Dental implants are the highest quality tooth replacement option available, the gold standard of artificial teeth. When a tooth is missing or needs to be extracted and replaced, a dental implant provides a solution. If you’re weighing your options and trying to determine whether or not dental implants are right for you, consider these 4 benefits.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth and root system. The term “implant” refers to the portion that is surgically placed in the bone of your jaw. It is a post made of titanium with ridges like the threads on a screw. Titanium is a biocompatible material that fuses with the bone over time through a process called osseointegration. Once the bond is solidified it can last a lifetime.
The next step is to attach the abutment, an extension from the implant through the gum tissue that is used to attach the prosthetic. In the case of a single dental implant, a crown is attached to replace the missing tooth. Multiple dental implants can be placed to support a bridge or dentures when multiple teeth need replacing.
The Top 4 Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants have many benefits, but these are the 4 key benefits that make dental implants the best tooth replacement technology:
- Functions Like a Natural Tooth. A dental implant is surgically placed in the jaw to act like a natural tooth root. This allows the implant and artificial tooth to function just like a natural tooth would. It has the bite strength of a healthy natural tooth, perhaps even more strength because titanium is stronger than tooth material. Implant supported bridges and dentures are more secure than the traditional versions, providing better function for a multiple tooth restoration.
- Looks Like a Natural Tooth. The fact that a dental implant attaches to the jaw like a natural tooth gives it a highly realistic appearance. The crown is typically made of porcelain to resemble natural tooth enamel. Implant supported dentures also look more natural than their counterparts that attach in other ways, such as suction and adhesives that are prone to slipping.
- Preserves the Bone Structure in Your Jaw. One of the biggest benefits of dental implants is that they preserve the bone structure in your jaw. When a tooth is missing or extracted, the support structures for that tooth will weaken and eventually dissolve, meaning the jaw bone will lose its form and structure. When multiple or all of the teeth are missing, a large part of the jaw will lose its shape. But placing a dental implant in the jaw keeps the bone strong and healthy so that the natural shape of your face is preserved.
- Won’t Damage Your Healthy Teeth. When one or more teeth need to be replaced, an alternative to a dental implant is a bridge. A bridge uses the healthy teeth on either side of a gap to support it. Each end consists of a dental crown placed over the neighboring tooth with one or more artificial teeth (pontics) suspended between them. The natural tooth enamel has to be shaved down to make room for the crowns, and that enamel is forever altered. Over time the force of chewing can take its toll and cause damage to the support teeth, resulting in the need for more replacement teeth. But dental implants have no effect on the healthy teeth in your mouth, They exist independently.
Are Dental Implants Right For You?
If the benefits of dental implants sound good to you, this may be the best tooth replacement option for your needs. Dental implants are typically the best option for your dental health as well as your bone health. Combine that with the benefit of the natural look and function provided by implants, and it’s not hard to see why they are considered to be the highest quality tooth replacement option. A simple evaluation can determine whether or not you are an ideal candidate for dental implants.
Total Dental Care Provides Dental Implants
Total Dental Care believes in providing the best dental care for our patients, which is why we provide the advanced technology of dental implants. If you’re in need of one or more replacement teeth, schedule a dental implant consultation.
Call 240-813-9111 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.