One of the most common reasons to get
dental implants is the loss of permanent (adult) teeth. If you lose one of your permanent
teeth, there is no better option to replace it than with a dental implant.
This is because a dental implant protects your facial bones and because
the missing tooth is replaced with a secure anchor in the jawbone, it
protects your adjacent teeth, too. Other tooth replacement options, such
as dental bridges or dentures, do not do this, because they do not stimulate
the jawbone the way a natural tooth root does, which can put adjacent
teeth at risk of falling out. While it may alarm you that your teeth can
eventually loosen without adding a dental implant, this is a real danger.
When a tooth is removed or absent for whatever reason, leaving an empty
space in the mouth can lead to the deterioration of the jawbone. Without
replacing the roots of a missing tooth by adding a dental implant, your
jawbone will gradually disintegrate, losing mass and density over time.
While other tooth replacement options focus on replacing the tooth crown,
these are not the optimal solution to protect your oral health. Although
option such as dentures or bridges have a lower upfront cost, but can
cause long-term problems that will require more extensive restoration
work down the line and high costs to fix your oral health problems.
The Benefits of a Dental Implant Over Other Tooth Replacement Options
A dental implant addresses the need both for a replacement tooth root and
the crown. The implant itself is made of titanium, a very lightweight
metal that is surgically placed in the jawbone, and a crown is attached,
so you preserve the function of your teeth and so you can smile with confidence.
Keep in mind that dental implants are secure, so they don’t slip
when you talk, eat, sneeze, or laugh. Your speech will also be more natural.
When it comes down to it, there is no better option for replacing missing
teeth than a dental implant. Another thing to consider it that dental
implants last longer than dentures and bridges, which must be replaced
every 5-10 years. Implants, on the other hand, are built to last a lifetime,
although you may need to have the crown recemented after a few years,
if it loosens. You’ll have the peace of mind that your jawbone is
healthy and strong, and the adjacent teeth are protected. It is a wise
investment for your future oral health.
Interested in learning more about dental implants?
Contact us at Austell Dental Associates today by calling (770) 467-3888 to set up
an appointment with our periodontist.