WHY A DENTAL IMPLANT?

There are a few different treatments available for patients who are missing a tooth. Dental implants are the best option for those who are candidates. A dental implant is a dental prosthesis used to replace one or more missing teeth and is a stable, natural-looking option.

Why a dental implant?

Dental implants are the best choice for restoring a missing tooth. Let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits of a dental implant.

Aesthetics and Comfort

Dental implants are designed for each individual case and are incredibly natural-looking and comfortable. Implants are considered a permanent restoration since the implant is anchored within the jawbone, just like the roots of your natural teeth, and they are much easier to eat and speak with.

Implants do require a significant amount of healing time, up to six months, and can cost significantly more than other treatments. However, dental implants do not impact healthy surrounding teeth in a negative way like a traditional bridge, which requires the loss of healthy tooth structure on neighboring teeth to support the fake tooth.

Success Rate and Longevity

Dental implants have a very high success rate, especially when compared with other restoration options. When properly cared for, a dental implant could easily last a lifetime, though the implant crown may need to be replaced at some point. Other restorations will need to be replaced every ten years or so, often being more costly when all is said and done. The stability and longevity of a dental implant may make the upfront time and cost worth it in the long run!

Overall Health Benefits

Dental implants have the added benefit of preserving bone structure, which also promotes the health of remaining teeth. Our tooth roots actually help to stimulate bone regeneration when we speak and chew. When a root is missing, the bone in that area begins to break down, sending the osteoblast cells that make up our bones to another part of the body. Then the bone in the area of the missing tooth begins to shrink. This can cause enough bone loss that neighboring teeth become mobile and are at risk of falling out.

When this domino effect occurs, the shape of your face can change. Bone deterioration is especially common in patients with dentures, causing the pinched appearance of a denture patient’s face.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a dental prosthesis that can be used to replace a single tooth or an entire arch of teeth. Implants are made of three parts: the implant, an abutment, and the implant crown.

The implant is a titanium post that screws directly into the jawbone. The implant is given time to heal and integrate with the bone before being restored with the abutment and crown. Implants do take a few months to complete, so they may not be ideal for everyone, but in the long run, they are the superior choice.

If you need to have a missing tooth replaced, speak with your dentist to see if you are a candidate for a dental implant.

Related Article: How Long Does the Single Dental Implant Procedure Take?