Missing teeth can be uncomfortable and make you feel less confident, but they also carry some health risks. That’s why Dr. Robert Cain often recommends dental implants to patients with missing teeth, which can restore your natural smile and support your oral health. Our team at East Tennessee Periodontics in Knoxville, TN is a full-service restorative dentist office helping with all of your oral health needs. Learn more about multiple dental implants and if they are right for you.
How Does Multiple Dental Implant Treatment Work?
While there are many different types of tooth replacement, one option in particular is the most long-lasting and natural-looking. Dental implants are tiny metal rods inserted into the jawbone which have artificial teeth, called a crown, attached to them. One implant and tooth can take the place of a single missing tooth, or multiple implants can be strategically placed to support multiple teeth, or even a full dental restoration.
With the dental implant procedure, the metal rod is implanted into the jawbone. In some cases, a temporary crown is attached, which takes the place of your missing tooth and restores the feel and functionality of your natural tooth. In other cases, the implant is left alone in the jaw and once it has fully healed, the permanent tooth is attached at a later date.
Do I Need to Replace Missing Teeth?
Missing teeth is more than a cosmetic concern. In addition to a less-than-perfect smile, missing teeth can affect jawbone health, teeth stability, and increase your risk of gum disease. It’s important to consider options to replace them to protect the long-term health of your smile.
The biggest risk of missing teeth is jaw bone loss, which can lead to additional oral health problems. When teeth are missing, the underlying jaw bone is no longer stimulated and begins to recede. When this happens, the teeth that are left behind become less stable in the mouth and may become loose, crooked, or cause problems with jaw alignment.
Loose or crooked teeth, or a misaligned jaw, can increase your risk for gum disease. Crooked teeth are more difficult to clean, and loose teeth may allow bacteria to settle in. These teeth can also become overcrowded as the jawbone continues to deteriorate, posing a risk of tooth fracture or tooth decay.
Knoxville, TN Multiple Dental Implants
For an individualized, state-of-the-art restorative dentistry experience, call East Tennessee Periodontics in Knoxville. Dr. Pamela Cain and Dr. Robert Cain combine their experience and advanced education in periodontics and restorative dentistry to provide the best care possible for their patients. Schedule an appointment online or call our office at 865.276.7173.
