Dental implants represent one of modern dentistry’s most powerful, life-changing advances nowadays. Over the last decade, they’ve also become one of the most popular forms of dental prosthetics, and are now widely used on patients of all ages who may benefit from their unique capabilities. So what makes dental implants so important? Especially when compared to other kinds of dental prostheses. To understand that, let’s take a look at how they work and what can do that other forms of treatment can’t.
How Dental Implants Work
Dental implants offer a new approach to replacing lost or missing teeth while dentures can be removable and dental crowns are supported by the teeth around them. Dental implants can be prosthetic teeth that are mounted directly into the jaw itself. The process works something like this: first, a titanium screw is implanted into the jaw in the space once occupied by a lost or missing tooth. This screw functions as a stable base, much like the roots of a natural tooth. Once this base has healed in place, a prosthetic tooth is mounted to it. This tooth-shaped and colored to match its new neighbors–looks, functions, and feels just like a natural tooth does. Unlike dentures, dental implants are not removable but are permanent fixtures that are mounted into the sturdy bone of the jaw. Dental implants can also be used to support removable dentures and partials by using a snap on system to make them stable.
Advantages
Now, let’s talk about what makes them so important in modern dental care. Dental implants offer a number of important advantages over traditional prostheses, some of which we’ll go over here:
- Dental implants are permanent. With appropriate care, a good dental prosthetic will last a lifetime, just as a well-cared-for natural tooth would.
- Speaking of care, dental implants are easy to care for, requiring no more attention than a natural tooth does. Regular brushing and flossing, a healthy diet, and trips to the dentist for exams and cleanings are all they need.
- Prevent other teeth from shifting by filling the space of a lost or missing tooth and contributing to the structure and stability of your smile. Otherwise, natural teeth may begin to move in response to the open space left by a lost or missing tooth and this may in turn cause other problems with their spacing.
- Dental implants also restore function; They look, feel, and perform like natural teeth. This allows the patient to partake in a full range of activities–eating, chewing, speaking–just as they normally would without worrying that the prosthetic will shift or come loose.
- Finally–and perhaps most importantly–dental implants restore confidence. Your smile doesn’t define you, but it is a big part of how the world sees you. A good one can contribute to a full and healthy smile, thus boosting your confidence in yourself and the way you interact with those around you.
Are Dental Implants Right for Me?
Now that we’ve gone over how these prosthesis work and their importance in modern dental care, let’s tackle a fundamental question: are dental implants right for you? That’s going to depend on a great many things we can’t cover here–your situation is unique and your needs should be treated that way. The best thing to do is make an appointment to come in and see us. Our friendly, experienced staff will guide you through the process to help you discover the right solutions for you and get you started on the road to the best possible smile.