A missing tooth can make you feel self-conscious, and cause speech or eating issues. Bridges and dentures can only do so much to replace missing teeth and don’t solve the problem of bone loss.
The many benefits of dental implants
Can’t decide if you need bridges, dentures, or dental implants to restore your smile? Here are some arguments in favor of implants as the premier option:
An implant replaces the entire tooth — including the root
Dental implant surgery, unlike bridges and dentures that just fill space above the gumline, replaces your entire tooth. We begin with a biocompatible titanium post implanted into your jawbone. A process known as osseointegration fuses the post with the bone, and a few months later we add a collar or abutment on top of the post. Finally, after your gums are fully healed, we place a custom-fabricated crown on top of the post to give you a fully functioning tooth.
An implant looks, feels, and functions just like your original tooth
If you get a dental implant, no one will be able to tell. The restoration will perfectly fit into and match the rest of your arch of teeth, keeping your smile looking natural. You’ll be able to chew, and speak without trouble, and avoid the issues that accompany bridges or dentures. Just brush, floss, and keep your biannual dentist appointments for professional cleaning.
An implant can prevent bone and adjacent tooth loss
When you lose a tooth, the bone around and under the empty socket slowly starts to dissolve, since it’s not being stimulated by the live root of a natural tooth. Over time, teeth adjacent to the gap start to get loose and also fall out. A dental implant stops this process and keeps your entire arch of teeth supported and your jawbone healthy and strong.
An implant can last 15 years or longer
The research has been done, and results show that 97% of dental implants last at least 10 years. The newest dental implants are actually engineered to last 30 or 45 years, so an implant could last the rest of your life without having to be replaced, assuming that you maintain your post-implantation oral health.
Taking the next step
Interested in learning more about dental implants? The team at Image Dental can help. Call our office at (209) 955-1500 or book an appointment online with us today.
