Replacing a missing tooth is not necessarily a cosmetic concern. When a tooth is removed or lost, an open space is left in place of that tooth. Your teeth will naturally begin to shift to fill that space. As your teeth attempt to fill the gap, they become crooked and eventually, when teeth lean they put heavier stress on the part of bone which they lean into, expediting bone loss to that area. Bone loss will also be more likely to happen in the open space left by the absence of the tooth.

The most effective option is a dental implant. A small post, usually made of titanium is placed into the jawbone. A fusion then takes places as the bone of the jaw accepts the titanium “root”. At the top of the post, your dentist will seat a crown. Prior to the crown being seated, the color, shape and size of the tooth will be determined by the patient and their dental health team. Dental implants can be placed in either, the top or bottom, front or back of the mouth. They are meant to resemble the natural tooth in both appearance and functionality. Not only is implant dental surgery in Cleveland accessible and affordable; the other options can actually be harmful.

Fixed Bridge

A fixed bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth. Attaching a fixed bridge requires the filing down and capping of the adjacent teeth. It improves appearance and helps eliminate future dental issues. If you are missing teeth you may want to consider a bridge. Fixed bridges can correct an altered bite, and maintain appearance by preventing the collapse of your facial features that can cause premature wrinkles and age lines.

Partial Removable Dentures

While the fitting of partial dentures does not directly harm adjacent teeth, the clasps with which they attach can exert tremendous pressure on them when chewing. In addition, the clasps are often visible and can cause problems with gum irritation and plaque buildup. As the jawbone beneath it disintegrates, the partial denture, which may have fit perfectly when first put into place, becomes loose and wobbly, making eating difficult.

Full Dentures

A complete set of removable dentures poses similar problems. With all teeth missing, disintegration of both upper and lower jaw will occur, causing real facial disfigurement. As this condition worsens, the dentures will require continual adjustment, and chewing becomes increasingly difficult. Some give it up altogether, relying solely on liquids and soft foods like oatmeal.

Dental Implants

For many patients, dental implants are the answer. Placing no stress on adjoining teeth, they reside directly and permanently in the jawbone, preventing its disintegration. Best of all, they behave exactly like natural teeth; so eating again becomes a pleasure.

Dental implants are able to provide people with the strength and stability they need to be able to eat with comfort and ease. By preventing bone loss, facial features, such as cheek structure and lip shape, are maintained. By eliminating unsightly gaps in your smile, dental implants restore lost self-esteem. Your smile is one of the first things that people notice. It is also one of the most remembered features of your physical appearance.

Dental implantation is a delicate, yet relatively non-invasive procedure. We are very fortunate to have one of the area’s top rated Dental Implantologists working on our patients. Dr. Hussein Elrawy possesses such vast knowledge and skill on the procedure of dental implants, that he travels, worldwide, as a guest speaker and educator. He has given numerous lectures to dental students, both in the United States and abroad. Learning from the best, Dr. Walid Thabet is also a trained implantologist as he studied under Dr. Elrawy. Both doctors converge on each patient’s case to provide the best care possible. Our patients’ can be sure that they are being treated by experts in their fields.

With dental implants, you’ll no longer wish you had your own teeth back. You’ll think you already have them.