Even with the steady advances in dental care practices and technology, millions of people across the nation still experience tooth loss, often resulting from tooth decay, periodontal disease, or damage. In the past, only two remedies have been available for tooth loss. Those were dentures and bridges. However, today dental implants are available, and they have become one of the most popular options for replacing a missing tooth. Dental implants replace the tooth root and offer a durable base for a crown or removable replacement tooth, designed to serve as a duplicate of a natural tooth.
Discover the lasting advantages of dental implants for missing teeth below.
Improved Functionality and Appearance
A significant advantage to dental implants is their strength and their ability to conserve bone and inhibit additional damage. When several natural teeth are lost, the jawbone loses its ability to induce bone growth. As a result, the jawbone starts to soften, which causes the facial structure to deteriorate over time. This not only hinders functionality, but also causes facial deformation, as the lips begin to shrivel, the lower face contracts, and wrinkles start to appear surrounding the mouth. Since dental implants unite with the bone, they become permanent and prevent the jawbone from losing its functionality, preserving facial appearance.
Oral Health Benefits
An unreplaced tooth can lead to a host of other oral health issues including tooth tipping, dental crowding, cavity development, and additional lost teeth. Unlike dental bridges, implants don’t necessitate cutting down other teeth during installation. Without the need to alter other perfectly healthy teeth to sustain the implant, more of your natural teeth will remain viable, which can help support your oral health.
Longevity
With the ability to last a lifetime with proper maintenance, dental implants are extremely durable and are widely regarded as a long-term investment for dental health. Well-maintained dental implants tend to have long-term success rates that are identical to or better than alternative tooth replacement options.
More Comfortable
Unlike removable dentures, dental implants become a part of you and do not require uncomfortable adhesives to remain in place.
Easier Chewing and Eating
Unreplaced teeth can impair your ability to chew, and removable dentures can make it difficult to eat as you would normally. Dental implants act like your natural teeth, so you can eat whatever you want, when you want, without worrying about discomfort or the embarrassment of removing your dentures.
The information and content on our website should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment or advice from your doctor.
