Missing teeth can do more than leave a gap in your smile — they can also disrupt your oral health, function and confidence. When teeth are missing, it becomes more difficult to speak clearly, chew effectively and maintain proper alignment of your remaining teeth. Over time, the jawbone in the area of the missing tooth can begin to deteriorate, leading to facial sagging and further oral health complications. Replacing missing teeth in Fresno, California, promptly is important not just for your appearance, but for your overall dental wellbeing.
Why Dental Implants Are the Preferred Choice
Among the many tooth replacement options available, dental implants are widely considered the most effective and reliable. A dental implant is a permanent solution that replicates the structure of a natural tooth. The implant itself is a titanium post that is surgically placed into your jawbone. This post functions as an artificial tooth root, providing a stable foundation for a crown, bridge or denture.
Because implants integrate directly with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration, they help preserve bone density and prevent the jaw from shrinking over time. This feature makes implants distinct from other options, which do not stimulate the bone and may allow further deterioration. Implants also offer unmatched stability. Unlike dentures, they do not slip or shift while eating or speaking. They also do not require support from neighboring teeth, unlike dental bridges, which rely on adjacent teeth for anchoring and may compromise their structure.
Other Tooth Replacement Options
While dental implants are often the ideal solution, other treatments may be appropriate in certain cases. Dental bridges are a nonremovable option for patients missing one or more teeth in a row. They involve placing crowns on the teeth adjacent to the gap and suspending artificial teeth between them. Though effective, bridges do not prevent bone loss in the way implants do.
Dentures, either complete or partial, are designed to replace many or all of the teeth in a dental arch. These removable appliances can restore function and aesthetics, but they can become loose over time and may require adjustment or replacement.
Finding the Right Solution for You
If you are missing teeth, our experienced dentist will carefully evaluate your oral health, review your medical history and help you choose the treatment that best fits your goals and lifestyle. Dental implants often provide the most durable and natural-feeling result, but we are here to guide you through every available option.
To learn more about replacing your missing teeth in Fresno, California, and to find out if dental implants are right for you, reach out to Pacific Dental Group at 559-324-9494 and schedule a consultation with Dr. G.S. Bhullar today!