Dental implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth. They replace the tooth roots, preventing bone loss and stabilizing other teeth.
Patients with good oral health and habits are the best candidates for dental implants. Chronic conditions like diabetes, long-term steroid use and some types of cancer can slow healing or prevent successful implant placement.
They Look and Feel Like Your Natural Teeth
Many people who choose dental implants to replace missing teeth are concerned about whether or not they will look and feel natural. The good news is that they are designed to look and feel just like your natural teeth.
Unlike dentures, which can slip or slide out of place, dental implants fuse with your natural bone and gums to create a stable foundation for the replacement tooth. This process is called osseointegration.
The implant post is made of titanium, a material that is biocompatible and highly durable. It is the same material that makes up two-thirds of your natural tooth’s root. The implant will also heal into and around the post, creating a solid new root for the artificial tooth.
You can help make your dental implants look even more natural by practicing good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly. Be sure to brush and floss, and avoid damaging habits such as grinding your teeth or using tobacco products.
They Restore Full Chewing Power
Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that restores full chewing power. They can also prevent the deterioration of the bone and gums that often occurs when a natural tooth is missing. Implants are made from titanium, a long-lasting and biocompatible material. They won’t be rejected by the body like other artificial teeth can, as long as they are kept clean with brushing and flossing.
They also don’t require the shaved down adjacent teeth of a bridge, preventing damage to nearby healthy teeth and promoting oral health. A good candidate for implants is a patient who practices good oral hygiene, has a strong immune system and doesn’t smoke.
Those with insufficient bone or who have certain medical conditions or habits may have difficulty healing after dental implants, but these complications are rare. IV sedation or local anesthesia is used during the surgery to make it as comfortable as possible. Recovery may include some swelling, bruising and minor pain that can be managed with over-the-counter medications.
They Prevent Bone Loss
Implants are the only tooth replacement option to preserve the bone structure of your jaw. The titanium used in dental implants fuses with your jawbone through the process of osseointegration. This provides the stimulation to your bone that naturally occurs with a healthy tooth, preventing bone resorption.
Traditional tooth replacement options like dental bridges and dentures don’t prevent bone resorption, and they require extensive work on the healthy teeth nearby to anchor them in place. This can lead to those teeth becoming weak and more susceptible to decay and damage.
Your dentist will take X-rays to assess the strength and health of your jaw bone before determining if you’re a good candidate for dental implants. If you’ve already lost a lot of bone mass in the area of your missing teeth, you may need a surgical procedure known as a bone graft to prepare for implant surgery. This involves taking healthy sections of bone from another part of your body and relocating them to the jaw.
They Help You Talk Better
Dental implants can help prevent the loss of bone density that occurs when teeth are missing, which can affect the shape and structure of your face and jaw. Unlike removable dentures that can slip out of place, dental implants are fixed in your mouth and stay in when you chew, bite and speak.
The stability and natural look of dental implants can also help with speech clarity and pronunciation. If you have problems with speech, such as slurring, it is important to call us right away, and we will schedule a visit to check for proper implant health.
If you are dealing with lisping or slurring, the good news is that techniques such as speech therapy and practicing pronunciation can improve your articulation and pronunciation and give you the confidence to speak clearly. Muscle memory can also play a role in helping you adjust to your new voice. Once you feel confident with your new smile, you can enjoy speaking freely and without fear of embarrassing situations.