When you’re missing teeth, your bite isn’t as strong as it should be. Malocclusion can lead to a host of other problems in your mouth, including damage and decay. Dental implants in Chapel Hill, NC, can help restore your bite and smile after losing a tooth. While not available in every case of a missing tooth, they are recommended whenever possible for many reasons. After examining your mouth, your dentist can determine if a dental implant is right for you.

The Benefits of Dental Implants in Chapel Hill, NC

There are plenty of treatments available that can help restore a missing tooth, and even more for restoring multiple missing teeth. However, dental implants, when possible, provide the most benefits of them all. Their added stability and long-lasting life make them a popular treatment option for many dentists and patients. While they can be a bit costly and lengthy in terms of treatment time, they are still extremely beneficial in the long run.

Bone Retention

When you lose a tooth, you also lose the root structure that forms part of your jaw. Depending on the incident behind losing a tooth and how long a tooth has been missing, your jaw bone could start to lose bone density as well. This can cause facial sagging, teeth shifting, and other jaw problems. Some restoration treatments for a missing tooth fail to address the bone retention issue. Dental implants, however, integrate into your jawbone and mimic the root structure of your tooth. This helps your jaw retain its shape and strengthens your bite.

Long-Lasting Durability

Dental implants are designed to stay strong and last for years. They’re some of the longest-lasting dental treatments available, with many lasting most patients the rest of their lives. As long as patients continue to brush, floss, and get regular check-ups, implants can last a lifetime.

Versatile Restoration Methods

Dental implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth or multiple teeth. If a patient is missing an entire arch of teeth, for example, a dentist can restore their bite with implants. Multiple implants are placed at strategic intervals to maximize bone retention. Restorations such as a bridge or denture are then secured into place using the implants. This provides a durable, full-mouth restoration using implants as the base.

Where to Get Dental Implants

If you’re missing a tooth, the sooner you take action, the better. Waiting too long can lead to loss of bone retention, tooth shifting, and other dental problems. At Tarheel Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we coordinate with a local oral surgeon to help our patients receive quick and effective dental implant treatments. Call us today at (919) 551-8847 to schedule a consultation and learn more about the dental implant process.