Dental implants are an excellent choice for people who want to improve their smile but don’t want to do it with dentures, bridges, or crowns. They can be particularly beneficial to people who have lost one or more teeth to injury, infection, or decay. Here are four important reasons to consider dental implants instead of the other alternatives.
What is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are as close as you can get to your own healthy, natural teeth. They let you confidently eat, smile, and talk the way you want. Think of dental implants as “artificial tooth roots” that replace your original tooth structure with a metal post, typically made of titanium. Once new bone growth encases the implanted metal, a crown is affixed to the implant and sealed into place.
4 Reasons to Consider Dental Implants
Most people consider dental implants because they have missing teeth. As long as your gums are healthy and there’s enough bone support, dental implants are the best, most natural tooth replacement choice. Benefits include:
- They stop your natural teeth from shifting into the empty space left behind by a missing tooth. When teeth move this way, the result can be a number of dental complications. They’re also more difficult to keep clean. Eventually, you could see yourself investing a lot of money in orthodontic care to address these problems. Placing a dental implant now keeps your teeth properly spaced and makes home dental hygiene much more manageable.
- Unlike a fixed bridge or dentures, dental implants preserve your jawbone, which begins to deteriorate underneath a missing tooth due to loss of stimulation to the bone by the original tooth’s root. The longer you wait to get implants, the more likely your jawbone won’t be able to support implants without first performing a dental bone graft.
- The 30-year survival rate for dental implants is over 90%. That makes them a near-permanent solution compared to bridges and dentures that last anywhere from five to 10 years.
- When your jawbone deteriorates, your face changes in shape and appearance and can appear sunken in. Implants protect facial bone structure, stimulate bone growth, and prevent bone loss.
Finally, because dental implants are titanium, they’re resistant to decay. Properly cared for, you never need to worry about an implant needing future dental treatments. Practice good home dental care habits is a must!
Learn More About Your Options
The best way to determine if dental implants are right for you is to talk with your dentist who will carefully weigh all your unique considerations before making a recommendation. Caven Dental Group wants you to have the healthiest teeth and best smile possible. We can help you address missing teeth issues and develop a treatment plan that meets your specific dental needs. Schedule an appointment with our Jacksonville office today to learn more about restoring your smile and your confidence!
