Deciding between dental implants and other tooth restoration options can be difficult when you consider cost, functionality, and aesthetics. While implants often win over the alternatives in both performance, durability, and looks, a higher price point may steer people in the other direction. When considering what is available to restore lost teeth, it helps to understand the benefits of implants to decide if this option is worthwhile.
One of the main benefits of getting implants is that they are a healthier alternative for the mouth.
Unlike dental bridges or dentures, implant surgery does not require any damaging, irreversible work to the teeth surrounding the missing or soon-to-be-extracted tooth. Rather, implants securely fill the gap while keeping the adjacent teeth untouched.
This option also prevents deteriorating jawbone or recessed gums. Any time a person has a missing tooth, the surrounding bone begins to dissolve and distribute into the body’s circulatory system because there is no tooth root to stimulate the jaw when biting down. This makes chewing more difficult for the individual and can visually affect the structure of the mouth.
Alternatively, dental implants are placed into the jawbone using a drill. After the bone and metal post fuse together and heal, the prosthetic substitutes the original tooth root, continuing to stimulate the jaw and support the gums.
After getting dental implants, patients do not need to worry about adding any additional steps to normal maintenance routines. Brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day is enough to keep bacteria at bay, along with regular dentist appointments every six months.
With proper maintenance, patients can expect to benefit from the implants for 25 years or more. For many people, this alternative is permanent with occasional crown replacement. This compares to an average of 5 to 15 years of longevity for other options.
When having a tooth replaced, most people are concerned about aesthetics in addition to function. Having a gap in the mouth is embarrassing, but restorative options that bring attention to the prosthetic are also undesirable. Dentures are notorious for a less-than-seamless appearance, especially if they start to loosen over time and begin to slip from the gums when eating or speaking.
Dental implants, on the other hand, are secured firmly into the mouth and are not prone to movement during normal activities. The crown used to cover the metal attachment is made from porcelain, which looks very similar to natural teeth. This material can be molded and designed to closely match the patient’s exact tooth shape and texture, then colored to blend with the surrounding teeth. Porcelain is both stain and chemical resistant, so foods and drinks should not cause discoloration.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
Dental Implants in Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Dental implants may cost more than other restorative options, but patients should consider that this treatment exceeds other alternatives, such as dental bridges or dentures, in terms of appearance, performance, and longevity.
Request an appointment or call Rafael E. Cordero, DDS PA at 561-763-9221 for an appointment in our Palm Beach Gardens office.
Dental implants are oral prosthetics that are highly recommended by dentists when it comes to replacing missing teeth. Implants serve as artificial teeth roots that are surgically inserted into your jawbone. It takes over the role of the root that falls out when a tooth comes off, passing bite forces into the jawbone so it…
A periodontist can help with the placement of dental implants. These are dentists who specialize in diagnosing, preventing, and treating issues that affect gum tissues like periodontal disease, which is the second leading reason why people need dental care. A periodontist spends most of their time performing gum disease treatments, bone grafts, and dental implant…
Losing a tooth, whether due to injury or gum disease, can be scary, but the option of a single tooth implant can help solve the issue while protecting your gums and neighboring teeth. This type of implant has many benefits and is a great solution to ensure that your teeth and jaw stay healthy while…
If you are missing one or more permanent teeth, dental implants may be an option for replacing them. Placing the implants requires an operation, and not everyone is a candidate for the surgery. Your dentist can discuss the criteria you must meet to be eligible. If you do not meet the criteria now, it may…
According to the American Dental Association, dental implants are stable because the jawbone grows around them. This process is known as osseointegration, and it is essential for the success of an implant. Several elements can affect this process, and patients undergoing the dental implant procedure should understand what affects an implant fusing to the bone.…