Unless you have been living under a rock for the last quarter of a century, you have probably heard of dental implants. They are one of the newest and arguably the most successful tooth replacement solution of all time. But, what makes them so successful and why are dentists everywhere advocating them as the best possible treatment for missing teeth?

Dental implants replace the root of the tooth

By far one of the biggest advantages that dental implants have over other solutions is that it not only fills the gap with a prosthetic tooth, it also replaces the root of the tooth with a titanium post. Once the post has been implanted into the jaw bone, the bone and the soft tissue of the gums grows around it, securing it firmly in place. This unique element of their design gives dental implants the permanence and stability that sets them apart from other alternatives.

Titanium is bio-compatible, meaning that it will not be rejected by your body and this contributes towards dental implants having the highest success rate of any surgically implanted device in the world.

Dental implants do not impact on neighboring teeth

Dental bridges have long been used as a tooth replacement option, filling in single gaps with an artificial tooth that is anchored to those next to it using a combination of crowns and framework. However, over time this puts undue pressure on the natural teeth which could actually cause them to become damaged too. However, since dental implants have an artificial root, they do not require any further support. This means that they have no impact on any other teeth in your mouth and do not put them at risk.

Dental implants offer the ultimate discretion

One of the biggest problems cited with dentures and other tooth loss solutions is that they aren’t particularly stable. Slips and movement when eating and speaking can be embarrassing, and wearers feel that these draw attention to the fact that they have false teeth. However, dental implants are much more secure, offering patients much more discretion.

Similarly, dental implants look and feel just like your natural teeth. Most patients forget that they even have a false tooth, and no-one around you need know that you ever had a gap in your smile.

Dental implants support your jaw and facial structure

Dental implant posts rely on healthy jaw bone since they need it to grow around them to secure them in place. If you don’t have enough healthy jaw bone, you may need grafting if the procedure is to be successful. However, by placing implants and encouraging the bone to regenerate and heal, you can actually strengthen it. This also helps you to retain your facial structure, and people with weak jaw bones often find that their jaw line drops and sags, making them look older than they really are.

Dental implants are long-lasting

Maintenance and eventually replacement are a common problem with regular dental restorations. Bridges are fairly fragile, as are dentures. Breakages cost money to fix, and most devices will only last around 5 years before requiring replacement. However, studies have shown that if you look after your dental implants properly and visit your dentist regularly, they could last you decades. This makes them a fantastic investment in your smile.

If you are interested in finding out more about tooth replacement options, including the benefits that dental implants can offer, please do not hesitate to contact our offices and speak to our knowledgeable team.