Dental implants have fast become the go-to treatment for tooth loss. So much so that in the United States alone, over 3 million implants are placed each year. While there are a few disadvantages, dental implants have many benefits that other tooth replacement options can’t provide or don’t provide at all. For most patients, the positives far outweigh the negatives. If you’re looking to replace one or more missing teeth, check out the unique benefits of dental implants below.
To find out if you’re a suitable candidate for a dental implant, why not schedule an appointment with a dentist that offers a free consultation?
Dental implants are versatile
Bridges, partial dentures and complete dentures have limitations regarding how many teeth they can replace. Consequently, depending on how many teeth you have lost, your treatment options may be relatively restricted. In contrast, implants are incredibly versatile. When paired with a crown, a single dental implant can replace one missing tooth; as few as four dental implants can support a bridge or denture to replace multiple or all of the teeth in an arch.
Implants are more comfortable
A dental implant is placed directly into the jawbone and acts as an artificial tooth root giving it additional support and strength. During the healing process, the surrounding bone fuses with the titanium implant rod (osseointegration), anchoring it firmly in the jaw. The additional stability makes implants feel more like natural teeth, and many patients say they regard a dental implant as just another tooth. Dentures and bridges do not replace tooth roots and consequently fail to feel as secure as implants.
The difference in comfort between implant-supported and traditional dentures is even more pronounced. Implants lock a denture firmly in place, doing away with the discomfort of loose dentures and eliminating the need for denture adhesives. These benefits of dental implants persuade people to opt for implants over dentures.
They improve oral health
While the dental implant procedure sounds quite invasive and scary, dentists consider implants a relatively conservative solution to missing teeth. This is because implants are a stand-alone treatment and don’t negatively impact other teeth. Dental implants are supported in the jaw like natural teeth. Dental bridges, on the other hand, are held in place by crowns placed on healthy teeth at either end of the gap in your smile. Modifying otherwise healthy teeth is never ideal since it can weaken them. Keeping healthy teeth intact helps maintain good oral health for years to come.
They prevent bone loss
Tooth roots stimulate the jawbone and encourage it to grow. Unfortunately, when a tooth is lost, the body reabsorbs the bone in that area because it thinks it is no longer needed. As a result, it can cause a sunken look in the face over time. The titanium dental implant rod mimics the action of a tooth root, encouraging the bone to grow around it during the healing period. Not only does it preserve facial shape by preventing bone loss, but it can also reverse some bone loss that may have already occurred. No other tooth replacement option can do this as they cannot stimulate the jawbone.
If you’re increasingly interested in dental implants, why not get a consultation at your local dental clinic to see if they’re right for you? Meanwhile, here are some more benefits of dental implants.
Dental implants help you speak more easily
Teeth play a vital role in helping us form certain sounds. Therefore, missing a few prominent teeth at the front of the mouth can impact your speech. Likewise, loose dentures that slip and slide as you speak can cause you to lisp or slur your words. Loose dentures can put you on edge, worrying whether your dentures will drop as you talk to other people or how your voice will sound.
Implants can put an end to these worries. If you have a gap in your smile, implants give your tongue a surface to press against when forming words, making it easier to talk. In addition, deep-rooted titanium rods hold implant-supported dentures firmly in place, so they can’t slip or slide in your mouth. Consequently, implants enable you to speak confidently – one of the significant benefits of dental implants.
Eat whatever you like
If you’re missing a molar or two, you already know how difficult it can be to chew certain foods. Dental implants fill their role, allowing you to eat your favourite chewy or crunchy foods. Because implants are rooted into your jawbone, there are no dietary restrictions, as often occurs with denture wearers. You can eat again in public without the worry or embarrassment of denture slippage.
Implants are durable
By keeping gums and teeth healthy, a dental implant can last for decades, even your lifetime, although the dental crown will need eventual replacement due to wear and tear. In contrast, a bridge will need replacing every 5 to 15 years. Because of bone loss, dentures will need regular adjustments to keep their fit and replacement between 5 and 8 years.
The takeaway
Modern dentistry provides a wealth of good tooth replacement options, but the benefits of dental implants are hard to dismiss. Why not book a dental consultation near you in North Richmond to see if you’re a good candidate for implants? Contact Riverlands Dental at (02) 4501 7930 today.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
iData Research – U.S. Dental Implant Market Statistics
PubMed – Osseointegration and Dental Implants
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24473360/
