Even with more dental restoration options than ever before, over 170 million American adults are missing at least one tooth, according to the American College of Prosthodontists. Over 35 million people are missing all of their natural teeth. Suffering from partial or full tooth loss can have a profound effect on everything from your confidence and oral health to overall quality of life. Whether you have lost teeth due to a sports injury or accident, or as a side effect of gum disease, there are a number of options available to fix your smile. Dr. Thomas Blankenau, your dentist in Lincoln, NE, recommends dental implants for healthy adults looking for a permanent restoration option that closely resembles the function and design of a natural tooth.

Get Back Your Smile with Dental Implants in Lincoln, NE

Traditional restorations like dentures and crowns replace the visible portion of a missing tooth, which helps with basic functions like chewing and speaking clearly. They also address the cosmetic aspect of tooth loss. But there is more to our teeth than what we see when we smile. When a tooth falls out or is extracted, the missing root creates something of a vacuum in the gums that causes the healthy bone tissue around it to erode. Over time, this can lead to a number of problems like gum shrinkage, which can make dentures harder to fit, and gives the jaw that hollow, sunken appearance that is characteristic of tooth loss. Healthy bone tissue also helps to prevent periodontal disease and further tooth loss.

Dental implants are small, titanium screws that replace the root and stimulate the growth of healthy new bone tissue. Once the implant has fused with the surrounding bone tissue, a cosmetic crown is attached to finish the restoration.

Implants can be used to replace a single tooth, without the need for a bridge. They can also support a set of dentures for a more secure and comfortable fit. If you are in good general health and have enough bone density in the gums to support an implant, dental implants may be a good option for you.

Find a Dentist in Lincoln, NE

Tooth loss does not have to ruin your smile and oral health. For more information about how dental implants work, and to find out if they are the right tooth replacement option for you, contact Caring Family Dentistry Inc by calling (402) 423-9344 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Blankenau today.