Missing teeth can cause all sorts of issues. Not only can they affect your speech and ability to eat, the teeth surrounding the missing tooth will start to shift to fill in the gap. In fact, many people with TMJ pain developed the problem after the loss of one or more teeth. It is important to have your dentist fill in this gap before your teeth and jaws settle into an unattractive, uncomfortable and even painful position.

Teeth can be lost for a number of reasons. Between accidents, tooth decay, and improper growth patterns, there is a significant need for different options to replace adult teeth.

Your dentist can offer you several options to fill in the gap left by a missing tooth. Dental bridges, tooth crowns, and dental implants are all viable options. Dental implants are a favorite because not only do they fill in the tooth above the gums, they also fill in the space beneath the gums, like a real root. It is like placing an entirely new artificial tooth.

By choosing dental implants, you also spare the surrounding teeth. With dental crowns or bridges, the surrounding teeth have to be ground down before they can be placed. Dental implant placement does not interfere with the surrounding teeth.

Dental Implant Process

The first step is to make sure you are a good candidate for dental implants. Your dentist will examine your mouth, teeth and take x-rays to determine if you are eligible for dental implants. If, after a thorough evaluation, you are considered a good candidate, your dentist will begin to prepare you for the procedure.

The first surgery will entail placing the implant into your jaw bone. The success of your dental implant procedure is heavily dependent on how tightly your bone grows around the implant. It is important to keep your gums and jaw especially clean while your bone heals around the implant.

The second surgery is usually three to six months after the first. During this surgery, the abutments that join the implants to the crown will be attached.

Once your gums have healed around the abutments, about two to four weeks, the prosthesis is put in place. You will need to avoid crunchy or hard foods for a few weeks until your mouth is completely healed.

To learn more about whether dental implants are the right choice to replace your missing tooth, please visit the website of Dr. Sue Wendling, specializing in providing dental implants to patients throughout Oregon.

To learn more about whether dental implants are the right choice to replace your missing tooth, please visit the website of Dr. Sue Wendling, specializing in providing dental implants to patients throughout Oregon.

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