When you’re missing teeth, whatever the reason, it’s not exactly a laughing matter. Those gaps in your smile not only test your self-confidence, but can make it hard to eat and speak. Thankfully, you don’t have to live with missing teeth. At Stephen J. Spencer, DDS, we offer dental implants near Great Falls, Montana. 

With tooth replacement, you can regain your smile and feel better again. Read on to learn more.

What are dental implants?

You’re probably familiar with some of the common teeth replacement options, such as dentures or dental bridges. And both of these solutions can be highly effective if you need to replace missing teeth. 

However, dentures typically last just five to ten years. And dental bridges are highly effective, but not always the best option when you need to replace multiple teeth. That’s why dental implants are often the best solution, especially for patients who want their replacement teeth to look natural, function just like their previous teeth, and blend in naturally with their other teeth.

So, what are dental implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium that are surgically placed into your jawbone. They provide a stable base for attaching a replacement tooth or bridge. The implant fuses with the bone over time, creating a strong foundation for the new tooth. This makes dental implants a great choice for replacing one or more missing teeth, giving you a secure and natural-looking smile.

Causes of Missing Teeth

As we get older, the risk of tooth loss becomes greater. In fact, an estimated 178 million Americans have lost at least one permanent tooth. And, nearly 40 million Americans don’t have any natural teeth remaining. But what are the top causes of tooth loss in adults?

• Periodontal disease: This heightened form of gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is a major cause of tooth loss. It starts with gum inflammation and can progress to damage the bone and tissues that support your teeth.
• Tooth decay: Untreated cavities can lead to severe tooth damage and, eventually, tooth loss. Decay eats away at the tooth, making it weak and brittle.
• Injury: Accidents and injuries can knock out or damage teeth. Sports injuries, falls, and car accidents are common causes of tooth loss due to injury.
• Wear and tear: Over time, daily wear and tear from chewing and grinding can cause teeth to weaken and break down. This can lead to tooth loss, especially if proper dental care is not maintained.

Impact of Missing Teeth

Remember how we said earlier that missing teeth can impact your ability to eat and speak? It’s true! Missing teeth can have a significant impact on your overall dental health and facial structure. Gaps from missing teeth can cause other teeth to shift out of place, leading to bite problems, difficulty chewing, and even difficulty in pronouncing words. 

But that’s not all. Additionally, tooth loss can affect your facial appearance, leading to a sunken look and making you appear older. It’s important to address missing teeth to maintain your dental health and facial structure.

Seven Reasons to Consider Tooth Implants

If you have missing teeth, it doesn’t need to continue this way. Dental implants have a 90% to 95% success rate, making them the longest-lasting and most reliable tooth replacement option. 

Here are some of the reasons we recommend patients consider implants if they have no teeth or a few missing teeth.

1. Renewed appearance: Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth, giving you a natural smile. They are designed to fuse with bone, which makes them permanent and helps maintain your facial structure.
2. Better speech: Unlike dentures, which can slip and cause mumbling or slurred speech, dental implants allow you to speak clearly. You won’t have to worry about your dentures falling out or slipping uncomfortably. You’ll be able to pronounce words often challenging, if not impossible, to do when you are missing teeth, especially those in the front of your mouth. 
3. More comfortable: Implants become a part of you and are much more comfy than removable dentures. They provide a stable and comfortable fit, making them a great choice in restorative dentistry.
4. Easier eating: Dental implants function like natural teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods easily and without pain. Better yet, you can eat the foods you want with minimal limitations.
5. Convenience: Unlike dentures, which need to be removed and cleaned daily, dental implants require no special care. Like your natural teeth, you can maintain them with regular brushing and flossing.
6. Preserve bone structure: Implants help prevent bone loss when teeth are missing. They provide the necessary stimulation to the jawbone, maintaining its shape and density.
7. Long-lasting: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, offering a super strong and reliable option for tooth replacement.

Stephen J. Spencer, DDS is your choice for dental implants and tooth replacement.

If you are looking for dental implants near Great Falls, Montana, you have come to the right place. We will assess your smile and tooth loss to determine if you are a candidate for implants. And if not, we’ll offer alternative tooth replacement options. We make it a priority to help you achieve the smile you have been dreaming of.

Contact us today for a consultation and feel better about your smile once again.