Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are an amazing option for so many patients because they provide an opportunity to add teeth to areas in the mouth where they are missing. They consist of small titanium posts that provide the basis for replacement teeth. The crown-and-root formation helps preserve the facial structure and encourages new bone tissue, which allows for stronger support. This increases the function and surface area in the mouth without compromising other teeth. Some of the other benefits of dental implants include:

• Accessing a natural-looking solution that matches other teeth

Dental implants provide a natural-looking replacement that looks and functions in the same way as normal teeth. A dental implant will replace the missing teeth, and the patient will not feel the implant. Although it might feel slightly different than the natural teeth do, they are comfortable and create the appearance of a beautiful smile. At Dental Health 360°, we collaborate directly with our patient to create a result they are truly happy with.

• Preventing bone loss in the jaw

Inserting a replacement tooth such as a dental implant can prevent bone loss in the jaw because the root will exert pressure in a similar way to natural teeth. One aspect of dental implants that significantly reduces instances of bone loss is the bite force. Because the bite force exerted with dental implants is so similar to that of natural teeth, it prevents damage to the jaw.

• Preventing speech issues

Dental implants are a great way to prevent speech issues that can occur from tooth loss. Because all of the components of the mouth work together in order to form sentences, missing teeth can cause an individual to slur when speaking and impede their ability to form sounds properly. Dental implants are a great way to address this issue and prevent it.

• Preventing cavities

Because the crown is made of artificial material, it actually cannot form a cavity. This does not mean that a patient should neglect their oral health after they receive dental implants. Because oral health issues are still possible with dental implants, it is important to keep up with daily dental hygiene and routine cleanings the same way one would if they had natural teeth.

• Maintaining facial structure

Dental implants keep the teeth and jaw aligned, and keep the jawbone strong by filling in empty spaces. This alignment helps to maintain a patient’s ideal facial structure. Missing teeth, on the other hand, can create an effect of premature aging. This is because they change the face shape, leading to the appearance of sunken cheeks and other signs of aging.

• Accessing a simple maintenance process

Unlike some of the other tooth replacement options, dental implants do not require additional dental hygiene steps. To care for dental implants, we recommend following the same steps that you would if you had all of your original teeth. Dental implants are comfortable and long-lasting, so they provide patients a simple dental experience. In fact, dental implants are designed to be permanent, so as long as they are cared for properly and do not undergo any unexpected trauma, the patient should be able to enjoy them for the rest of their life.

What Is the Procedure for Dental Implants?

Dental implants are typically completed in stages. When a patient requires a tooth to be extracted, it is normally best to bone graft the area in the case that the patient is interested in placing a future implant. When a tooth is extracted, a large space is present, and bone grafting the area allows the site to fill with bone more effectively. The success rate of an implant is at its highest when more bone is in the surrounding area. The mouth will normally heal after three months, at which point the bone would be solidified and strong enough to support an implant. Once the area is healed, a small opening in the gums is performed to place the implant. This process is similar to a screw being placed in a wall. Once the implant is placed, it also needs approximately three months in order to fully fuse with the surrounding bone. At that point, we can place a crown. However, the dental implant needs to be fully healed before the force of a crown can be placed on the implant. Once a crown is placed, the implant can serve as a natural tooth for the patient to enjoy and use every day.

If you would like to learn more about dental implants or other tooth replacement options, call us today at (201) 809-9566 or contact us online.