Dental implants are an incredible advancement in technology that can replace one or more missing teeth in your mouth. They look and feel more like natural teeth than traditional dentures or bridges, and they remain stable in your mouth throughout the course of your life. Dental implants can restore confidence in your smile and make it possible to eat just about anything you want without worrying about dentures slipping about or having to cut your meals up into smaller bites. If you’re considering dental implants as a way to replace missing teeth, or wonder if you need to have teeth removed altogether (to replace them with implants) there are several reasons why implants are almost better than real teeth!
The Design Behind Dental Implants
Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants are made to resemble real teeth. Not only do they look natural, but they are also the only tooth replacement that functions like independent tooth structures. They stand independently of any other tooth structures in your mouth, making them completely non-invasive to healthy teeth. The implant serves as the “root” of your new tooth, whereas a custom restoration placed on top of the implant restores the visible and functional portion you see above the gumline.
With dental implants, you will be able to bite and chew just as you would if you had natural teeth. You won’t have to worry about altering your diet or even the way you talk.
Your body recognizes dental implants as a “natural” part of your smile. When they’re installed, the bone around the surface of the implant fuses the restoration into place. Nothing other than your jaw is needed to support your new tooth. Whereas other types of restorations like bridges or partial dentures rely on other teeth to hold them in place.
Dental Implants Compared to Natural Teeth
When you look at dental implants and anatomical teeth, there aren’t too many differences. Dental implants are crafted from titanium, an extremely durable material, and tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the entire human body. Both can be used to eat normally, assuming the tooth is healthy. Both support healthy bone density around them, reducing premature aging in your facial profile. Both are attractive when you smile, especially because dental implants can be crafted to look however you want them to look.
Dental implants are the next best option when you don’t have any remaining natural teeth.
Implants are Stronger Than Healthy Teeth
One dental implant can support the biting pressure of multiple teeth. Dental implants are more resilient to wear and tear than real teeth because they don’t have as many soft tissues that decay or weaken over time. Because the titanium in the dental implant is physically stronger than teeth are, as few as 4-6 implants can be used at a time to support a full-arch dental prosthesis. That means if you have 14 teeth missing in your upper jaw, only 4-6 implants can anchor the permanent hybrid appliance that rebuilds the entire upper portion of your smile. Having fewer implants than teeth will not in any way alter your chewing or biting abilities.
No More Cavities
Teeth that have been replaced with dental implants cannot get cavities. If you’ve been plagued by chronic tooth decay and have teeth that are non-restorable, dental implants are an excellent solution. Implants do not require fillings and each one is topped off with a ceramic crown or similar “tooth” replacement over your gum tissues. Plus, implants come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors to help you get a smile that reflects your style.
All of that being said, it’s still important to brush and floss your dental implants daily. Even though implants can’t get cavities, they are still susceptible to gum infections. For example, if you develop peri-implantitis (the implant form of gum disease) it can cause the implant to come loose and fall out of your mouth. So you still need to incorporate a good flossing routine and brush everything twice a day.
Fewer Implants for Full Mouth Restoration
Implants can replace a full arch of teeth with just four or six implants. Implant-supported restorations like “All-on-4”, “All-on-6”, and even implant stabilized overdentures won’t shift or fall out of your mouth like traditional dentures. As few as four implants total will predictably and permanently replace all of the teeth in your jaw, thanks to their strength and predictability. You don’t need to pay for a dental implant in each location where there’s a missing tooth. That’s just one of many reasons why implants are the most cost-effective option for anyone restoring their smile.
A Lifelong Tooth Replacement
The permanence of implants is one of the biggest reasons why they’re the best solution for anyone with missing teeth. Their success rate alone is higher than any other modern restoration. It’s estimated that 98% of dental implants last for life, assuming you care for them properly. That means it’s typically a one-time investment and you’re done. Unlike having to update and replace bridges, partials, or dentures every so many years.
Implants are Just as Easy to Care For
Just like your other teeth, you need to take care of dental implants by brushing twice a day and flossing them daily. Although they won’t get cavities, they can fall victim to gum disease if you don’t floss and brush thoroughly every day. It’s important to maintain proper oral hygiene habits to avoid pain or infection. No special tools are needed unless you have a full-arch prosthesis (such as an All-on-4.) In that case, having a water flosser or proxy-brush will easily clean hard-to-reach spaces.
Should You Remove Your Teeth to Get Dental Implants?
If you are considering getting implants, it is important to know that a tooth extraction is your last resort. If possible, it is best to keep natural teeth whenever you can. That may mean periodontal therapy, endodontic treatment, or a full coverage crown over your damaged tooth. But if you do have severely diseased teeth that are non-restorable, removing them is best to establish a healthy oral environment. And in those situations, dental implants allow for much better functionality than dentures because they function like independent tooth structures.
Dental Implants in Dallas, Ft. Worth
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