Is a Dental Implant a Cosmetic Service?

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Dental implants are often listed under cosmetic services, which can cause some unfortunate confusion about what they are and which functions they serve. Here, we’ll look at how this critical dentistry service is classified, why it matters, and what to look for if you’re searching for a dentist in Foley, AL.

Dental Implants in Foley, AL

Technically, dental implants can fall under both general and cosmetic dentistry, depending on the site of the tooth. However, they ideally should be thought of as more necessary than superfluous treatment (even if insurance companies don’t always share the same opinion).

This is because dental implants serve the same function as your real teeth. Unlike other types of artificial teeth, they mimic your real tooth’s structure for the utmost support. And, unless you’re talking about your wisdom teeth, pretty much every other tooth helps overall oral health — including your remaining teeth, gum health, and jawbone health.

Why Get Dental Implants?

Plenty of people want dental implants in Foley, AL because they want a better smile, and that’s perfectly understandable. No matter why you want the service, it can be the best step you can take to preserve your oral health. So, even if it falls more under the category of cosmetic, a dental implant can give you more pride in your grin — and more motivation to keep your reflection smiling right back at you.

At Sand Dollar Dental, we can help you learn more about whether dental implants are a medical necessity (and how you might be able to use your health insurance if they are). We’re here to provide everything from initial evaluations to the final follow-up, so you can fill in the gaps at every stage of the way.

Woman Smiling in Dental Office

How Crowns and Bridges Can Transform Your Oral Health

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Missing or damaged teeth can make the little things in life harder, like eating or speaking. They can take a toll on your oral health, as well, causing further damage to your bite and gums. Restorative services in Foley, AL, like dental bridges, can significantly impact your oral health and overall quality of life.

What Are Dental Bridges and Crowns?

Dental bridges and crowns are products that replace or restore broken or missing teeth. Crowns cover a fractured tooth to make it whole again. Any tooth that is less than perfect can benefit from a dental crown.

Bridges put prosthetic teeth where teeth are missing to make your smile whole again. They attach to implants on each side of the dental bridge to secure that new tooth.

How Crowns Save Natural Teeth

Decay is what causes problems with oral health. Bacteria break down the enamel on teeth, causing cavities. If you are seeing your dentist in Foley, AL, regularly, then we fill that cavity to protect the tooth. However, if bacteria get inside that damaged tooth, they continue to break it down.

If that happens, the dentist does a root canal that cleans out the bacteria and dead tissue. A crown goes over the natural tooth to protect it from any further decay.

Crowns can also reinforce teeth that are weak and at risk of breaking. That saves the tooth from having to come out.

How Dental Bridges Protect Your Bite Alignment

Once a tooth is gone, it is time for a bridge to fill the gap. Bridges replace missing teeth, giving you something you can use to bite down and chew food. Without the bridge, your teeth will shift, causing jaw problems and issues with your bite alignment.

Dental bridges and crowns also give you back your smile, and that’s important for your self-esteem. These versatile dental restorations improve your overall quality of life.

If you have missing or broken teeth, contact our office today. Our dentist in Foley, AL, is here to protect your oral health.