What Are the Benefits of Getting a Dental Implant?

Many people suffer from tooth loss due to advanced decay. In fact, over one in four U.S. adults have untreated tooth decay and 36% of adults aged 30 or older have signs have gum disease. While bad cavities can be treated with a filling or protective cap, the tooth may need to be removed if the decay is too advanced. A dental implant might be a more effective, long-term solution.

Dental Implants and Caps

Tooth repair or replacement typically comes with two main choices, which are dental implants or dental crowns. When you opt for a crown, you get to keep part of your teeth, while the top part is replaced by a cap that keeps the tooth structurally sound. This is often the preferred option because you want to keep your natural teeth for as long as possible. However, if the tooth is too decayed, a cap may not be possible.

What Makes Dental Implants Ideal for Long-Term Solutions?

Decayed teeth can be completely removed and replaced with an implant that looks just like the real thing. At times, patients opt for a cap on their existing tooth, but you find the tooth has to be removed anyway later on if it’s beyond repair. Here are some general benefits associated with dental implants:

• They’re durable: This is one of the biggest strengths of dental implants. They are very durable and can last a lifetime with good care. Calibration standards are importnat to ensure your dental implant are succesfully positioned in your mouth and how much jaw bone support it has. The success rate for dental implants is very high, making them a predictable choice for people who need a more permanent tooth replacement solution, whether it’s for a single tooth or several teeth. Most dentists recommend dental implants if the tooth has extensive damage.

• They protect your jawbone: Typically, the area around a missing tooth tends to loss of bone mass because the jawbone no longer has stimulation in that area. Fortunately, dental implants connect with the jawbone, providing this much-needed stimulation and helping to prevent future bone loss. They are the only tooth replacement option that provides this advantage.

• They’re just as good as your natural teeth: Dental implants can match the size and shape of the missing tooth perfectly and they can bite and chew just like your natural teeth without worrying about damage. Additionally, they match the rest of your teeth, too. When you smile or talk, people won’t be able to tell the difference at all. Another way that implants behave like natural teeth is that they have enough bite force, allowing you to chew foods properly, like with your normal tooth. That’s because they’re secured to your jaw using titanium screws that replace the root. Also, dental implants won’t affect your speech the way missing teeth or dentures do. You’ll still be able to speak and communicate in your natural manner.

• They maintain facial structure: As mentioned earlier, your natural teeth help to maintain your facial structure and appearance. When you lose teeth, depending on the position of those missing teeth, your facial structure may change or your teeth may shift. The good news is, dental implants provide as much support as your natural teeth, so even if you lose teeth, you can still maintain your appearance.

• They’re easy to care for: Dental implants won’t require much more care than what’s needed for your natural teeth. You just have to stick to the normal routine of brushing at least twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and going for dental checkups once every six months. The important thing is to treat your implant just like your natural teeth.

Dental implants are a great way to restore missing teeth. If you’re interested in restoring your smile, contact Gainesville Dental Associates for more information about our dental implant procedures.