28 Feb What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants? Here’s What You Need to Know
Millions of Americans suffer from tooth loss and decay. Dental implants are quickly becoming the favored procedure to help those affected. 3 million Americans have dental implants, and this number grows by 500,000 annually.
Do you need a tooth replacement solution? Thanks to modern innovations, the benefits of dental implants extend far beyond appearances alone. In fact, they could be the ideal remedy for your oral health situation.
But what are dental implants, and how do they compare to other procedures? Let’s take a close look at this tooth-replacement option.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant starts at the foundation. Your surgeon implants a metal post or screw in place of your natural roots. The rod is then capped with a crown, which is either permanently or temporarily affixed.
Sometimes a dental implant can instead support other tooth replacement options, such as a bridge.
If you’re not sure how this compares to other tooth replacement options, here’s a handy list:
Dental Implant Versus Bridge
A dental bridge requires healthy teeth adjacent to a damaged or missing tooth. Your surgeon applies caps to the healthy teeth. Connected to these caps is an artificial tooth that spans the gap between them.
A bridge is cheaper than a dental implant, but is a temporary solution. Since it does not involve structural concerns under the gums, it does not remedy oral concerns related to your missing tooth.
For more information, refer to this article.
Dental Implant Versus Crown
A crown is an artificial covering for a damaged tooth meant to improve its appearance. On a dental implant, the crown is affixed to the metal rod rather than an existing tooth. Just like a dental bridge, it does not offer a wide array of health-related benefits.
Dental Implants Versus Dentures
Partial dentures are fake teeth that fit over the gums and adhere to your palate. Although cheaper, they are lower quality than dental implants and can slip out from time to time. Many dentists issue dentures to older citizens, as oftentimes the condition of their gums or jaw makes them unsuitable patients for dental implants.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
In short, a dental implant serves as a fully functioning tooth with a stable, artificial root. If you’re in need of a tooth replacement option, here are some reasons why you might choose dental implants.
1. Improve Bone Health
Your jawbone loses mass without a regular source of stimulation. Thanks to the metal rod that comes with a dental implant, jaw bone stimulation returns. This prevents the acceleration of bone loss.
The other tooth replacement options do not supply ample stimulation. In fact, some tooth replacement options can be detrimental to the surrounding bone. As loose dentures shift and grind against the bone line, it wears it down over time.
2. Fewer Dental Visits
Dental implants are the only permanent solution for missing teeth. If you choose dentures or a dental bridge, these have a lifespan of about one decade.
Every so often, you’ll have to go through the procedure again for a replacement. Not only is this inconvenient, but the expenses can add up. Even though a dental bridge is cheaper than a dental implant, that may not be the case in the long-term.
3. Superior Comfort
Since dental implants come with a replacement root, it feels like a normal tooth. Most patients can’t differentiate their dental implant from the rest of their teeth. Best of all, dental implants are more secure than other tooth replacement options and offer a stronger bite.
4. Easier Oral Cleaning
Not only are missing teeth unsightly, but they negatively affect oral health. Gaps and holes in your gumline can harbor bacteria and food. Without a special cleaning instrument, those without replacement teeth are at serious risk of gum disease.
Dental implants fill these gaps, unlike dentures and bridges. And since dental implants act like a real tooth, you can clean them like any other.
The same cannot be said of dental bridges. The fake tooth adheres to those surrounding it, which means flossing is not an option.
5. Prevent Tooth Misalignment
The absence of a single tooth can ruin your entire smile. Adjacent teeth are likely to sag and tilt into the gap. A dental implant permanently fills the space, safeguarding your tooth alignment.
6. Retains Facial Structure
Teeth play a pivotal part in determining the shape of your face. When you’re missing teeth, you lose a portion of facial stability. Over time, you can experience facial sagging, which leads to the addition of wrinkles and the presence of old age.
Remember that other replacement options, such as dentures and dental bridges, do not resolve structural concerns. While you may appear to have all your teeth, you’ll still suffer from bone loss and facial shifting.
7. Safe and Reliable
Some patients shy away from dental implants due to health concerns. It’s true that dental implants are more invasive than other treatment options. However, they share a success rate equal to related procedures.
Should something go wrong, you’re likely to notice. According to a recent study, a well-informed patient can detect dental implant complications early on.
Are You Considering Dental Implants?
No matter which way you look at it, the benefits of dental implants make them the clear solution for missing or damaged teeth. To preserve your existing bone, it’s imperative you find treatment as soon as possible.
Interested in a consultation? If you live in the area of Laguna Hills, contact us and schedule an appointment.