5 Benefits of Dental Implants

Missing or broken teeth can impact not only your smile but also your confidence. Although dentures are a popular solution, many people say false teeth make them feel old. An effective alternative to dentures is dental implants. This revolutionary procedure is one of the best ways to replace missing teeth. It’s also ideal for patients who aren’t good candidates for dentures or bridges.

Dental implant surgery is a complex, yet effective, treatment that involves inserting metal posts into the jawbone beneath the gums. Once in place, your dentist then mounts replacement teeth directly onto the posts.

From convenience to aesthetics, there are many benefits to having dental implants. If you’re interested in this procedure, it’s helpful to understand the advantages so you can make a more informed decision.

1. More convenient than dentures

One of the biggest complaints about dentures is that they have to be removed and cleaned each day, especially after meals. A dental implant, however, stays put 24/7. This means you can brush and floss as you normally would your natural teeth. This convenience can help improve your overall confidence level and self-esteem because they eliminate the embarrassment of having to remove artificial teeth.

2. Look like natural teeth

Unlike dentures that can shift out of place, dental implants look like natural teeth. In fact, many patients say they can’t even tell the difference. Your replacement tooth will also perform like the real thing. Dentures can feel unstable and uncomfortable when eating but a dental implant will restore full chewing power, allowing you to enjoy a variety of foods including nuts and tougher meats.

3. Stabilizes surrounding teeth

Missing teeth are problematic because they can cause adjacent teeth to shift crookedly towards the gap. Over time, this gradual shifting will eventually pull all teeth out of position — affecting your ability to chew properly, and also cause changes in your facial appearance. But because dental implants don’t shift, they can help stabilize adjacent teeth. This stabilization will not only restore your bite but also prevent long-term problems in your jaw.

4. Prevents facial sagging

Aside from shifting adjacent teeth, missing teeth are also problematic because they can cause facial sagging. Bone resorption happens when the bone that keeps teeth in place begins to recede, causing the lower third of the face to collapse. This recession is a direct cause of missing teeth. Dental implants can help you avoid facial sagging by filling in the gaps and preventing overall bone loss.

5. Can last a lifetime

One of the other big advantages of dental implants is that they can potentially last a lifetime. Dentists usually recommend that dentures are replaced every five years or so but that’s not the case with dental implants. They’re made with titanium, which can stand up to consistent wear-and-tear, so with proper care can stay with you for life. Dental implants also fuse with the jawbone, becoming a permanent fixture of your mouth. Although implants cost more than dentures or bridges, many patients find the investment is well worth it.

One of the best ways to find out if you’re a good candidate for dental implants is to consult your dentist. For the procedure to be successful, there must be enough bone and healthy gum to support the implants. Your dental professional will be able to tell whether dental implants are the best solution for you.

For more information on dental implants, call Bristol Dental at 905-712-3409 or contact us here.