Replace Missing Teeth

You already know that your teeth affect your bite, speech, and eating abilities. But did you know that the health of your teeth affects your entire body? When your teeth are healthy, your entire body is healthier. Replacing missing teeth sooner than later is important. In fact, delaying tooth replacement can increase wear on remaining teeth, jaw pain, headaches, and other negative side effects.

Jaw deterioration can be a serious concern. As much as 25 percent of jawbone structure can deteriorate within just the first year following tooth loss. The good news is, dental implants can preserve jawbone integrity while also improving bite function and appearance. Quality tooth implants can look and feel like natural teeth. Learn more about your options for tooth replacement in Cool Springs at Coyne Oral Surgery.

Your Tooth Replacement Options

There are a wide range of tooth replacement options, from temporary to permanent solutions. You may be a good candidate if:

• You are missing one or more teeth
• You are not happy with your dentures

Age is not an important consideration in tooth replacement. Dr. Coyne and her team will, however, take into account adverse factors such as smoking, diabetes, and localized radiation therapy in the jaw area.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are the superior tooth replacement option, based on the same anatomical structure as a natural tooth, which consists of a root and crown. Made of titanium, the dental implant has a crown (the part of the tooth you can see, which is used for chewing food), and a root that secures the tooth under the gum to the jawbone.

Once placed, the jawbone bonds with the titanium implant over time to create a strong foundation. An abutment is placed on top of the implant and a new artificial tooth (the crown) is placed on top of the abutment.

Surgical Advances in Dental Implants

Most cases can be done on the same day as the extraction. The implant procedure is a joint effort undertaken by both an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. Dr. Coyne at Coyne Oral Surgery performs the implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary. Then, a restorative dentist (oftentimes the patient’s primary dentist) creates the permanent crown, as well as any other prosthesis that may be necessary in the implant process.