Dental implants replace both the root and crown of a missing tooth. They’re the most natural looking and feeling tooth replacement option available. In contrast to dentures or dental bridges, teeth implants offer an unobtrusive and more permanent solution for missing teeth. In addition to the look and feel of a natural tooth, they also restore your full chewing power.
Implants have a very low failure rate if patients follow their dentist’s or oral surgeon’s care instructions. Some chronic health conditions that interfere with bone healing such as smoking may affect the success of the treatment.
They Look and Feel Like Your Natural Teeth
If you have a missing tooth, dental implants provide a natural-looking and feeling solution. Unlike bridges and dentures, dental implants fuse to the jaw bone for added stability. They also don’t require alteration of adjacent teeth, which improves your overall oral health.
Dental implant restorations are crafted with materials like zirconia or porcelain to match the color and translucency of your natural teeth. During your initial consultation, your dentist will make sure your jawbone and gums are healthy enough for implants.
If necessary, your dentist may add additional bone to the implant site to ensure it’s strong enough for an artificial tooth to be attached. Good oral hygiene habits, including daily brushing and flossing, alongside regular visits to your dental professional should help keep your dental implant restorations healthy for years to come. If bacteria get into the soft tissue surrounding an implant, it can cause a painful condition known as peri-implantitis. Thankfully, this is rare and can be easily prevented with proper care.
They Restore Full Chewing Power
Tooth implants are made from titanium, which has a unique property of fusing directly with bone through the process known as osseointegration. They are highly durable, with a lifespan of up to a lifetime with proper oral hygiene.
Implants are designed to replace a single missing tooth, several adjacent teeth or all of your natural teeth in the upper and/or lower jaw. They can also support a removable denture or an implant-supported bridge. Dental implants can also prevent the shifting of neighboring teeth into an empty space, which can negatively affect your bite and increase the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Teeth that shift can also become crooked, which makes it harder to clean them effectively and puts you at greater risk of cavities.
They Prevent Bone Loss
When you lose a tooth, the bone in your jaw begins to deteriorate because it no longer receives stimulation. This causes the other teeth to shift and cause serious bite issues and changes in your facial appearance. A dental implant acts as an artificial tooth root and transmits the force of everyday chewing, biting and smiling into your jaw bone to keep it strong and prevent further bone loss.
Implant surgery has a very high success rate. However, you must commit to a strict oral hygiene routine to ensure a healthy recovery and long-term success. This includes regular visits to your dentist and following a diet of soft foods, applying ice packs to reduce swelling and avoiding smoking, which can all impede the healing process.
Certain systemic conditions can also interfere with the success of your implants, including uncontrolled diabetes, cancer, chronic steroid use and some neurological diseases. These conditions can affect the strength of your bone and lead to infection.
They’re Affordable
Dental implants are a major commitment to your oral health and quality of life. They are more expensive than dentures and bridges, but they will last a lifetime and prevent bone loss. They will also save you money over time as they are less likely to require regular repairs and replacements.
The cost of dental implants will vary based on the treatment plan designed for your specific needs. Your dentist will evaluate your situation and create a comprehensive treatment plan before providing you with an estimate of costs. This will include 3D imaging and a detailed description of the procedures to be performed.
In addition, dental insurance providers may cover some of the expense. Other payment options include flexible spending accounts, health reimbursement accounts and HSAs. Additionally, many dental offices offer their own unique payment plans that can help make your teeth implant procedure affordable. Many patients also use a HELOC loan or home equity to cover the costs of their procedure.