The key benefits of dental implants

Why an ever increasing number of people are turning to this excellent method for replacing teeth

There are essentially four options available for anyone who loses a tooth, or a number of teeth. They include leaving the tooth gap open, wearing dentures or a bridge made or the placement of a dental implants. We don’t advise the first option as creating a gap in your teeth, no matter how small it is, is not a good idea and can lead to issues such as misaligned teeth over a time.

Both bridges and dentures are in use for a lengthy time and both play the purpose of replacing missing teeth to a extent. Both have their own drawbacks but, dentures can end up being uncomfortable and possibly unstable for some wearers, whilst bridges have healthy teeth that need to be cleaned that the bridge can be attached.

We believe that in the majority of cases dental implants are the most effective option for patients. They may require minor dental surgery, which is followed by an extended healing period However, overall, this modern treatment provides perhaps the most durable option for replacing missing teeth.

Let’s take a closer look at a few of the benefits that are most important to dental implants for replacing missing teeth.

Longevity

Implant placement is an extremely long procedure as compared to the majority of dental procedures, it also provides a long lasting solution to the problem. Contrary to many dental restorations that may need replacing after a couple of years, dental implants may last for twenty years or more once they have become successfully integrated into your jawbone. It all depends on the way you look after them. Luckily, this is very easy to do and requires no fiddly cleaning, unlike dentures for example. We will look more at the maintenance of implants in a bit later.

Strength and stability

While bridges and dentures offer some degree of toughness, they’re not as strong as dental implants. It means that once fully integrated, you will be able to make use of your dental implant the same way as a natural tooth. This strength is in addition to the strength of the tooth. Whilst dentures can sometimes shift around in mouth however, the implant is it’s root lost tooth, and is a solid anchor to which the crown to attach.
Comfort

There may be a brief time following the placement of the implant where things might appear a bit strange but once you’ve grown comfortable with your new tooth, there’s no reason you should need to think about it on a day to day basis, other than cleaning it with care. The majority clients who have undergone this procedure several years ago, tell us that they now see it as just one more tooth’.

Appearance

The implant itself is composed of titanium and is largely hidden beneath your gumline. What you can see is the crown attached to it. We use only the highest quality dental crowns that are strong and stain-resistant. They are also natural looking.

Ability to be able to eat

One of the major negatives of dentures is after a few attempts, many people stop eating certain food items because they’re hard to chew on with dentures. However, this isn’t the case with dental implants . there is no reason why you shouldn’t eat your favorite food, no matter how difficult it may be to chew. Implants that are healthy can handle this just as easily as a healthy natural tooth would.

Retention of jawbone

The major difference between dentures/bridges and dental implants is that the implant is the only option that can replace not just the crown part of the tooth, but also the root as well. Implanting a tooth with an artificial root implies that the bone within that area is not reabsorbed by the body as is the case with dentures and bridges. This eliminates the possibility of teeth moving, and also changes in the shape of the face.

Cleanliness is simple

Dentures and bridges can be extremely difficult to clean, and can make such a tedious task. Implants on the other hand require none of this and are able to be cleaned in the same way as a natural tooth.

Although the implant and the crown are made from artificial materials, it is important to take the time to clean both your teeth and your implant regularly. Although the implant itself won’t be damaged, the gums and surrounding bone may still suffer because of periodontal issues. This could lead to a weakening of the bond between implant and bone. It could even result in the implant breaking down. Brushing regularly, flossing frequently and visiting a dental hygienist each six months is enough for maintaining a healthy tooth implant.

If you would like to learn more about implants, or have any queries about the procedure, we are able to help. A first consultation with our implant specialist can be arranged for those considering this procedure. For more information, contact us now.