You’ve undoubtedly heard of dental implants. They offer a superior alternative to bridges and dentures for people who have lost their teeth.
However, if you’ve never investigated this tooth-loss option, you may not know what dental implants can offer you.
Dental Implants Help Prevent Jawbone Loss
Losing a tooth may not seem like a big deal, especially if it’s from a part of your mouth where few can see. However, tooth roots play an important role in the health of your jawbone. Lose enough teeth (and roots) and your jawbone dissolves. Since the dental implant post is actually set in the bone, it stimulates it and can help prevent jawbone shrinkage.
Dental Implants Help Prevent Facial Collapse
Have you ever seen what happens when someone loses too many teeth and their jawbone shrinks? Their face begins to collapse. Without the support of teeth and jawbone, cheeks look hollow, the distance between the nose and mouth declines, and the lips pucker, making you look older.
Dental Implants May be Stronger than Natural Teeth
Although not everyone agrees, dental implants have the potential of being stronger than your natural teeth. The reason, according to the Official Journal of the Academy of Osseointegration is because, “4 to 6 implants can do the job of 16 (missing) natural teeth.” However, the post goes on to explain that additional research is still required.
Dental Implants Don’t Alter Adjoining Teeth
The best thing about dental implants is that they don’t require your dental care professional to alter neighbouring teeth. Other dental procedures, such as dentures and bridges, can involve tooth extraction or shaving in order to make the dental appliance fit comfortably.
Dental Implants are More Comfortable than Dentures
For many people, dentures can slip, chaff, and even fall out because they merely rest on top of your gums. Since dental implants require your dental care professional to embed the implant post into your jawbone, they look and feel more like natural teeth without the awkwardness of dentures.
Dental Implants Require Good Dental Care
Some people have a misconception about dental implants. You can’t just get them and forget about them. Although they are strong and don’t decay, they are still susceptible to gum disease. Therefore, they require daily flossing and brushing just like natural teeth. Poor oral hygiene can cause them to fail and shorten their lifespan.
Dental Implants May Require Repairs
Believe it or not, dental implants are susceptible to wear and tear like any other dental appliance. Therefore, if an implant becomes loose, there is bone loss or inflammation around the implant, or any part of the implant breaks, your dental care professional may need to repair or replace it.
If you have questions regarding tooth loss, dental implants, or whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants, be sure to speak with your dental care professional.