About Dental Implants

Article provided by Middle TN Oral and Implant Surgery, specialists in dental implants and wisdom teeth removal.

An unhealthy or missing tooth is always a big deal. Unlike the common cold that will eventually go away, a missing tooth may lead to major issues!

The effects of tooth loss:

1. Aesthetic – Having a missing tooth can have negative consequences on self-esteem and social behavior. The way you look affects the way you feel.
2. Gum tissue –  Missing teeth cause unhealthy gums making it more difficult to chew and speak.
3. Bone loss –  When a tooth is missing, the bone that was previously supported by that tooth begins to resorb (melt away). This process causes facial restructuring that can lead to hollowing cheeks or sagging lips. (more from deardoctor.com )
4. Increased risk – Lack of health in one area of your mouth will spread to other areas.

Options for addressing a missing tooth:

1. Fixed Bridge – A fixed bridge is installed by shaving down teeth on either side of the replacement tooth and suspending the prosthetic tooth from these anchor teeth. The new tooth is “hanging from a bridge.”
2. Partial Denture – Partial dentures offer a removable alternative to bridges. A partial denture rests on a metal framework that attaches to your natural teeth.
3. Dental Implant – A dental implant replaces the natural tooth root with a titanium insert. Dental implants retain the bone structure of an actual tooth and are the healthiest and most stable long term option for replacing a tooth. 

Benefits of Dental Implants

1. Aesthetic – Look, feel and perform similarly to your natural teeth. They allow you to restore self-confidence and appearance
2. Bone preservation – Help preserve surrounding bone by replacing the tooth root. Also, prevents bone loss and jaw line recession.
3. Healthy mouth – Adjacent teeth are not compromised in order to support a bridge.
4. Better bite – Dental implants have a more secure biting ability than a removable denture.
5. Easy care – Require similar oral care as a natural tooth (Zimmer )

Why do dentists refer to an oral surgery practice?

1. Specialists – Oral surgeons are specialists in surgery. It’s what they do every day. Oral surgeons are required to take at a minimum 4 years of additional schooling and board certification to gain expertise in their field.
2. Trained staff – The staff at an oral surgery practice is trained and qualified to perform procedures related to surgery on the mouth. They know how to address emergency situations and items related to sedation dentistry.
3. Office Environment – An oral surgery office is specifically designed for surgical procedures. From wisdom teeth removal and dental implants to all manner of facial reconstruction surgery.
4. Technology – Oral surgery practices stay current on the latest advancements in technology and equipment ensuring patients are treated with the best care.

Why choose middle TN Oral and Implant Surgery for your dental implant?

Middle TN Oral and Implant Surgery has been serving patients in middle TN for more than 50 years! Dr. Mark Hardison is a 2nd generation Oral Surgeon with offices in both Murfreesboro and Smyrna. Watch this video to learn about our practice:

Do you need a dental implant? Ask your dentist to refer you to Middle TN Oral and Implant Surgery.