Dental implants are the most effective replacement for missing teeth. They’re durable and stable, easy to care for, and they look and feel like natural teeth. It’s no wonder they’re preferred by dentists and patients alike. While it’s difficult to name only four benefits of dental implants, these are the most compelling reasons to choose them over other tooth replacement options.
1. Dental Implants Can Prevent and Even Reverse Bone Loss
If you’re researching dental implants, you’ve probably seen it mentioned again and again: dental implants prevent bone loss. But what does this mean exactly?
Dental implants are the only restorative option that replaces the root of the tooth, not just the visible portion above the gumline. The small titanium posts are placed directly into the jaw bone, preventing future bone loss and encouraging bone regeneration.
Bone loss is a common problem for patients who are missing teeth. Without the root of the tooth in the jaw, the body sends a signal that the bone is no longer needed to support the tooth and it begins to be reabsorbed. As the bone degrades, your bite becomes weaker, which limits the foods you can eat. It also causes your teeth to shift, and sometimes even fall out. Jaw bone loss can lead to facial collapse, a condition that causes premature aging of the facial features. Dental implants can prevent this from happening.
2. Dental Implants Are the Most Natural Option
Dental implant restorations look and perform just like your natural teeth. You won’t have to worry about your dentures slipping or your bridges breaking. You can eat whatever you want and your implants won’t alter your speech.
Dentures need to be removed at night and placed in a cleaning solution. When it’s time to put them back on in the morning, you’ll have to use a messy adhesive paste that doesn’t always feel secure. In contrast, caring for your dental implants is as easy as brushing and flossing, just like with real teeth.
3. Dental Implants Are Made to Last a Lifetime
It’s natural to be concerned about the cost of dental implants—it’s an investment to be sure, but it is one that lasts a lifetime. With proper care, your dental implants will never need to be replaced. Once osseointegration occurs and the bone and implants have fused, the success rate for implants is extremely high. This ends up saving you money and time in the long run; bridges and dentures need more frequent replacements and adjustments.
4. Dental Implants Don't Damage Healthy Teeth
Many patients are faced with deciding between a traditional bridge or dental implants. Bridges are supported by the teeth adjacent to the one being replaced; this means that two healthy teeth are reduced in size so crowns can be bonded to them in order to support the prosthetic tooth (also known as a pontic). This compromises the tooth structure of healthy teeth, putting them at a higher risk for fracture, breakage, and other damage.
Learn More About Dental Implants
If you’d like to discuss the benefits of dental implants in person, contact us at 610-810-2704 to schedule a consultation at our Easton, PA office.