Dental Implants
Are one or more missing teeth ruining the cosmetic appeal of your smile, or preventing you from enjoying your favorite foods? You are not alone – about 178 million adults in the United States are missing at least one tooth, and approximately 40 million have no teeth at all.
Losing just one tooth can cause a wide variety of problems, from detracting from your smile to causing poor nutrition and other health issues. In fact, losing just one tooth can cause you to lose even more teeth.
Clearly, replacing missing teeth is important to your health and well-being. While you might be considering dentures or dental bridges to replace your missing teeth, dental implants may be the better solution.
Dental Implants are Lifetime Tooth Replacements
Whether you are missing one tooth, all your teeth, or somewhere in between, dental implants provide a permanent solution. Modern dental implants create a natural-looking smile, and are more reliable, cost-effective, and longer-lasting than other tooth replacement options.
A dental implant has three main parts:
- A metal post implanted into your jawbone – it acts as an artificial tooth root to create a sturdy anchor
- A dental crown that looks like your natural crown, which is the white part of the tooth that appears above your gums
- An abutment that connects the implant to the crown
Benefits of Dental Implants
Getting dental implants may be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. Here’s why:
- Strength and stability
- Natural function
- Aesthetic appeal – your dental implants will match your natural teeth
- Designed to last a lifetime
- No negative effects on surrounding teeth
- Easy care
- No more slurred speech or slipping dentures
- Preserves existing jawbone
Dental Implants are Gaining in Popularity – and for Several Great Reasons
More than 3 million people in the United States have dental implants, according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and that number grows by about a half million each year. The rise in popularity isn’t surprising, considering the advantages dental implants provide.
Implants are permanent
With proper care, dental implants will last a lifetime. They owe their durability to a natural process, known as osseointegration, in which the metal implant fuses with your jawbone.
Implants are surprisingly cost-effective
While they have a higher up-front cost, dental implants are a one-time investment that lasts a lifetime. Dentures and bridges cost less, but you’ll need to replace them every 7 to 10 years.
The “wow factor”
Custom-shaped and shaded to fit naturally in your existing smile, your dental implants will look like your natural teeth – only better!
Better oral health
Your natural teeth are vulnerable to tooth decay and cavities, and dental implants are not. You’ll still need to brush and floss as normal, of course, but dental implants are easier to care for than are dental bridges and dentures. Dental bridges also require reducing the nearby teeth to support the bridge; dental implants leave nearby teeth intact, which leads to better oral health in the long run.
Popular Misconceptions about Dental Implants
I’m too old
While osteoporosis and other age-related bone issues can shape implant treatment, dental implants are appropriate for patients of all ages.
Getting dental implants is painful
Modern anesthesia and sedation make the treatment pain-free. In most cases, over-the-counter pain relievers can control any discomfort following the procedure.
Any dentist can place dental implants
Placing dental implants requires advanced education and substantial clinical skills. When considering dental implants, be sure to choose a dentist who has invested time mastering dental implants.
Contact us today to see how we can help you restore your smile. Our Kettering dentist is glad to help you replace your missing teeth with dental implants.