If you lose one tooth or more, you have multiple options for replacing them, ranging from dental bridges to dentures. However, more and more people are embracing a more lifelike and longer lasting alternative: dental implants. How does this procedure differ from more traditional tooth replacement options? What are the advantages of dental implants?
The Benefits of Dental Implants
- They look natural: Implants come in two main parts, the post and the restoration. The post is inserted into the jaw where it acts like a natural tooth root. The restoration is the part you see, often in the form of a natural looking dental crown. The result is a replacement tooth that looks completely lifelike.
- Your new teeth can last a lifetime: Since the “root” portion of the implant bonds with the jawbone tissue, your new tooth acts like a natural one, meaning it has the potential to last for a lifetime with the proper care and attention.
- You can avoid facial collapse: Facial collapse occurs when the body notices a missing tooth root, suspending the flow of nutrients to the jaw and causing the jawbone to dissolve. Patients then take on an older appearance and may lose additional teeth. However, the post is made from biocompatible titanium, which stimulates jawbone growth and prevents facial collapse.
- No slippage: With dentures, you have the risk of slippage during meals or speech. However, implant-retain dentures are fixed in place, which prevents them from slipping when you eat or speak.
- You can eat without difficulty: Since the new tooth acts like a natural one, you can eat as you did prior to losing your natural tooth/teeth. This improves nutritional intact as you no longer need to rely mostly on soft foods. If you have any questions about replacing missing teeth then please contact our office today.