A dental implant is a special product that mimics the appearance and structure of natural teeth. A root, usually made of titanium, is inserted into the bone where it fuses with the bone allowing for placement of a denture, bridge or crown. A dental implant feels and looks like a real tooth and if properly cared for, can last a lifetime and help improve the patient's overall quality of life. Dental implants have grown in popularity over the years and this can be attributed to the significant advantages they have over other types of tooth replacement options.
Advantages of Dental ImplantsBelow are some of the key benefits of getting dental implants:
Dental implants are made from titanium which when fused with the jawbone, forms a sturdy support structure for the crown or denture. They are bio-compatible, meaning they are not easily rejected by the body nor are toxic. Dental implants can last a lifetime whereas bridges can only last for a maximum of 10 years.
Dental implants restore full chewing power and most patients are typically not able to tell the difference between the implant tooth and their natural teeth. With an implant, they can floss and brush normally, as well as eat without complications.
A missing tooth makes the jawbone beneath it deteriorate due to lack of stimulation. If no implant replaces the missing tooth within the first year, about 25% of the bone volume is lost and this only gets worse as time goes on.
Most patients opt for implants over dentures simply because the loose nature of the dentures means they rub against the bony ridge which overtime, wears away the bone structure. Implants on the other hand, provide the much needed stimulation for natural bone growth.
A missing tooth gaps offers the perfect surface area for bacteria and food to get trapped in. Food and bacteria are some of the major contributors of gum disease which can cause serious complications. Dental implants fill up gaps caused by missing tooth/teeth and help prevent gum disease.
Gaps may cause adjacent teeth to shift toward it, pulling one's teeth out of position and consequently affecting chewing ability, overall appearance and bite. Dental implants help prevent all these by acting as your natural teeth and filling in the gaps.
Bone loss due to missing teeth can lead to facial sagging which in turn leads to premature aging. Some of the common signs of premature aging include thinning lips, wrinkles around the mouth, or a more pointed chin.
In addition to the above-mentioned benefits, dental implants are significantly cheaper compared to other tooth replacement options such as bridges. This is because a bridge will only last about 5 years whereas a dental implant can last a lifetime.
Dental implants are a magnificent way of restoring one's smile. Consult with your dentist to discover whether you are a suitable candidate for dental implants, what the procedure entails in terms of cost, duration and the estimated healing time.
