Missing teeth can cause a host of issues that can’t be resolved by some restoration options. Dental implants are by far the most permanent and healthy way to repair and preserve your smile.
There are plenty of reasons you may have lost one or more teeth, from periodontal disease to facial trauma. While bridges and dentures are a fast, easy, and often cost-effective way to cover up the loss of teeth, implants are by far the better option.
Why are implants the better option? Because implants restore everything above and below the gum line. Implants restore both the root and the crown.
At Image Dental in Stockton, California, our providers offer dental implants as the premier solution for missing teeth. In this blog, they explain more about what dental implants are and some of their many benefits.
5 reasons dental implants are the best tooth replacement option
If you’re wavering between bridges, dentures, and dental implants, here are five reasons why implants could be your best option.
1. Implants replace all the parts of a tooth
Dental implant surgery doesn’t just replace the visible part of your tooth, but the root as well. Your surgeon places a biocompatible titanium post into your jawbone. Your jawbone then fuses to the post in a process known as osseointegration.
Once the fusion is complete, a collar — known as the abutment — is placed on the post. Then, a crown is attached to the abutment. This gives you a functional, long-lasting solution for one or more missing teeth.
2. Implants can prevent additional tooth loss
Once a single tooth is lost, the teeth on either side can start to drift into the gap. Over time, they can loosen and fall out. A dental implant can keep this from happening.
3. Implants can prevent bone loss
Your jawbone continues rebuilding itself throughout your life, and this process is triggered when you chew. When you chew, the roots of your teeth stimulate your jawbone to continue the rebuilding process.
If a tooth goes missing, the jawbone can stop rebuilding bone in that area, which can cause your jaw to lose bone mass there. This can cause more teeth to fall out. A dental implant allows you to keep stimulating your jaw when you chew, so your jaw can continue rebuilding tissue.
4. Implants can last 15 years or more
A dental implant can last for years. Studies show that 97% of dental implants last at least 10 years with no problem, and the implants themselves are engineered to last double or triple that length of time. It all comes down to how well you maintain your oral health post-implantation.
5. Implants look, feel, and function just like natural teeth
Finally, dental implants are indistinguishable from natural teeth in how they appear, how they feel in your mouth, and how they function when you talk, eat, and smile. You never have to take them out to clean them or worry about special brushing or flossing techniques. You care for them the same as you would your natural teeth.
If you want to know more about dental implants, or if you need any other dental care, we can give you the help you need. Just call 209-392-5688 or book an appointment online with Image Dental today.
Dr. Stephen Nozaki is the owner and lead dentist at Image Dental in Stockton. He is a dedicated professional born and raised in California's Central Valley. With a commitment to his community, he brings advanced dental techniques learned from extensive education and continuous training from around the world. A third-generation Japanese American, Dr. Nozaki has a rich background that includes international living and a deep passion for both dentistry and outdoor activities. His focus in dentistry aligns with his passion for cosmetics and dental implants.
