Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
You can’t fail to have noticed the popularity of dental implants, particularly if you’re considering them as an option for missing tooth replacement. But just how good are dental implants and will they meet your expectations?
To receive implants, a patient needs to undergo dental implant surgery so it’s hardly surprising that they have plenty of questions to ask. Since dental implants are still a relatively new technology when compared to conventional bridges or dentures, some people are still unsure of how they work.
For this reason, many patients are curious about just how good dental implants are.
Dental implants are undoubtedly the best way to replace missing teeth
A dental implant is an extremely effective way to replace a missing tooth and is inserted into the jawbone during dental implant surgery. Since the titanium implant is biocompatible, the body responds to it by growing new bone around and over it so that it becomes a permanent fixture in the mouth.
Once this process known as osseointegration has taken place, a dental implant is topped with either a dental crown or bridge for a seamless smile transition. In addition, implants can also be used to support dentures to prevent them from loosening and moving around in the mouth.
A dental implant is the only form of tooth-replacement that replaces both the missing tooth and its root which is why it’s superior to other options such as conventional bridges or dentures.
Aesthetics vs Functionality
When it comes to modern dentures or bridges, contemporary appliances look far more lifelike than their older counterparts – especially when in the hands of a skilled technician. However, nothing beats the natural appearance of dental implants.
Implants look more natural than other tooth-replacement methods for the simple reason that they’re inserted into the jawbone during dental implant surgery just like real teeth – rather than resting on the gum line like conventional dentures and bridges.
Functionality, however, is where dental implants really excel. Once in position, dental implants are as secure as natural teeth and provide more than 80% of the biting force of real teeth. This means patients can bite into any foods without concern and chew with ease. On the contrary, traditional dentures only have around 30% of the bite force of natural teeth so typically, denture wearers need to watch what they eat. Even a dental bridge which is supported by adjacent natural teeth, won’t provide the same level of stability as a dental implant.
How good are dental implants? So, good you’ll even look younger!
Aside from aesthetics and strength, another key benefit of dental implants is that they prevent bone loss from occurring. When a tooth is lost, the bone that supported it is absorbed by the body because it thinks there is no longer a need for it. As a result, and over time, bone deterioration occurs which causes the facial structures to sag and the face to take on a sunken hollow look. This can make a person look older than their years.
Also, the jawline starts to change shape causing once snug dentures to lose their fit which is why denture wearers often have to rely on dental adhesive to keep them in place.
On the contrary, dental implant surgery puts a halt to bone loss since the implants stimulate the bone in the same way as a tooth root to keep the bone dense and healthy. Consequently, implant patients will find that their faces appear gently rounded, with a more youthful look. What’s not to like about that?
If you’re still wondering whether to put yourself through dental implant surgery and whether implants really are all that they’re cracked up to be, here are two more significant reasons that dental implants are better than dental bridges and dentures.
Implants are a stand-alone method of tooth replacement
While dental bridges do a perfectly good job of replacing missing teeth, it needs to be pointed out that in order to secure a dental bridge, otherwise healthy teeth have to be compromised.
A bridge is made up of a series of dental crowns to replace missing teeth and relies on abutment teeth at either end of the tooth gap to keep it in place. These healthy teeth have to be filed down and reshaped to accommodate the dental crowns used to secure the bridge so that the bite remains even. This can leave these teeth weakened and vulnerable to decay.
Dental implants, on the other hand, have no such need for support from adjacent teeth since they are a standalone restoration. As a result, no natural teeth will be altered.
Cared for like real teeth
Perhaps, the most compelling reason to undergo dental implant surgery is to receive replacement teeth that not only look and act like natural teeth but are also cared for in the same way.
With dental implants, patients can forget about having to use adhesive to hold them in place, as they may do with dentures. Even better, there’s no need to take them out at night to soak in a glass while your gums enjoy a rest.
All that’s needed to keep a dental implant in good condition is:
- Brushing at least twice a day
- Flossing once a day and
- Regular dental check-ups and cleans
How good are dental implants?
Hopefully, by now you have the answer to your question. If you’re interested to find out if implants are a suitable option for you, then why not schedule an implant consultation with the friendly experienced dental team at a No Gaps dental clinic near you.
Call us today at (02) 8806 0227.