Dental implants are hugely popular and for many patients, they are the preferred choice for replacing teeth that they have lost or had extracted due to decay or damage. Much of this popularity stems from the unique and superior design of dental implants and the benefits that this affords those who choose to use the solution to restore their smile.
If you haven’t had to consider replacing missing teeth, chances are that you haven’t come across dental implants before, and you may only have a vague idea of what they are and how they work. If you are now looking for a tooth replacement solution, dental implants could be the answer that you are looking for. Here’s what you need to know about them, including the top benefits that dental implants can offer.
What makes dental implants different from other tooth replacement solutions?
Dental implants have a revolutionary design that sets them apart from other tooth replacement solutions. Conventional treatments – crowns, bridges, and dentures – rely on either adhesive or connection to natural teeth to support them and keep them in place. However, dental implants are attached directly to the jawbone. This is made possible by the insertion of a titanium post which is surgically implanted into the jawbone. This post replicates the original tooth root which would have been lost or extracted with the missing tooth. Once in place, the bone heals around the post to embed it permanently within the jaw. This process, called osseointegration, takes several months. During this time, you will be fitted with generic prosthetic teeth. Once the post is secure, a bespoke restoration will be created for you. This could be a single crown, a bridge, a partial denture or a full denture. The number of implant posts you will need will depend on the type of restoration you are having. A single missing tooth needs just one implant post, whilst a total arch that is an implant-supported denture could need up to eight implant posts.
What are the top benefits of dental implants?
Dental implants offer benefits that other tooth replacement options, such as dentures or bridges, just can’t provide. Some of the most popular benefits of this solution include the following:
Most closely resembles your natural teeth
Patients and experts agree that dental implants are the most lifelike of any prosthetic teeth. This is because they are completely bespoke, and your dentist will work with you to design implants that are the perfect shape, size and color to restore your smile. And since they are attached to an artificial root, there are no obvious connections. In fact, dental implants are so lifelike that it may be impossible for anyone around you to tell that they aren’t your natural teeth.
Prevention of bone loss
Many people don’t realize that bone loss is a serious consequence of missing teeth. When there is no longer a natural root in place to stimulate your jawbone, it will begin to deteriorate and become weaker. A dental implant is the only tooth replacement option that stimulates this effect and keeps your jawbone strong. As a result, it also ensures that the integrity of your facial structure remains intact instead of changing shape and losing definition – something which can cause you to look older than you really are.
Restored bite force
In order to be able to use our teeth fully, we need to have strength in our bite. Unfortunately, conventional tooth replacement solutions are not secure enough to allow patients to use a great deal of force when they bite down. This isn’t the case with dental implants. Since they are permanently anchored to the jaw, you can bite down with exactly the same force that you would use with your natural teeth.
No stress on your natural teeth
Since dental implants are supported on titanium posts that are firmly embedded in your jaw, you can relax knowing that there is no pressure or stress on your natural teeth, helping them to stay in good condition for longer.
Ultimate convenience
Unlike dentures, which must be removed at night for cleaning and can necessitate you avoid certain sticky or chewy foods in case they are pulled out, dental implants offer patients the ultimate inconvenience. Their permanence and stability mean that not only do they not need to be removed for cleaning, but you can eat what you want, when you want, with no worries.
Simple to clean
Patients LOVE the fact that dental implants are so easy to clean – you can just brush them like you would your natural teeth! You can even floss them!
Long-lasting
Last, but certainly not least, is the durability of dental implants. They are considered stronger, tougher and more durable than any other tooth-replacement solution, and with the proper care both at home and by your dentist, your implanted teeth could last you for 25 years or more!
As you will undoubtedly agree, the benefits of dental implants are the perfect reason why you should be considering them to replace your missing teeth. To find out more about this revolutionary solution, please contact our offices where our team is ready and waiting to help.