Most dentists will agree that missing teeth certainly do more harm than good. Whether you are missing one or many teeth, you can give your smile a second chance and eliminate the side effects of missing teeth with dental implants. Learn more about dental implants with help from your Vero Beach, FL dentist.

What are the side effects of missing teeth? 
The bone underneath a missing tooth lacks the stimulation it requires to remain healthy. Due to this lack of stimulation, the bone begins to degrade and break down, a process known as atrophy. Eventually, this causes the skin on the face to sag, creating a prematurely aged appearance. A gap in your mouth allows the surrounding teeth to shift, causing your mouth’s bite to become misaligned. This could affect important daily activities like eating or speaking. Additionally, many people are embarrassed by their missing teeth, lowering self-confidence and making daily situations more difficult.

How do dental implants work? 
Dental implants use three main parts to replace your tooth. The implant’s fixture is a tiny titanium cylinder which your dentist implants into the jawbone beneath the missing tooth. The prosthetic tooth sits on top of the fixture to replace the tooth itself. The implant’s abutment connects the fixture to the prosthetic tooth. After surgery, the fixture fuses with the bone to become a permanent part of your mouth. After successful integration, your Vero Beach dentist installs the abutment and prosthetic tooth to complete the implant.

The Benefits of Dental Implants
Implants allow you the freedom to eat, speak, and chew exactly as you would using a natural tooth. Since the implant is independent of the surrounding natural teeth, they remain intact and are not weakened or compromised by the implant as they would be with a dental bridge. Dental implants will last a lifetime with the proper care. This is as simple as caring for your natural teeth: brush twice daily and floss at least once. Be sure to visit your dentist for regular examinations and cleanings at least twice a year to ensure your implants and natural teeth alike receive the proper maintenance required for a healthy mouth.

For more information on dental implants, please contact Dr. Raymond A. Della Porta, II in Vero Beach, FL. Call (772) 567-1025 to schedule your consultation for implants today!