Tooth loss happens to many of us for any number of reasons: traumatic injury, untreated disease, or simple neglect. The good news is that while tooth loss is common, it can almost always be treated. For most patients, dental implants represent the best option for tooth replacement. Before deciding on dental implants, it’s important to consider all options available to you.
What Are Dental Implants?
First and foremost, it is vital to understand the mechanism and intention of dental implants.
A dental implant is a small titanium rod, made to simulate a natural tooth root. The implant is carefully inserted into the jawbone, at the site of the missing tooth. It is then left to heal for several weeks, fusing with the surrounding bone to ensure long-term stability. This process is known as osseointegration.
Once the implant is secure, a connective piece called an abutment is added, followed by a porcelain crown that is custom-made by your dentist to look and behave just like natural teeth.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Due to their effectiveness and longevity, dental implants have become a preferred method for replacing missing teeth. Some of the primary benefits of dental implants include:
- With the right dental hygiene, they can provide long-lasting results.
- They are nearly as strong as your natural teeth, allowing you to bite and chew normally.
- Dental implants can help you avoid jawbone atrophy and unwanted changes to your facial appearance.
- Dental implant placement does not require any healthy teeth to be extracted or compromised in any way.
Ultimately, dental implants restore full form and function, offering long-lasting, natural-looking results.
What About Other Options for Tooth Replacement?
Dental implants may be considered the leading option, but there are still other choices on the market worthy of comparison.
Fixed Dental Bridges
With a fixed dental bridge, your doctor will use artificial teeth to replace your natural ones. The bridge itself is held in place by surrounding teeth.
Some patients choose to forego dental bridges due to the following reasons :
- Dental bridges usually last only 10-15 years, whereas implants can last much longer.
- Unlike implants, bridges do not replace your tooth roots, which can result in bone degradation and other oral health complications.
- Attaching a bridge usually requires some of your healthy teeth to be sanded or shaved, compromising their integrity.
Removable Partial Dentures
A removable partial denture can be used to replace one or more teeth. The denture sits on an attachment on or near other teeth and can be removed as needed. Some downsides include:
- Partial dentures usually last only five years, whereas implants can last much longer.
- Unlike implants, partial dentures do not replace your tooth roots, which can result in bone degradation and other oral health complications.
- In some cases, partial dentures require some of your healthy teeth to be sanded or shaved, compromising their integrity.
- A partial denture will not offer the strong bite power you would get from implants.
Traditional Dentures
Traditional dentures fit over the gums and can be a good option for replacing multiple teeth. However, there are also significant downsides that include:
- Traditional dentures usually last only five to seven years, whereas implants can last much longer.
- Unlike dental implants, traditional dentures do not replace your tooth roots, which can result in bone degradation and other oral health complications.
- Traditional dentures usually require healthy teeth to be extracted, which is not the case with dental implants.
Explore Your Options for Dental Implants
Dental implants provide a way for you to enjoy long-lasting, natural-looking results, all while preserving your overall oral health. To find out more about dental implants in the Saline, MI community, we invite you to connect with Saline Oral Facial & Dental Implant Surgery directly. Visit our dental implants page or call us to schedule a consultation at (734) 547-6003.
