SERVICES

Dental IMPLANTS

Dental implants are a long-term solution for replacing missing or damaged teeth. They are artificial tooth roots made of titanium or other biocompatible materials that are surgically placed into the jawbone. Once the implant integrates with the bone (a process called osseointegration), a crown, bridge, or denture can be placed on top to restore the appearance and function of the tooth.

How Dental Implants Work:

  1. Placement of the Implant: The dentist or oral surgeon places a small titanium post into the jawbone during a surgical procedure.

  2. Healing Period: Over the next few months, the implant integrates with the bone, making it a stable base for the replacement tooth.

  3. Placement of the Restoration: Once the implant has fused with the bone, a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the implant to complete the restoration.

Benefits of Dental Implants Over Other Tooth Replacement Options:

  1. Long-Term Durability: Dental implants are designed to last for many years, often for life, with proper care. Unlike bridges or dentures, which may need to be replaced or adjusted over time, implants are a permanent solution.

  2. Natural Look and Feel: Implants are custom-designed to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, providing a more seamless and realistic appearance compared to dentures or bridges. Since they are anchored into the jawbone, they also feel like natural teeth and provide the same functionality for chewing and speaking.

  3. Preserves Jawbone Health: Unlike dentures or bridges, which rest on the gums and can contribute to bone loss over time, dental implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone resorption (the process in which the bone deteriorates due to lack of tooth roots). This helps maintain facial structure and prevents the "sunken" look that can occur with tooth loss.

  4. Improved Comfort and Stability: Implants are securely anchored in the jawbone, so they won’t slip, shift, or cause irritation, as dentures sometimes do. This stability makes implants more comfortable and reliable, especially when eating or speaking.

  5. No Impact on Surrounding Teeth: Unlike bridges, which require the alteration of adjacent healthy teeth to support the bridge, dental implants don’t affect surrounding teeth. This means the surrounding teeth remain intact and don’t have to be filed down or reshaped.

  6. Easy Maintenance: Implants can be cared for like natural teeth. You can brush, floss, and maintain them as you would your regular teeth. There's no need for special cleaning products or adhesives as with dentures.

  7. Improved Oral Health: Implants can restore proper chewing and biting function, which can prevent problems with your other teeth, like shifting or misalignment. This can also prevent further wear on your remaining natural teeth due to compensating for the lost tooth.

  8. Better Quality of Life: Dental implants allow for a more natural, confident smile and help people feel more comfortable in social situations. They also allow you to enjoy a wider range of foods that may be difficult or impossible to eat with dentures or missing teeth.

Comparison to Other Options:

  • Dentures: While dentures are a more affordable option, they can be uncomfortable, unstable, and require constant maintenance. They can slip or irritate the gums, especially when eating or speaking. Dentures also don't prevent bone loss in the jaw.

  • Dental Bridges: A dental bridge can fill the gap created by missing teeth, but it requires altering adjacent healthy teeth. Bridges also don’t offer the same long-term durability or bone preservation as implants.

  • Partial Dentures: Similar to full dentures, partial dentures are removable and are held in place by clasps that attach to surrounding teeth. They are less stable than implants and can be less comfortable, and they don't address jawbone loss.

Why Dental Implants Are Often Preferred:

  • Longevity and Durability: Dental implants are considered the gold standard for tooth replacement due to their long-lasting nature and how well they function like natural teeth.

  • Bone Preservation: Implants maintain jawbone integrity, preventing the bone loss that often happens with other options like dentures.

  • High Success Rate: Implants have a very high success rate (around 95-98%), making them a reliable option for many people.

While dental implants are often the best choice for tooth replacement, they may not be suitable for everyone. Factors like overall health, bone density, and cost may influence whether dental implants are the right option for you. If you’re interested in learning more, make an appointment and we’ll advise you on all your alternatives and help you choose what’s right for you.

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We’ll prepare a proposal and walk you through every step of the process.