If you have lost one or more teeth, you may be wondering about the best way to replace them. Modern-day dentistry provides several tooth loss solutions ranging from bridges to dentures, but many consider dental implants to be the best solution. If you’re interested in learning why implants are so highly recommended, keep reading to find out!
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a restorative treatment that involves inserting a small titanium rod into your jaw where the root of the missing tooth should be. Your jawbone treats this rod like a natural tooth root and eventually will fuse with it so it is permanently embedded. This is then covered with a crown, bridge, or denture that is customized to match your surrounding natural teeth, so there’s no visible difference.
Why Choose Implants?
There are a few reasons why you might want to consider dental implants over other restorative treatments, including:
- They act and feel like your natural teeth. Because they actually fuse with your jawbone, there’s no need to regularly remove, clean, or reinsert dental implants. They simply exist in your mouth like normal teeth so you can eat, speak, and look like you did before tooth loss.
- They maintain your facial structure. Once teeth go missing, the jaw begins to reabsorb surrounding bone mass. This is because there’s no longer a tooth providing stimulation to keep it healthy and strong. This can result in a weakened jawline or sagging cheeks. Implants replace the missing roots of your teeth along with their crowns, providing jawbone stimulation and preventing deterioration.
- Implants can last decades. These replacement teeth are meant to be long-lasting fixtures in your mouth once they are fully fused. With proper care like daily brushing and flossing, they can last a lifetime!
- They are independent of your other teeth. Treatments like bridges and partial dentures are dependent on the surrounding teeth for the necessary support. Other treatments, like dentures, require frequent insertion and removal, which can lead to instability while in the mouth. Implants, in contrast, are placed once and don’t require support from surrounding teeth just to function.
If you have been considering options for replace your missing teeth, consider these reasons why implants might be your best bet! Of course, your dentist can work with you to decide an appropriate treatment based on your specific needs and the state of your smile. Reach out today so that you can start your journey to restore your smile to its former glory!
About the Author
Dr. Angela C. Ruff completed her Bachelor of Science in Biology at East Carolina University and her Doctorate of Dental Surgery at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has experience with the latest advancements in cosmetic and implant dentistry, and she is certified in conscious moderate sedation. If you would like to inquire about implants, feel free to contact the office on the website or by calling (910) 630-6199.