People lose their teeth for multiple reasons, from decay to injury to disease. Whatever the reason for missing teeth, replacing them as soon as possible will help protect your jaw, mouth and gums and restore your confidence. Dental implants offer permanent tooth replacement. Whether you need to replace one, a few or all of your teeth, there are many reasons to choose tooth implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small posts that a dentist inserts into the jaw. The posts are made from titanium, which fuses into the jawbone, replacing the missing teeth roots permanently. The implants are topped with a crown that looks and feels like a natural tooth.
If you are missing teeth, an implant can replace one or several. If you're missing all of your teeth, a type of overdenture, called an All on 4, allows you to enjoy the stability of a dental implant while replacing an entire row of teeth.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implant cost is higher than that of other replacement options, such as dentures or bridges. But for many patients, the benefits of dental implants, and the fact that they last for life, make the higher tooth implant cost worth it.
1. Long-Lasting
Dental implants become part of your jaw and are meant to fully replace missing teeth roots for the rest of your life. You won't need to schedule appointments with your dentist to replace the implants in 10 or 15 years, unlike with dentures or bridges.
2. Easy to Maintain
You care for dental implants as you do for your natural teeth. You don't have to purchase special toothpaste or cups to hold the implants, as they stay in your mouth. You don't have to worry about losing your implants or forgetting to take them out before going to bed, as they always stay in your mouth.
To keep your implants clean, brush and floss them daily. Also, schedule regular visits with your dentist to keep your mouth healthy overall.
3. Protect the Health of Your Mouth
Missing a tooth does more than affect the way your mouth looks. Missing teeth also change the way your mouth functions. When a tooth is lost and isn't replaced, the bone starts to wear away, which can cause the other teeth in your mouth to shift and affect your facial structure.
You also have a higher risk of developing gum disease when one or more teeth are missing, as cleaning between the teeth and around the gums becomes more difficult. Food can get stuck in large gaps between the teeth, encouraging the growth of bacteria that cause gum disease.
4. Let You Speak and Eat Naturally
It's a lot easier to eat the food you love with implants than with dentures. Since the implants are firmly bonded to your jawbone, you can eat crunchy foods confidently and not worry that the implants will break. Implants also make meals more convenient, as you don't have to fuss with denture adhesive or worry that your teeth will shift.
With implants, you can eat a wider variety of foods, which can also help improve your overall nutrition, giving you a boost of health all around. Your diet can become more varied, ensuring you get the nutrients you need for optimal health.
Replacing your teeth with implants can also help you speak more naturally and smoothly. Some people find it difficult to speak with dentures or with missing teeth. They can develop a lisp. That doesn't happen with implants, as they are securely in your mouth.
5. Boost Your Confidence
The dental implant process takes longer than getting dentures or other tooth replacements. But many patients find the extra time worth it due to the boost of confidence they feel once they have their new teeth.
If you were previously shy about smiling in photos or went to great lengths to hide your teeth, getting natural-looking implants can help you feel happier about your appearance.
You may also notice that your boost of confidence in your appearance helps you in other areas. You may be less shy about talking in a crowd or more willing to go out and socialize. Your emotional health and well-being can get a boost, thanks to dental implants.
Talk to Us About Dental Implants
Dental implants have the highest success rate of all tooth replacement options. Dr. Jones is a member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and is specialty-trained in dental implants. Contact Liberty Family Dentistry today to learn more about how dental implants can restore your health and confidence.