When your front teeth are missing, you’ll naturally want to have the gap in your smile filled in as quickly as possible. But what’s the best way to do so? The answer to this question can vary from patient to patient, but in many cases, dental implants can be an excellent choice. Below is a closer look at how dental implants work and why they are often seen as the best option for replacing the front teeth.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
If you choose to get dental implants, screwlike implant posts will be surgically inserted into carefully chosen spots in your jaw. Through a process known as osseointegration, these posts will fuse with the bone around them. As a result, they will be able to act as artificial tooth roots that can provide enhanced stability and chewing power for replacement teeth.
Why Replace the Front Teeth with Dental Implants?
You can potentially replace your front teeth with a traditional dental bridge or partial denture, but getting dental implants instead comes with the following advantages:
- No Enamel Removal: Placing a traditional bridge means removing a small amount of enamel from some of the teeth you still have. With dental implants, this step is unnecessary.
- Prevention of Bone Loss: Dental implants are the only kind of tooth replacement that can stimulate the jawbone the way your natural teeth normally do, meaning they can actively help prevent bone loss.
- Improved Biting Force: A fully restored dental implant can provide biting power almost on par with that of natural teeth. This is an important point because the front teeth are essential for biting and cutting into food.
- Enhanced Confidence: Because they look and feel natural, dental implants can help you feel significantly more confident about your smile.
Are Dental Implants the Right Choice for Replacing Your Front Teeth?
Dental implants are often treated as the modern gold standard for tooth replacement, but they aren’t necessarily the right fit for every patient. Your dentist will need to make sure that you’re a good candidate for the procedure before starting the process of rebuilding your smile.
In order to get dental implants, you need a certain level of bone density in your jaw. On top of that, your mouth needs to be in good health overall. Note that even if you aren’t currently a viable candidate for dental implants, you may be able to become one after certain preparatory procedures.
By replacing your front teeth with sturdy implant posts and a lifelike prosthesis, you can once again enjoy the benefits of a complete smile. If you’re interested in getting dental implants, you can take the first step by calling your dentist and scheduling your initial consultation.
About the Author
Dr. James Woodruff has more than 30 years of dental experience, and he has been consistently named one of “America’s Best Dentists” by the National Consumer Advisory Board. In addition to undergoing advanced training in dental implant surgery and other procedures, he has completed over 30,000 dental surgeries. His practice, Northbrook Dental Group, offers start-to-finish dental implant treatments. To schedule your initial dental implant consultation with Dr. Woodruff, visit his website or call (847) 272-0049.