Missing a Tooth? Why Dental Implants Are the Gold Standard for a Natural Smile

Living with a missing tooth can make you feel self-conscious when you smile or speak. It can also make chewing difficult and cause your other teeth to shift. 

At Village Dental in Richmond Hill, Georgia, Nils H. Anderson, DDS, helps people restore their smiles and regain their confidence. While many people consider dental implants to be the premier choice for tooth replacement, the right solution depends entirely on your unique needs.

We believe in personalized care. There is no single treatment that works perfectly for every patient. Our team is here to guide you through your options.

Are dental implants always the best choice?

Many people ask if implants are the best option for replacing a missing tooth. We take the position of the American College of Prosthodontists that emphasizes that tooth replacement decisions must be individualized for each person. 

There is no universal "gold standard" because your bone health, medical history, and budget all play a role.

For example, if the teeth next to your gap already have large fillings or decay, a traditional bridge might be a better choice. A bridge can replace the missing tooth while capping and protecting the damaged adjacent teeth at the same time. 

We will evaluate your teeth to help you decide which option fits your goals.

How does smoking affect dental implants?

If you are considering an implant, your lifestyle can greatly impact your success. In a 2021 systematic review, implants in smokers had a 140.2% higher risk of failure than in non-smokers. This means smoking makes an implant more than twice as likely to fail.

Tobacco smoke contains nicotine and carbon monoxide, which narrow your blood vessels. This reduces the vital flow of blood and oxygen to your gums and jawbone. Without proper blood flow, your bone cannot successfully grow around and bond with the implant. 

At Village Dental, we review your health history and habits to help you prepare for a successful procedure. 

What can you expect at Village Dental?

At our Richmond Hill, Georgia, office, Dr. Anderson takes the time to understand your oral health history. We perform a thorough exam and take digital radiographs to check your jawbone density. 

If you are a candidate for implants, we walk you through every step of the process.

We offer several restorative options, including:

• Dental implants for a permanent, root-supported solution
• Crowns and bridges to restore gaps using adjacent teeth
• Dentures and partials for removable, convenient tooth replacement

Our goal is to help you achieve a beautiful smile.

Ready to restore your smile and explore your tooth replacement options? Schedule a visit with our team at Village Dental today to discuss your personalized treatment plan.