How Dental Implants Can Correct Your Bite And Help Your Health

Did you know that approximately 200 million Americans are missing at least one tooth? It is true, according to the American College of Prosthodontists. And you may be thinking, what is the big deal, it is just one tooth. Well, when you bite or chew, your jawbone is stimulated by the roots of the teeth. This stimulation helps with nutrient flow throughout the body. When a tooth is missing, then there is less stimulation. However, your Houston, TX, dentist can help restore it and make sure your bite is functioning correctly with dental implants. 

A Little Explanation About What They Are

In simplest terms, they are like small screws, which are placed into the jawbone where your tooth’s roots once were. Once they are in there, the bone fuses to them. They are used for such treatments as crowns, dentures, and bridges. Implants are biocompatible and usually made from titanium. There are two types of them: endosteal and subperiosteal. Endosteal is the most common. However, for patients who do not have enough natural jawbone, subperiosteal will be used, and they are placed on or above the jawbone and under the gum tissue.

How Does One Go About Getting Them?

A dental implant procedure begins with a meeting with us. At the appointment, we will inspect your teeth and gum tissue and determine what kind of implant you may need. There will be two surgeries during the treatment, and both will take place months apart from each other. A small incision will be made in your gum during the first procedure. This incision lets us put in the implant. Over several months, the implant and your bone will fuse together. After that happens, we will attach an abutment to it during the next procedure. Then we will fit it with a prosthetic, like a bridge, crown, or denture.

Are There Benefits In Having Them?

The biggest benefit is correcting your bite. As we mentioned earlier, the roots of your teeth play an important part in your overall health by stimulating your jawbone when you bite or chew. This helps deliver nutrients to your body, and without those roots, you may miss out on important ingredients your body needs. Implants can also help repair your smile if you are missing a tooth. We can place crowns on them to give you a full set of teeth. They are durable and stable and a common dental procedure. 

Schedule Your Next Appointment With Us

Dental implants are a good way to ensure your bite is correct and to help with your overall health. To find out more about our approach to family dentistry, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Michael Chan by calling MMC Dental in Houston, TX, today at (713) 926-8896.