Nov
Many people will experience tooth loss at some point in their lifetimes. Tooth loss can occur for various reasons, such as decay, accidents, or injuries. Replacing a missing tooth is important because your overall oral health can suffer when there’s a gap in your smile. One of the best modern tooth replacement options is dental implants.
Dental implants are a prosthetic tooth replacement that involves three components: a titanium screw or post, an abutment, and a porcelain crown. Your dentist places the titanium post directly in your jawbone. Over a few months, this screw will go through a process called osseointegration, which means it fuses with the bone to become a part of your jaw’s structure. Once the screw has healed and fused, an abutment is placed atop the screw. Then, a porcelain crown is placed to complete your new tooth.Â
If you’re missing a tooth, a dental implant can replace it. However, a tooth may sometimes need to be extracted and replaced with an implant. This can include a tooth that is:
If you’re missing just one tooth, it can be replaced with a dental implant. One implant replaces one tooth. It may not seem like a big deal if you have just one missing tooth. However, bone loss can occur where the tooth is gone. Also, there is an increased risk of tooth decay near this area. Gum disease is also more likely when missing one or more teeth.
In some cases, patients may be missing more than one tooth. This scenario is a good example of when dental implants can replace multiple missing teeth. Two dental implants replace a row of missing teeth, with one implant at either end of the gap. The implant teeth serve as anchors for a bridge that fills the gap where the teeth are missing. If you’re missing all of the teeth in one or both of your dental arches, your dentist can replace your teeth with implant-supported dentures.
Most people will have their dental implants for a lifetime. Implants are made from materials that don’t decay, so you will never have a cavity in an implant tooth.
For affordable dental implants in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, your best choice is Dr. Douglas Hoppe. Call the office of Douglas Hoppe DDS in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, today at (517) 667-7066 to schedule your consultation. You can also request an appointment using our online form.
Douglas Hoppe, DDS
Dr. Douglas Hoppe is a highly skilled dentist with over 18 years of experience providing personalized dental care. A valedictorian from Swan Valley High School, he earned his Bachelor’s in Chemistry from Michigan State University before completing his dental training at the University of Michigan. Dr. Hoppe is a member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, and Michigan Dental Association. Committed to ongoing education, he trained at the Pankey Institute and is actively involved in local dental study clubs and the Eaton Rapids Rotary Club. Dr. Hoppe is known for his compassionate approach, ensuring optimal oral health for his patients.
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