Do You Have Missing Teeth? Dentist in Bermuda Performs Dental Implants to Prevent Long Term Dental Problems.

Are you one of many in Bermuda who are missing at least one tooth? If you are missing a tooth, you may not view it as a, particularly dire issue. The reality is that, over time, even a single missing tooth can cause you serious dental problems. Drs. Ian Campbell, Christopher Allington, and Lara Loescher have been helping patients for years with replacing missing teeth. They, together with the team at Positive Image Dental, recommend dental implants for missing teeth. Dental implants can replicate your missing teeth both above and below the gum line, making them the best tooth-replacement option on the market.

What Is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant consists of three main elements.

• The implant, which is surgically inserted into your jawbone.
• The abutment, which is attached to the implant and sticks out above the gum line.
• The prosthetic, usually a crown, fastens to the abutment and is what everybody will see.

These three components together make up the dental implant. Most dental implants are made of titanium, and this specific metal has had great success. Most people’s bodies are biocompatible with titanium, thus reducing the chance of rejection by the body once the implant is inserted.

Getting a Dental Implant

When you have been determined to be a suitable candidate for a dental implant, you will set a date with your dentist. Receiving a dental implant is surgical, so there will be discussions about anesthesia and post-operative care. Your dentist will surgically insert the implant into your jawbone. The implant replicates and mimics the roots of a tooth. When the implant has been inserted, the jawbone will take time to fuse to it. This process, called osseointegration, will take weeks to complete. Once the implant is fully integrated into your mouth, you will get an artificial tooth replacement. In many cases, this will be a dental crown.

What Happens If I Do Not Replace a Missing Tooth?

Neglecting to replace a missing tooth can create dental health complications. Your teeth act as a unit. When you chew or bite, you can do so without issue due to proper alignment. When you are missing teeth, this harmony is gone, and you may find yourself avoiding eating certain foods because of difficulties in chewing. Proper chewing is critical to good digestion. Without proper digestion, you may not be getting the total nutrient load of your food. Making sure you have a complete set of teeth will ensure that you do not face these problems.

Another issue, and one that is very serious, is that your jawbone relies on the roots of all your teeth. Each tooth’s root is firmly embedded in your jawbone. That creates stimulation and blood flow in the area. When a tooth is lost, this stimulation and blood flow are lost. Due to losing good blood flow, your jaw can start to break down and deteriorate. Losing jawbone matter can cause both health and aesthetic problems.

One other dental health issue to consider as a result of missing teeth is shifting. When a gap is created in your smile, the adjacent teeth will slowly start drifting into this gap, creating further gaps and more tooth drift. That can present many issues with your tooth alignment, ability to chew, etc.

If you are missing any number of teeth, you should take the matter of having them replaced seriously. Drs Campbell, Allington, and Loescher and the team at Positive Image Dental would love to have you stop by for a visit so you can discuss options. To schedule an appointment, please call (441) 292-2312.