3 Reasons to Replace That Lost Permanent Tooth With An Implant

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A lost permanent tooth can have a big impact on your mouth. One missing tooth can affect everything from your appearance to how you eat meals.

As your dentist in Alabaster, AL, we strongly recommend that patients who have lost a permanent tooth consider implants or another form of tooth replacement. In case you’re unsure whether implants are right for you, we’ve listed three great reasons to consider replacing a lost permanent tooth with a dental implant.

1. Gaps Between Teeth Can Lead to Tooth Misalignment

One thing that keeps most teeth in place is other nearby teeth. When one tooth goes missing, adjacent teeth may shift slightly to fill in the gap. This can lead to problems like tooth and jaw misalignment. Filling in the gap between your teeth with an implant can prevent this from happening.

2. A Missing Tooth Makes Meals Difficult

We need all of our teeth to chew our food properly. A missing permanent tooth can make chewing more difficult and even leave you feeling like you can’t eat some of your favorite foods. Luckily, implants can chew food just like natural teeth, so when you get your implants, you should be able to enjoy all your favorite foods again.

3. You’ll Feel Better When You Smile

A gap between teeth can make some people embarrassed or afraid to smile. You don’t have to feel that way! Installing dental implants in Alabaster, AL, can make your smile whole again. No one will be able to tell that you have implants because they’ll look just like your natural teeth.

Interested in dental implants? Call the professionals at Albritton and Ardovino Family Dentistry to make an appointment.

Will You Need a Bone Graft for Dental Implants?

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Implant overdentures in Alabaster AL are a permanent tooth replacement option and a popular alternative to traditional removable dentures. With this procedure, you have several implant posts installed in your jawbone that support your new dentures. Implant supported dentures look and function as natural teeth, and you never have to worry about removing them to clean separately or having them fall out of your mouth.

Implant Surgery Sometimes Requires a Bone Graft

The area of your jawbone where Dr. Albritton or Dr. Ardovino installs your dental implants must be strong enough to support them. Some patients lack strong enough bone to support implants, but that does not mean they cannot go through with the procedure. They may just need a simple bone graft before receiving the implants.

When you come to Albritton and Ardovino Family Dentistry for your initial consultation, your dentist will let you know if you are a good candidate for implant overdentures. You will also find out if you need a bone graft at that time.

What is a Bone Graft?

A bone graft is a minor oral health procedure where Dr. Albritton or Dr. Ardovino remove small fragments of bone from another area of your jaw and transfer it to the area receiving a dental implant. We also receive donor bone from cadavers that we can use if you do not have enough to spare in any area of your jaw. Using bone created artificially with calcium carbonate and hydroxyapatite is another option.

Schedule a Consultation to Learn More About Implant Overdentures

If you are missing at least one natural tooth, implant supported dentures in Alabaster AL may be the ideal treatment option for you. You can also receive them if you no longer have any remaining natural teeth or anything in between. We invite you to visit us to determine if you would like to move forward with this procedure.

Do Dental Implants Feel Like Real Teeth?

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Dental implants are an excellent option for anyone with a gap (or two) in their smile. Not only are they secured to your jaw via a metal post, but they look like your real teeth too. Of course, what they look like and what they feel like can be two entirely different things. If you’re researching dental implants in Alabaster, AL, we’ll look at whether you can tell the difference.

The Healing Process

The healing process is the major caveat if you’re interested in dental implants, because they might not feel natural immediately. The good news is that it doesn’t take very long before everything starts to fall into place. Because the metal post is right next to the jawbone, it will eventually fuse there. That means you won’t be able to tell the difference between the post and the bone itself. The crown is bonded in place so that it won’t move around when you chew or speak.

It’s worth noting that the healing process will depend on the individual, so it’s difficult to give an exact timeframe for when everything will get back to normal. As your mouth is getting used to the post, which can take a while, you will need to be careful about how you chew. You can talk to your dentist about when you can start to treat your implants as normal teeth, as you will need the soft tissue to mend before you can really eat like you normally would.

Implants in Alabaster

Implants are a smarter choice than dentures or bridges because they’re as close to your real teeth as you’re liable to get. This makes it easier for you to floss, chew, speak, brush, and maintain your oral health. However, there are a few things that you should know about the details of the procedure before you decide whether it’s right for you.

If you’re looking for a dentist in Alabaster, AL, it’s important to find a professional who knows the ins and outs of implants. At Albritton and Ardovino Family Dentistry, our staff can evaluate your eligibility and tell you more about what your experience is likely to be.