Living life with missing teeth is like trying to play a piano with missing keys. Sure, you can probably knock out a few tunes here and there, but you’ll be limited by the fact that you can’t access the full range of the instrument. When you’re missing one or more teeth, it affects what you can eat, how you speak, and how you look. Essentially, missing teeth negatively affect your quality of life. So, how do you solve this problem? Replacing your teeth with old-fashioned methods may restore some functionality, but they come with other issues that must be dealt with. The best way to replace your teeth is to see an implant dentist like Dr. Gregory Zirakian in East Longmeadow, MA.
Why Replace Your Teeth With an Implant Dentist?
The key to understanding what an implant dentist does is to understand the function of your tooth roots. The root is the lower part of the tooth that extends into your jawbone and holds your tooth in place. This is where you’ll find your root canals and various nerves, blood vessels, and ligaments. Not only does your tooth root keep your tooth connected to your facial structure, but it also stimulates the jawbone, telling the brain to keep this bone strong.
When we lose a tooth and don’t replace the root, there is nothing to stimulate the bone anymore, and the resorption of our jawbone begins almost immediately. This deterioration will cause facial sag, making you look older than you are. In addition to changing your facial structure, an unfilled tooth socket allows your other teeth to shift, which can misalign your smile and bite. Finally, those empty sockets can be gathering places for bacteria, leading to infection and gum disease if not cleaned properly.
Dental implants solve these oral health problems by acting as artificial tooth roots. Traditional tooth replacement options like bridges, crowns, and dentures give you back some functionality, but they do nothing to replace your roots. When it comes to functionality, dental implants have the advantage there, as well. By connecting your teeth to the jawbone, implants provide a stronger foundation for your new teeth, allowing them to look, feel, and work much more like your natural teeth.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Some of the benefits of dental implants include:
- Improved jaw health: The relationship between your jawbone and dental roots resembles a gym partnership. When a tooth is missing, the jawbone misses its “workout buddy” and starts to deteriorate thanks to a lack of stimulation. Dental implants ensure your jawbone remains strong and active.
- Increased denture stability: Have you ever tried to write, read, or take a sip from a full drink while on a boat? The waves crashing into the hull can knock us around, making even the simplest tasks challenging. That’s how poorly fitting traditional dentures can sometimes feel. They move around in our mouths unexpectedly, making eating, speaking, and smiling an unwanted adventure. Dental implants, however, keep your teeth in place: no wobbles, no unexpected slips, just confidence.
- More natural appearance: One highlight of dental implants is how well they imitate your natural teeth. Implant dentures see a big improvement in this area, as implants allow us to eliminate much of the pink plastic base associated with traditional dentures.
Dental Implants vs. Mini Dental Implants
Dr. Zirakian prefers to use the smaller, thinner mini dental implants because they offer several advantages over their larger counterparts.
- Less invasive procedure: Mini implants don’t require incisions, only a tiny pilot hole, making the placement faster and less invasive.
- Faster healing and recovery: Thanks to their slim profile and less invasive placement, mini implants typically result in quicker healing times and shorter recovery periods.
- Lower cost: Mini implants are more affordable than conventional implants because they require less time and fewer visits to the dentist. This makes them a more cost-effective option for many patients.
- Immediate results: In many cases, mini implants can be loaded with replacement teeth immediately following placement, allowing patients to enjoy the benefits of stable teeth without waiting.
- Less bone requirement: They are ideal for patients who have experienced bone loss and may not be candidates for traditional implants without bone grafting.
- Minimal discomfort: Patients often report less discomfort and pain during and after the procedure than traditional implants.
Schedule a Consultation With an Implant Dentist Today
If missing teeth have dimmed your smile’s sparkle, know a solution is within reach. At East Longmeadow Family Dental Center, Dr. Gregory Zirakian, a seasoned implant dentist, is committed to helping you restore missing teeth and regain the lifestyle you remember. Don’t let missing teeth affect your smile any longer. Call our office today to book your complimentary consultation and learn more about what an implant dentist can do for you.
