The Top 4 Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are touted as the best solution for missing teeth, but patients often wonder if they live up to the hype. They’re a significant investment, after all—are they really that much better than dentures or bridges? Read through these benefits of dental implants and you’ll see why we recommend them.

Although many people focus on the changes missing teeth cause in their smiles, oral surgeons are even more concerned about the changes they cause in the jawbone. The roots of your teeth are normally supported by the jawbone; when the roots are missing, it sends a signal to your body that this support is no longer needed and the bone begins to break down through a process called resorption. The results of this bone loss are a weakened bite, compromised teeth, and facial collapse, which causes a sunken, prematurely-aged appearance.

Dental implants are the only restoration option that replaces teeth both above and below the gum line, which means they work to maintain bone mass in the jaw. In fact, dental implants can even reverse bone loss that has already occurred.

While dentures and bridges have been used to replace missing teeth for hundreds of years, they only replace the visible portion of a tooth. As discussed above, dental implants also address tooth loss below the gum line, making the closest option structurally to your natural teeth.

Because dental implants are built much like natural teeth, it means they also look, function, and feel like natural teeth. They have superior strength, durability, and stability when compared to other restoration options. In many cases, you can even care for them just like you would your real teeth by brushing and flossing. There are no food restrictions, no impairments to your speech, and no slipping or irritation from dentures.

Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. Once they are implanted into your jaw, a process called osseointegration occurs and your jawbone and dental implants fuse together to create a durable restoration. At some point, you may need to replace the restorations that are attached to your dental implants, but the dental implants themselves are a permanent replacement for the roots of your missing teeth.

Each of the three benefits listed above add up to the final benefit: dental implants prevent bone loss, look and feel natural, and last a lifetime, so they’ll help you feel confident in your appearance again. If you have anxiety in social situations, go out of your way to hide your smile, and spend a lot of time worrying about your teeth, getting dental implants will give you the freedom to start living your life again.

The best way to know if dental implants are right for you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Steel. Contact us today at 505-821-2111 to make an appointment.