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“When it rains, it pours.” Nothing rings truer to this saying than missing teeth. First, you lose one tooth. You may not think much of it initially—after all, maybe you’ll adjust. Then, the other teeth shift to fill the empty space, causing issues with your bite. Plaque and bacteria have more room to build up in the gap left in your smile, and gum disease becomes another risk. Quickly, you realize how difficult it is to lose a tooth as the domino effect introduces itself to your oral health. You’re not the only one struggling with tooth loss—178 million Americans are too. Dr. John Hopkins at the Centre for Smile Designs has helped countless patients in your situation. He offers dental implants near Caesar, MS, at his nearby office in Gulfport, MS, just under an hour away.
Learning the cons of tooth loss and the benefits of tooth replacement can help you make an informed decision about your dental health. Therefore, it is important to understand the risk factors, how they impact you, and how you can avoid them.
The Burdens of Tooth Loss
When left unaddressed, tooth loss escalates. It can be catastrophic for your oral health. When you lose a crown—the visible part of your tooth—you also lose the root. Your tooth root sits below your gum line and is an integral part of your tooth’s structure. It provides your jawbone with the necessary stimulation to stay strong and healthy. Tooth roots are activated when chewing and prevent your jawbone from shrinking and weakening. This jawbone deterioration, which we also call bone resorption, can lead to loose or shifting teeth, gaps, receding gums, and changes in facial structure. It also contributes to further tooth loss.
Losing one or more teeth makes daily activities challenging. Eating is more of a struggle because your bite force and chewing efficiency decrease. You might even notice irregularities in your speech pattern and a lisp when you talk. You may feel less confident smiling and avoid showing off your teeth. These emotional and physical burdens can significantly impact the quality of your life. To avoid these problems, we suggest replacing your teeth as soon as possible.
Dental implants are a highly effective tooth replacement option. They provide many lasting benefits to your oral health.
Dental Implants Offer Peace of Mind
Replacing a missing tooth with dental implants can significantly improve your situation. Dental implants are titanium posts that Dr. Hopkins inserts into your jawbone. They naturally fuse with your existing bone, building a much stronger, more stable base for replacement teeth. Osseointegration is the process by which the implants fuse. Bone cells grow around the existing bone and bond tightly to its surface. In turn, the implants act like natural tooth roots and provide stimulation to your jawbone. They can support a denture, a dental bridge, or a single dental crown.
Dental implants make it possible to eat tougher, chewier foods. You don’t have to worry about limiting your diet and can enjoy all your favorite meals. These titanium posts improve your speech, making you sound as clear as a sunny, warm day. Your smile is improved, and you’ll feel more confident showing it off.
Dr. Hopkins offers traditional and mini dental implants. Traditional implants average 5 mm wide. They are an effective tooth replacement option for patients with sufficient bone density. If a patient has experienced bone loss, they may require a bone graft before the implant procedure. Mini dental implants are half the size, less than 3 mm wide, and usually don’t require a bone graft. The best option for you depends on your bone density and unique needs.
If you want to learn which size implant you’re qualified for, we invite you to visit our office in Gulfport, MS!
Improve Your Oral Health With Dental Implants in Caesar, MS!
Dental implants are an excellent option to replace missing teeth. They are securely anchored to your jawbone, providing adequate support for false teeth. These titanium posts allow you to eat the foods you love, speak clearly, and smile with confidence. It’s an incredible way to avoid the oral health issues that happen with tooth loss.
You’ve struggled long enough with missing teeth. It’s time to start the next chapter. If you’re in Caesar, MS, and need dental implants, arrange your free implant consultation at our Gulfport, MS, office! Dr. Hopkins looks forward to meeting you.
