What are dental implants?

When it comes to restorative dentistry, dental implants are the best tooth replacement option available. Though dentures and bridges are also highly effective, nothing but a dental implant can restore the natural look, feel, and function of your natural teeth. Check out why so many people who experience tooth loss turn to dental implants.

Dental implants are small posts implanted into your jawbone to hold a future dental prosthetic, such as a crown. After insertion, it bonds with the bone to provide a secure foundation. Dentures, a popular tooth replacement option, tend to shift in your mouth, creating discomfort and embarrassing situations. But when the dental implant process is complete, no one else will ever know it isn’t your natural tooth (unless you tell them, of course).

Why Dental Implants Might Be the Tooth Replacement Option for You

If you are an adult missing a tooth due to an illness, tooth decay, or dental trauma, here are reasons you might want to consider a dental implant to replace it.

1. No Need To Involve the Adjacent Teeth

Your dental implant is designed to stand on its own. This means it doesn’t rely on the surrounding teeth for strength or to stay in place, like a dental bridge does. Though the implant and healing process is longer than other tooth replacement options, you don’t have to worry about damage to your other teeth.

2. Longevity and Success Rate

According to the National Library of Medicine, dental implants have a 95% success rate. This measure indicates that 95% of dental implant patients can expect their implant to last at least ten years. But when you practice good oral hygiene at home, take care of your overall health, and visit your dentist regularly for preventive appointments, your dental implant can last a lifetime.

3. Titanium Allergies Unlikely

Dental implants are made out of titanium, the ninth most abundant element on Earth. And not only is this element sustainable and readily available, but allergies to the metal are extremely rare. And while it is never impossible to develop an allergy, patients can generally rest assured that their bodies will have no issues adopting the metal.

4. Preserve Jawbone Density

When you experience tooth loss, your jawbone loses density and strength. For this reason, it is best to explore tooth replacement options as soon as possible. Dental implants not only ensure that your dental restoration is secure but also restores the function of your tooth’s roots, providing stimulation to the jawbone when you chew. Because of this, patients can successfully avoid bone resorption.

5. Have a Natural Look and Feel

Dental implants are designed to look and feel just like your real teeth. Dr. Baker or Dr. Stimmel will custom-design your implant restoration to match your smile.  And because the implant is a single unit as opposed to attaching to adjacent teeth, it feels just like a natural tooth. Implants are easy to care for too. Just brush, floss, and visit the dentist every six months just like you do for your natural teeth for a lovely, aesthetically pleasing smile.

6. Allow for Proper Eating and Speaking

When you’re missing a tooth, eating and speaking correctly can be challenging. Certain sounds you use in everyday speech require teeth. For example, you can’t effectively say the “th,” “v,” “f,” “s,” and “z” sounds without your front teeth. And when it comes to eating with missing teeth, you’re more likely to swallow food before adequately breaking it down. This means you’ll secrete less saliva, and your digestive system will need to work much harder.

7. Low Maintenance

You can easily care for your dental implants with proper oral care at home and preventive dental visits every six months. Implants don’t come out, and since they look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth, you don’t have to take any extra steps to care for them like you would with dentures or other tooth replacement options.

Dental implants can help you get your smile back.

We know that you want to feel good about smiling again, and we’re pleased to tell you that you can get your smile back with dental implants. To learn more about the best tooth replacement options, request an appointment with Bloomington Modern Dentistry. Your Bloomington dentist for dental implants is in the smile business and knows a thing or two about the benefits of a great smile. So what are you waiting for? Contact us today.