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.
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