There are several ways of replacing lost teeth. For the longest time, people relied mostly on dentures, while dental bridges also remained an option. However, if you are looking for permanent outcomes, it’s hard to think of an alternative as good as dental implants. You can meet your Philadelphia, PA dentist to learn more, but here are eight good reasons to consider implants.
- Implants are permanent: Implant posts are made of titanium and are placed inside or over the jawbone through surgery. The surgery site will heal and seal the implants securely. The implants remain in place and will not need replacement. The restorations can be replaced when required, but crowns, bridges, and dentures usually last at least a decade.
- Implants are versatile: Dental implants can be used to replace one or all of your missing teeth. In fact, if a patient is missing all of their natural teeth, just four implants are required to get a new set of replacement teeth. All-on-4 implants are great for seniors and those with extremely decayed teeth.
- There are multiple restoration options: Dental implants serve as the base or foundation for prosthetic teeth, and you can choose to replace missing teeth using various restorations. If you are missing a few teeth in a row, you can get an implant-supported bridge, while there are also options for fixed or removable dentures. For a single missing tooth, a dental crown is enough.
- More comfort: Restorations, no matter whether a crown, bridge, or dentures, remain in place with implants. There are three components of an implant-based restoration – a post (the implant), an abutment, and a prosthetic tooth. Because the replacement tooth is secured to the post through the connecting abutment, it will not move around. You will enjoy more comfort while eating and chewing.
- Better speech function: Our teeth have a dominant role in creating sounds and determining how we talk. Missing a few teeth can make a drastic difference to your speech. Regular dentures often move and don’t offer the same function, causing the patient to slur or stutter. With implants, you can have dentures that become a part of your mouth.
- Dental implants are for everyone: Even older patients can consider implants, and there is no age limit. As long as the patient is healthy and has enough jawbone and gums, they can benefit from implant surgery. For someone who has lost bone density, treatments like bone grafting surgery can prepare the implant site. However, your dentist is your guide for determining whether this is an option for your case.
- Implants preserve bone mass: When you lose a tooth, there is a quick decline in bone mass, often as high as 25% during the first year. Placing implants stimulates the jawbone and prevents further damage. In fact, implants help protect the gums, too.
- Implants protect remaining teeth: Because dental implants are placed in the sockets of missing teeth, they prevent other teeth from shifting, which can cause other issues. As soon as a tooth is removed, the adjacent teeth move to fill the gap which can also lead to alignment and bite issues.
Are dental implants expensive?
If you compare the cost of dental implants to dentures, the costs are higher. However, considering the wide range of advantages of implants, you will find the price worth paying. Implants are for a lifetime and have a high success rate.
Concluding takeaway
Don’t wait to replace missing teeth – Talk to your dentist in Philadelphia and discuss dental implants in person. They will usually order X-rays and imaging tests and determine the ideal treatment plan.