Dental implants are a great option for replacing missing teeth. They look, feel and function like natural teeth. They also help preserve the integrity of your surrounding teeth and jaw bone. Whether you’re considering dental implants or another treatment method, you should work with a dentist or oral surgeon who is experienced in this area. They’ll run special tests to ensure you have enough bone mass for implants.
They Look & Feel Like Natural Teeth
Implants are made from artificial materials, but they look just like your natural teeth. They are also strong and durable enough to chew just like your natural teeth, but they won’t leave a metallic taste in your mouth. They are more comfortable than other tooth replacement options, including dentures and bridges. They also don’t require altering surrounding healthy teeth, which can improve your overall oral health. You may have to limit your diet for a little while after getting an implant, but once the process is over you will be able to eat and enjoy everything you want. They will also help keep your jaw and gums healthy, so you’ll feel just as good as you did before losing the teeth. The success rates for dental implants are very high. They are more effective than other tooth replacement options and last longer, especially for people who practice proper hygiene. Taking the time to brush and floss twice daily, along with your regular checkups, will ensure that your implants stay healthy.
They Maintain Bone Structure
When teeth are healthy, their roots and crowns stimulate the jaw bone through chewing. This is a necessary process that ensures the strength of underlying tissue and prevents bone deterioration. When a tooth is lost, the bone no longer receives this stimulation and begins to lose thickness and density over time. This process is called bone resorption and can lead to other problems, such as reduced gum tissue and facial sagging. Dental implants replace the root of the tooth and imitate the stimulation that natural teeth provide, preventing bone resorption. This allows the implant to remain in place for life, while also keeping other nearby teeth intact. If your jaw bone is too soft or thin for implants, your dentist can perform a bone graft to provide a firm foundation for the restoration. This involves adding new bone material to the site, often using a synthetic bone-substitute. If this is not possible, a sinus augmentation may be needed to raise the area and provide enough bone for the implant.
They Prevent Bone Loss
Dental implants fuse with the jaw bone, preventing it from losing density. This pressure mimics the pressure from your natural teeth, causing the bone to stay strong. The implant post – the titanium rod that replaces your tooth’s root – provides stimulation to the surrounding bone, helping to preserve the structure and strength of the jaw. Your dentist can help you find the right solution based on your specific needs and circumstances. If you’ve waited too long to replace your missing tooth, or if you have naturally weak bones, a dental surgeon may recommend a bone graft before your dental implants surgery. A bone graft involves transplanting healthy bone from another area of the body or using synthetic bone-substitute material to build up deficient areas. If you have uncontrolled health conditions like diabetes or a chronic infection, they can affect the healing process and increase your risk of complications after surgery. Your doctor will work closely with your other healthcare providers to manage these conditions effectively.
They Prevent Other Teeth From Shifting
Implants create a strong, stable base for your tooth restorations, ensuring they stay in place without shifting or coming loose. This prevents further bone loss, keeps neighboring teeth from shifting position and helps maintain optimal chewing function. Dental implants are permanent replacements for missing teeth, and they can be expected to last a lifetime with proper oral care and regular visits to your dental professional. Patients who neglect oral hygiene, smoke or have chronic periodontal (gum) disease are not candidates for dental implants because they put their health at risk and compromise the stability of surrounding natural teeth and jaw bones. To get a dental implant, your dentist will surgically place a metal post into your jawbone that replaces your tooth’s root. Then, the jawbone will grow into and around the implanted post, creating a solid foundation for an artificial tooth. A connector piece called an abutment is screwed onto the implant, and then your replacement tooth (a single crown or a bridge or denture with multiple teeth) is placed on top of it.