Dental implants are one of the most popular advances in modern dentistry. For many years, the only options for tooth loss were dentures or dental bridges. While both remain important options in replacing lost teeth, dental implant benefits often make them the best choice.
If you are faced with the inconvenience of missing teeth, you know that a less than perfect smile can affect your self-confidence. Tooth loss can also result in problems with your bite and may cause other teeth in your mouth to shift, making them more challenging to keep clean and more prone to infection.
In determining how best to treat your tooth loss, you should speak to your dentist and be aware of the many dental implant benefits.
Most Comparable to Natural Teeth
One of the biggest reasons dental implants are often preferred over other tooth replacement options is because they are most comparable to natural teeth in both function and form.
While a dental bridge must rely on the teeth adjoining a missing tooth gap, dental implants are surgically placed deep into the jawbone, mimicking the structure of a tooth’s natural root. Over time, the implant’s titanium post actually fuses to the bone to create a strong prosthetic tooth base.
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Secure and Long Lasting
Dental implants are built to last a lifetime. Because a dental implant is so deeply rooted in the jaw’s bone, with proper care, they offer a more durable, long-lasting solution than a dental bridge that would likely have to be repaired or replaced periodically.
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Restores Bite Strength
One of the primary reasons for replacing a tooth is to restore and preserve your natural bite’s strength and alignment. Bottom and top teeth are designed to work together, and when one is missing, it causes other teeth to drift and can adversely affect the bite.
Even with a dental bridge, underlying structures of the mouth can shift because it sits atop the gum line and doesn’t replace the missing root. Because a dental implant is anchored into the jaw, it allows you to bite with virtually the same force as natural teeth.
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Matches Natural Teeth
Dental implants are available in many shapes, sizes, and shades, so you can work with your dentist to determine the best match between your surrounding natural teeth and the prosthetic teeth that fill the gap.
Better Oral Health
Dental implants also tend to promote better oral health than other tooth replacement options for a few reasons.
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Maintain Healthy Teeth
One of the biggest dental implant benefits is the preservation of natural teeth. To install a bridge, a dentist must reshape and reduce the adjoining teeth to fit the caps that will keep it in place. This process removes most of the tooth’s naturally protective enamel, making it more susceptible to decay, inflammation and infection.
Of course, dentures require the removal of all teeth.
Implanting a dental device allows all-natural, healthy teeth to remain completely intact.
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Supports Surrounding Teeth
One of the primary reasons for choosing a dental implant over a bridge is that it doesn’t rely on neighbouring teeth for support.
Tooth-supported bridges can put a lot of stress on the supporting structures of the mouth. Because the implant is set directly into the jawbone, it’s much less likely to disturb other teeth.
In addition, a dental implant replaces the lost root when a tooth goes missing, whereas a bridge sits atop the gum line, leaving the space below. Over time, this can allow teeth to shift and become misaligned.
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Prevents Bone Loss
One of the more overlooked dental implant benefits is the prevention of bone loss. When you lose a tooth, you also lose bone mass in the jaw. Because the jawbone relies on interaction with our teeth’ roots to stay stimulated, it can shrink when a tooth is lost or removed.
Bone loss can change how your jaw supports your face’s features like your lips and cheeks, causing parts of the face to collapse and make us look older.
Dental implants provide the support most similar to natural teeth, rooted teeth to prevent the bone from shrinking.
Comfort and Convenience
For some, dental implants are preferable to a dental bridge or dentures because they just make life easier.
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Easy Maintenance
Easy MaintenanceMany dental appliances, including dentures and bridges, may require special products for their care and cleaning. With a dental implant, you won’t need any cleansing tablets or a particular flossing device. Dental implants can be cared for just like natural teeth.
Individual implants also allow easier access to the spaces between teeth, making them easier to brush and floss to prevent bacteria build-up.
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No Cavities
Although you still need to practice good oral hygiene to maintain your mouth’s overall health, artificial teeth can’t decay, so they don’t get cavities.
The anchoring teeth for a dental bridge are even more susceptible to decay than other teeth because they’ve been compromised to fit the bridge. Dental implants eliminate the extra propensity for cavities.
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Comfortability
Some tooth replacement options, like dentures, can become uncomfortable when you wear them for extended periods. They can also make chewing more difficult.
Plus, by eliminating the stress on surrounding teeth, dental implants tend to be more comfortable than other options overall.
Talk to a Professional
If you are considering dental implants, you should discuss your options with an experienced dental professional who can walk you through all the steps in the process and answer any questions you have about dental implant benefits.
No Gaps Dental has more than 50 qualified dentists conveniently located throughout Sydney. We can provide you with the information you need for peace of mind and the services you need for a healthier smile.
To discuss your dental implant options, book a consultation with our friendly staff today. Call us now at (02) 8806 0227
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.