Dental implants are an excellent replacement for missing teeth. They offer many advantages over other treatment options, from preserving bone structure to helping you avoid dietary restrictions.
They also provide optimal stability, unlike dentures, which may slip and cause slurred speech or other problems. Here are five reasons why you should consider dental implants as your tooth replacement solution:
They Look and Feel Like Natural Teeth
Dental implants are known for their ability to closely mimic the appearance of natural teeth. However, many individuals worry that they will also feel different than their natural teeth.
A dental implant is a small titanium screw that replaces a missing tooth’s root. It is topped with an abutment and an artificial crown. When placed, the implants look like a real tooth, and they do not cause metallic taste or speech issues.
However, an implant doesn’t have roots or nerves, so it does not feel the same as a natural tooth. For this reason, it is important to maintain high levels of oral hygiene, including daily brushing and flossing, alongside regular dental checkups. This will ensure that bacteria are kept from damaging the soft tissue around the implant and prevent a condition called peri-implantitis.
They Preserve Bone Structure
Implants mimic the function of natural teeth, ensuring that the surrounding bone remains healthy and intact. This is an essential advantage that many other tooth replacement solutions cannot offer.
When a natural tooth is removed, the jawbone no longer receives the stimulation it needs to maintain its density, strength, and shape. Over time, this can lead to a loss of bone mass in the jaw, and it can alter the shape of your face and mouth.
Dental implants directly replace the missing tooth root, and this stimulation prevents the bone resorption that can occur in other tooth replacement options. However, some patients may have deficient jawbone tissue and need a bone graft before they can get an implant.
They’re a Long-Lasting Solution
Missing teeth can affect your appearance and lead to other health issues. In addition, the space left by a missing tooth allows adjacent teeth to shift out of alignment, which can impact your bite and cause further problems.
Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants are an extremely durable solution that can last for life. This is because they do not rely on the support of surrounding teeth or a removable base, like dentures.
The lifespan of your dental implant depends on the quality of care you receive and the lifestyle choices you make. You can maximize the life of your dental implants by practicing good oral hygiene and visiting the dentist regularly for professional cleanings and exams. This will minimize the risk of infection and other complications.
They’re a Cost-Effective Option
Dental implants are an investment, but one that can improve your quality of life significantly. They provide a more attractive and natural smile, a fuller range of speech and chewing abilities, and they prevent adjacent teeth from shifting toward the empty sockets, which can cause crooked and unhealthy tooth structure.
The implant will also reduce the load on the remaining teeth and oral structures, preserve the jaw bone, and help to prevent resorption and loss of height in the face. This can prevent the sunken appearance associated with missing teeth, which may make a person look older than they really are.
The cost of dental implants can be manageable with the right financial strategy. The best practices accept most insurances and offer flexible payment plans to help patients fit their treatment into their budgets.
They’re Suitable for All Ages
Dental implants are a great solution for people of all ages who are missing one or more teeth. Unlike traditional dentures, they don’t require removal for cleaning, and they look and feel like natural teeth. They also last 30 years or longer with proper care.
While the aging process does play a role in your eligibility for dental implants, it’s not as significant as your overall health and jaw development. During an evaluation, our dental professionals will take a variety of factors into consideration to ensure that you’re a good candidate for the treatment.
It’s generally not recommended for patients to receive dental implants until they reach the late teenage or early adult years, when their jaws have fully developed. This typically occurs between ages 18 and 25.
