Dental implants are one of the most popular and effective solutions for replacing missing teeth. They look and function just like natural teeth, enhancing both your smile and your health.
When a tooth is lost, the bone tissue in that area deteriorates due to lack of stimulation. A dental implant prevents this deterioration and promotes healthy jaw bone growth.
They Look and Feel Like Natural Teeth
Dental implants are made of titanium, a metal that offers strength and durability while also integrating into bone tissue through a process called osseointegration. This makes them as close to natural teeth as possible. They look and feel so much like your own teeth that people will likely forget you even have implants.
They can also improve your speech by eliminating the lisps and slurs associated with missing teeth. Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth in an arch or a full row of teeth.
As with your natural teeth, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing. Also avoid damaging habits like chewing on hard objects and bruxism (grinding your teeth), which can cause damage to the implant and other natural teeth. See your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and follow their advice for taking care of your implants. This will help prevent infection and keep them looking great.
They Protect Your Existing Teeth
A dental implant replaces the entire tooth root, so it is not as likely to deteriorate over time. This helps your gums and other teeth stay healthy and intact, too.
Other tooth replacement options like bridges and dentures require significant work on the healthy teeth that anchor them in place, but dental implants don’t. This preserves your natural teeth and prevents problems such as bite issues, crooked teeth, or TMJ.
Dental implants also allow you to chew better, which improves your digestion. Insufficient chewing can lead to bloating and indigestion. Implants fill the gaps left by missing teeth and help you speak more clearly without slurring or mumbling.
In many cases, dental implants can be placed during a single surgery. However, there are some situations that require a two-stage procedure. During the first stage, your surgeon cuts open the gumline near the gap to place the titanium implant post. Then, they wait for your jaw to heal and grow around it. They will close the incision with stitches once the implant is fully healed.
They Prevent Bone Loss
Dental implants are designed to look and feel like your natural teeth. However, they also serve an important purpose: They help prevent bone loss. When a tooth is lost, the pressure that it normally exerts on the jawbone diminishes, and the bone that supported the tooth begins to weaken and dissolve. If left untreated, this can lead to a change in your facial structure, shifting of existing teeth, or even the loss of other teeth.
Implants, on the other hand, are anchored in your jawbone and act as artificial tooth roots. When you chew, the implant continues to stimulate your jawbone and maintain its health.
This is one of the main reasons why they are more durable and long-lasting than other tooth replacement options. Dental implants are made of titanium, which naturally fuses with the bone for stability. This means that, if you follow good oral hygiene practices, your implants can last a lifetime. This is in stark contrast to bridges, which typically need to be replaced after 10 years or more.
They Give You Confidence
The way dental implants look and feel makes a big difference in your confidence. They aren’t bulky like dentures or awkward like bridges. They’re sturdy and stable and can withstand the pressure of biting and chewing as well as any natural tooth. That means you can eat your favorite foods without worrying about whether they’ll fall out or get stuck.
Implants also prevent the bone loss that can cause the surrounding teeth to shift and become crooked, which can lead to more problems down the line. In fact, for people with good oral hygiene and regular checkups, dental implants can last a lifetime! So if you’re missing a tooth or are tired of your bridges and dentures, consider getting an implant to restore your smile and boost your confidence. Just make sure to talk to your doctor before the procedure about any medical conditions or medications you’re taking that could interfere with successful results. And don’t forget to schedule your follow-up appointments!