If you’re an athlete who has lost permanent teeth on the field, you likely know how frustrating and embarrassing it can be living without a complete smile. However, if you’re only missing one or two of your pearly whites, you’re likely not ready for a denture, and if you don’t want remove enamel from your existing teeth, a bridge won’t help either. Thankfully, a solution does exist- durable, lifelike dental implants in Portland can permanently replace one or more teeth without having to alter your healthy ones! Here’s a closer look at this treatment, and how it can benefit athletes who have accidentally lost teeth for the love of the game!
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the world’s only permanent tooth replacement solution. They work by surgically inserting a titanium or zirconium post into the jawbone, where it fuses in place via a process called osseointegration. This allows the implant to act as the tooth’s roots, stimulating the jaw and protecting your nearby teeth from shifting and your jawbone from deterioration. They are then attached to an abutment, and are covered with either a single crown, bridge, or implant denture, each of which are designed to remain in place in your smile for a lifetime.
Why Are Dental Implants Ideal for Athletes?
For adults missing most of their permanent teeth, solutions like dentures can be extremely helpful when replacing an entire arch. However, if you’ve only lost one or two teeth, you not only don’t need anything quite so large, but you also shouldn’t need to worry about the time it takes to care for a full denture.
Conversely, durable, natural looking dental implants can replace teeth anywhere along the arch and require no special maintenance beyond your regular oral hygiene routine. This makes them ideal for adults who have an otherwise complete smile and just need to fill in an empty spot or two within their arch. Better still, dental implants don’t just look natural, they also feel just like real teeth, and usually blend in so well nobody but you and your dentist will know they’re not biological!
Do I Qualify for Dental Implants?
Once you decide you’re ready to replace your missing teeth, it’s time to schedule a consultation with your dentist. There, he or she will determine if you are eligible for dental implants based on your individual oral health, as well as the number and placement of the restorations you’ll need. If you qualify, a treatment plan will be created just for you, including the overall timeline, cost, and even aftercare instructions for keeping your dental implants in excellent shape for a lifetime. If you are still participating in athletic activities, it is also important to protect your restorations, so be sure to discuss this with your dentist and have a professional sports mouthguard made to protect both your natural and prosthetic teeth going forward.
Remember, it is not uncommon for athletes to lose permanent teeth due to sports-related injuries, but there’s no need to wait until you’ve lost more to get dentures, or to live with unsightly gaps in your smile. With beautiful, strong dental implants in Portland, you can replace lost teeth and bring back your gorgeous, healthy grin for a lifetime!
About Our Practice
Whether you’re an amateur athlete or planning on going pro, the team at Timber Dental is here to cheer you on with a variety of dental solutions for missing teeth, including durable, lifelike dental implants. So, stop suffering from the embarrassment and difficulties that go along with eating and speaking with gaps in your smile. Talk to your dentist today about dental implants and get back your gorgeous healthy grin for a lifetime. To schedule an appointment for dental implants, visit our website or call us at 503-831-8685.