Missing teeth are a fact of life in Canada. The Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) reports that 96% of adults have a history of cavities, and 2 out of 10 adults with teeth have or have had moderate to severe gum disease, which is a leading indicator of tooth loss. Gaps in a person’s smile caused by missing teeth may lead to self-consciousness, but tooth loss may be due to factors beyond your control. Sporting injuries or auto accidents that knock out teeth are somewhat common. Bite injuries where tooth fractures unrecognized by the person also occur with regularity. But those who live in South Calgary, AB, can turn to their dentists at Legacy Dental Care for a solution: a dental implant.
The Consequences of Missing Teeth
Once you lose a tooth, we recommend you take action. While the most noticeable effects are in appearance, you may also suffer functional impacts as a missing tooth may make speaking or chewing as you’re accustomed to more difficult.
But the long-term effects can be serious. Over time, your remaining natural teeth may shift and become misaligned. Surrounding teeth may become loose and could also be lost. Working teeth are important for the health of your jaw – persistent tooth gaps may eventually lead to bone deterioration, facial changes and added difficulty for dental restorations.
A Long-term Solution: Dental Implants
Dental implants replace an entire missing tooth. It consists of an artificial root, or dental implant post, made of titanium. This is surgically inserted into your jawbone and will anchor the other implant parts in your mouth. On top of the post, your dentist will install the implant abutment, which acts as the connector between the titanium screw and the replacement crown. This crown is the visible portion of the restoration that sits above the gumline. This crown is intended to match the surrounding teeth to fit seamlessly into your smile.
Caring for Your Implants
To maintain your new dental implant restoration, treat them as you would your natural teeth. This means brushing and flossing daily and continuing with regular dental check-ups to watch for any problems that might emerge. If you take good care of your dental implants, they may last for years, especially because your dentist can replace the crown portion of the implant if it becomes loose or damaged.
If you struggle with your missing teeth, we are committed to presenting your options so that you may choose that which is right for you. If you’d like to arrange a consultation with Dr. Sandon Wiedemann, Dr. Laiton Wiedemann, or Dr. Jayde Wiedemann, you may contact our office, serving Calgary and the surrounding communities of Silverado, Chaparral and Walden.