Tooth loss is an unavoidable fact of life for too many people. It can have a devastating effect on your life, as well. You might not smile as much because you are self-conscious about your missing tooth or teeth. You’ll also find it more difficult to eat properly, which can put stress on one side of your mouth and result in uneven tooth wear, and even muscle and soft tissue damage over time. Dental implants in Los Angeles can help, but what should you know about this treatment option?
What Are Dental Implants?
First, let’s address what dental implants actually are. Really, they’re nothing more than anchors that are surgically installed in your jawbone. This allows a false tooth, or even a full set of overdentures, to be anchored in place. Implants are made from a special metallic alloy that encourages bone to fuse around the base of the implant, eventually becoming part of your jaw. This prevents slipping and sliding.
How Many Teeth Can Implants Support?
You’ll find that dental implants are the ideal solution for any type of tooth loss. Whether you’ve lost a single adult tooth to accidental damage or another issue, or you’ve had several teeth pulled, implants can help. A single implant can be used as the anchor for replacing one tooth, but paired implants can support multiple false teeth, ranging from bridges all the way up to a full set of upper or lower dentures.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
While almost anyone can benefit from dental implants, there are some patients who may have a higher risk of complications or problems. Those with serious jawbone material loss, whether due to tooth extraction in the past or health issues like osteoporosis may not be good candidates. A full evaluation of your bone health will be necessary to determine if implants are possible. In addition, smokers may not be good candidates because smoking can complicate the healing process after implants are surgically installed. The best option for smokers is to quit smoking prior to having implant surgery.
Ultimately, dental implants in Los Angeles allow the permanent repair of missing or damaged teeth, and do not affect the health of the teeth around them. They preserve oral health, offer stability that is impossible with standard bridges and dentures, and can help ensure that denture wearers do not suffer bone loss.
