This type of artificial tooth replacement is a very popular choice for those needing or wanting to replace a damaged or missing tooth (or teeth). Implants are permanent replacements that can be treated and cared for just like natural teeth. There are plenty of reasons to choose dental implants and here we’d like to relay some of the most important.
Missing teeth are not merely a negative impact on your appearance. Missing, decayed, or broken teeth can quickly begin to cause issues that can lead to some major concerns. When you are missing a tooth or teeth, the empty sockets become traps for food and bacteria. This can lead to bad breath and even infection. It also creates issues for surrounding gums and teeth, making them susceptible to disease and cavities, among other problems.
Keep your existing teeth securely in place
When teeth are lost or broken, it affects the surrounding teeth as well. The missing or broken tooth will cause a change in the tension between all of your teeth and gradually, your remaining natural teeth will begin to shift toward the gap. This can also happen when teeth are badly decayed or damaged and no longer strong enough to help keep other teeth straight and in place. When teeth shift and either become poorly spaced or overcrowd neighboring teeth, it can cause toothaches, headaches and make it more difficult to maintain good oral hygiene.
Bone preservation
All bones–including the jaw bone–need to maintain adequate usage by means of application of appropriate force. For example, if a tooth is lost and there is no longer a placeholder in the jawbone, the bones of your mouth are not receiving stimulation in that area. When bones are not used, they begin to deteriorate. This is a problem that can grow worse over time and eventually could mean the need for an oral surgery procedure treatment called bone grafting (the surgical replacement of either natural or synthetic bone).
Dental implants as a whole are artificial roots that very securely hold your artificial tooth or teeth in place. The roots are implanted directly into the jawbone and because of this, the jawbone is then able to receive the adequate amount of bone stimulation needed to keep it healthy and avoid any decomposition. Other artificial tooth replacement options such as standard dentures, will not offer this bone support as they are not permanent installations into the jawbone.
Implant-supported dentures
Implant-supported dentures are a type of denture that is different from standard dentures and they are capable of maintaining jawbone health. This type of denture snaps into place onto implant roots as opposed to traditional dentures which merely sit atop the gums. These dentures are usually created for the lower jaw. They appear as a full set of bottom teeth that can still be removed for cleaning purposes.
Those with implant-supported dentures do not experience the same concerns as those with traditional dentures. Dentures that sit on the gums without rooted implants can shift and cause pain. Standard dentures can also create chewing concerns as well as giving the appearance of a sunken mouth which can make them noticeable to others.
Implants and appearance
There are plenty of health and hygiene reasons to choose dental implants, but they can boost overall appearance as well. Those who have had broken or missing teeth know that it can cause embarrassment and a lack of self-confidence. Dental implants are an option that can restore your smile and have you feeling like yourself again.
To learn more about our Dental Implant procedure please read our complete guide to dental implants.