’re not alone. Over 178 million American adults are missing at least one tooth, and 40 million Americans are missing all of their teeth. As we get older, the issue of missing teeth gets worse as 30% of adults between the ages of 65 and 74 have no natural remaining teeth. 

At Mountain Aire Dentistry, we can fill the gaps with pearly whites that look, act, and feel just like your natural teeth. If you’re missing one or more teeth, dental implants can restore your smile. Mayo Clinic explains that dental implants may be right for you if:

• You are willing to commit several months to the process
• Have one or more missing teeth
• Your jawbone has reached full growth
• Have adequate bone to secure the implants or are able to have a bone graft
• Your oral tissues are healthy 
• Don’t have health conditions that affect bone healing 
• You are unable or unwilling to wear dentures
• Don’t smoke tobacco 

The Procedure

Getting dental implants can seem daunting, but Dr. Chris Bockrath is a professional in the treatment and is here for you every step of the way. The procedure entails replacing tooth roots with metal, screw-like posts and replacing damaged or missing teeth with artificial ones. Here is what you can expect:

• A comprehensive dental exam and review of your medical history
• Damaged tooth removal
• Jawbone preparation (grafting) when needed
• Dental implant placement
• Bone growth and healing
• Abutment placement
• Artificial tooth placement
• A healthy, full smile! 

In total, the process can take a few months to complete. Much of that time is spent on healing and waiting for the growth of new bone in your jaw. Every patient is different, so depending on your specific situation you might have more or less healing time needed and some steps could be combined.  

Caring for Dental Implants 

Even though a dental implant is not a real tooth, it still must receive the same care a real tooth would need. The better you care for your implants, the longer they will last. Once you fill in the gap(s) of your smile, these implants will help you improve your health, speech, nutrition, and will even improve your confidence with a full, healthy, and beautiful smile. 

During your initial consultation, Dr. Bockrath will make sure you are a good candidate before receiving dental implants. Unfortunately, not everyone will be a candidate for the procedure. The Long-term success of the implants will rely on healthy gums, adequate one supply, and your commitment to excellent oral health habits. 

Fill in Your Smile with Mountain Aire Dentistry

If you are ready to reclaim your smile and fill in the gaps, call our experienced staff at Mountain Aire Dentistry today. We will carefully assess your condition and concerns and let you know truthfully if dental implants are the right treatment option for you. Call us today at (303)-731-7755.