
Jan
A missing tooth impacts more than just your smile. If you are missing one or more of your teeth, it affects your ability to chew and can even change how you speak and pronounce words. Perhaps even more concerning, a missing tooth can put you at increased risk of gum disease and/or decay in your remaining teeth. That’s why Dr. Leah Zils is here to help with dental implants. Compiled below are seven reasons to consider dental implants for replacing missing teeth.
A dental implant is a titanium post embedded directly into your jawbone and completed with a porcelain crown above the gum line. The post replaces the root that is used to keep your tooth grounded. Because dental implants are made with biocompatible titanium and porcelain, they never decay as natural teeth do. You can expect your dental implants to last a lifetime with proper care.
It’s easy to replace one missing tooth with a dental implant. After a surgeon places the titanium post into your jaw, it will take a few months to heal. During this time, it will fuse completely with your bone for a permanent solution through osseointegration. Once the tooth is fully healed, Dr. Zils will place an abutment and porcelain crown on top to give you a brand-new tooth.
A dental implant replaces one natural tooth. However, you can opt for an implant-supported bridge if you’re missing more than one tooth in a row. Traditional dental bridges rely on neighboring teeth to support the bridge, but implants can be used if your natural teeth aren’t strong enough.
Can dental implants help if you’re missing all or most of your teeth? Absolutely! With implant-supported dentures, the dental implants are the anchors that hold your dentures in place. Implant-supported dentures are more stable, making it easier to live life fully without the complications of traditional dentures.
One of the lesser-known complications of missing teeth is that your jawbone is affected. To remain healthy and have good bone density, the jawbone needs stimulation that comes from chewing. Over time, a missing tooth will cause the jawbone to deteriorate. Dental implants stimulate the jawbone to prevent this. Also, neighboring teeth are more susceptible to decay if you’re missing a tooth.
Dental implants are life-changing for many reasons. These include:
Dr. Leah Zils and the team at Leah Zils, DDS, in The Woodlands, TX, pride themselves on the personalized care they give to patients. Their dental practice is a warm and welcoming environment for patients living in The Woodlands and around Spring, Tomball, or Conroe. Call (281) 973-2276 to schedule your appointment and begin your journey to a restored smile.
Dr. Leah Zils
Dr. Leah Zils is a highly skilled dentist with years of experience providing top-tier care to her patients. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Texas A&M University with a degree in biology and earned her dental degree from the University of Texas School of Dentistry in Houston. Committed to lifelong learning, Dr. Zils has completed over 140 hours of continuing education at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. Certified in laser dentistry and oral sedation and a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the American Academy of Orofacial Pain, she ensures her patients receive the most advanced, compassionate care.