Data from WebMD shows that more than 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. Whatever the cause of the tooth loss, having one or multiple missing teeth can feel like you have lost a part of your being. The space left by lost teeth affects not only your smile but also the health and function of your teeth. For several years, dental patients have been replacing teeth with dentures and bridges, which are shaky and have interfered with the nearby healthy natural teeth.
Fortunately, if you are considering tooth replacement today, you do not have to deal with the challenges of ill-fitting dentures and bridges. You can opt for denture implants, which mimic the structure of natural teeth, from the roots to the dental crown. The implant fuses directly with your jawbone, providing a solid foundation for the artificial tooth. Discussed below is why dental implants are a popular tooth replacement option.
Advantages of Dental Implants that Make them Popular for Tooth Replacement
The common advantages of implants that explain their popularity include:
Implants are Comfortable and Duplicate the Structure of Natural Teeth
Dental patients who undergo a dental implant procedure report that the restorations replicate the structure of natural teeth, from the artificial root to the prosthetic crown, giving them a natural appearance, function, and feel. The artificial tooth roots are implanted into the jawbone and allowed to integrate via osseointegration. After integration, the artificial posts become part of the jawbone, just like the natural tooth root. That way, they feel and function like your original teeth. You do not have to worry about slipping or wobbling when you are speaking or eating in public, so you do not have to feel self-conscious or develop low self-esteem when engaging in social activities.
Additionally, the stimulation of the jawbone by the artificial tooth roots after osseointegration prevents the gradual bone deterioration, preventing the alteration of your facial structure, which makes you look older than you are. If your face was already sunken due to bone resorption, the stimulation from the implants helps restore bone density and volume, helping restore your natural facial appearance.
With implants that function like natural teeth, you can enjoy all kinds of foods, including hard and crunchy ones, helping you maintain a balanced diet. Eating healthy and diverse foods improves your appearance.
Implants Help with Jawbone and Facial Structure Preservation
One major long-term benefit of dental implants is that they preserve the structural integrity of the jawbone. The human bone operates on the doctrine of use it or lose it. So, when you have your natural teeth, they apply pressure on the jawbone whenever you chew, triggering stimulation, which signals the body to send more blood and nutrients to the section of the bone because it is still in use.
When you lose one or several teeth and remain for months without replacement, the jawbone no longer experiences stimulation from the section with missing teeth. The body stops supplying nutrients to that part of the bone, resulting in reduced bone density or volume and, eventually, bone resorption. The reduction in bone density causes your bones to wear and shrink, giving your face a sunken appearance that is common among older individuals. Apart from a sagging face, jawbone resorption can cause pain when chewing or talking, as well as continued tooth loss, as the bone can no longer hold the natural tooth roots in place.
Fortunately, after a dental implant procedure, the artificial tooth roots integrate with the jawbone, becoming perfect substitutes for the natural roots. The outcome of osseointegration is bone stimulation during speaking and chewing, which restores bone density and, eventually, facial structure. If your bone was not already resorbed, the implants ensure continued stimulation, which prevents the body from resorbing it and causing shrinkage.
So, when you replace natural teeth with implants, you are not only filling spaces but also preserving your natural bone and facial appearance, helping you maintain your youthful appearance. Additionally, you can prevent further oral problems, such as tooth loss and chewing pain.
Implants are Durable and Reliable
Implants are designed to last for decades, and, depending on your age and several factors such as your oral hygiene and care, they could last a lifetime. They are a permanent solution for missing teeth, unlike conventional tooth replacement options such as dentures, which require replacement every 5 to 10 years, and bridges, which last an average of 10 to 15 years. So, when looking to invest in a long-term solution to your missing teeth, implants are the go-to option.
Implants Improve Your Teeth’s Functionality
When you have missing teeth or wear dentures or bridges, mealtimes can be frustrating or embarrassing. You are afraid that the food you eat could dislodge your dentures or that your restoration appliance could slip out. Also, your food options are limited because your teeth no longer have even half the chewing strength of natural teeth.
However, implants are stable, so you do not have to be afraid of slipping and embarrassing yourself. Also, implants eliminate the frustration of being limited, as they restore the full strength of your natural teeth, enabling you to enjoy a wide range of foods, including hard and chewy ones.
Improved tooth functionality is also crucial in communication. Implants integrate with the jawbone, providing stability that prevents slippage or clicking in the mouth when you speak, problems prevalent with dentures and bridges. Implants allow freedom of tongue movement and proper striking of articulation points, helping you pronounce words clearly and naturally. The structure of implants from the roots to the artificial teeth replicates the natural tooth structure, meaning you can speak naturally like a person with natural teeth.
Implants are Highly Successful and Predictable
A dental implant procedure is a complex one because it involves surgery. Whenever the question of surgery arises, safety and success rates become concerns. Clinical studies indicate that implants have a 95% to 98% success rate for dental patients aged 40 or younger. However, the success rate decreases above this age. Apart from age, other factors that affect the success rate include the implant’s position, jawbone health, and the technique your oral surgeon uses.
The front section of the jawbone is denser than the back. So, when replacing the front teeth, the treatment success rate will be higher than when replacing the molars. Also, osseointegration happens in a healthy bone. If your bone is unhealthy, integration might not occur properly, reducing the treatment’s success rate. The experience and professional skills of the oral surgeon will also significantly influence the procedure’s success rate. If your dentist is skilled and uses state-of-the-art technology, the chances of the surgery being successful are significantly high.
Similarly, the results of dental implants are predictable. Usually, patients who undergo the procedure report improved speech, aesthetics, and chewing ability. These result in improved confidence and quality of life.
Dental Implants Candidacy
While implants are popular among dental patients with missing teeth, not everyone is a candidate. You will need to schedule a consultation with an experienced dental professional, such as an oral surgeon, prosthodontist, or periodontist, for a thorough evaluation to determine your eligibility and a detailed initial cost estimate.
During the consultation, the dentist will examine your teeth and gums and assess your jawbone to determine its health and density. Thorough bone evaluation typically involves CT scans and X-rays. The images from these tests help tell the density of your bone and if it is suitable for a dental implant procedure.
If you have gum issues, such as gum disease, your dental professional will recommend treating the disease first. Besides, they will recommend bone grafting before implantation if you have low-quality jawbone. If you are not willing to undergo a bone graft procedure, you can opt for other alternatives for tooth replacement, such as dental dentures and bridges.
Typically, candidates for dental implants are individuals with missing teeth, those with dental bridges that require replacement, slipping or shaky dentures, and bite issues due to missing teeth. Apart from gum disease and low jawbone density, other factors that can affect your candidacy for the procedure include:
- Smoking, which reduces blood flow, slows down recovery
- Uncontrolled chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart conditions, interfere with implant integration with the bone.
If you are a candidate, the dentist will discuss the estimated treatment duration, the number of appointments you should expect, and the outcome. Additionally, they will discuss local anesthesia and sedation options. Also, the issue of cost and the factors that will affect the estimated treatment cost will arise. Ensure that you understand the costs and compare prices with other facilities before starting treatment.
Dental Implant Placement Procedure
Today, implant restorations are virtually indistinguishable from the remaining healthy natural teeth. The natural appearance and structure are aided in part by the structural and functional link between the artificial tooth root and the healthy jawbone. The implantation of the artificial root is performed in a single visit, but healing, or osseointegration, takes months.
Osseointegration is the process by which an implant fuses with the jawbone. The process takes 1.5 to 6 months for the titanium to anchor to the jawbone and for the surgical site to heal. After a full recovery, you return to the dentist for the permanent restoration, which can be a hybrid denture, bridge, or dental crown. If the site does not heal properly or osseointegration fails, the entire implant procedure will be a failure because the artificial tooth will lack stable anchorage.
The steps involved in the procedure are:
- Jaw Preparation for Implantation
A dental implant is just the artificial tooth root that replaces the natural tooth root. The full structure comprises the artificial root and a dental crown that sits above the connector and is connected to the implant to replace the visible part of the tooth.
During implantation, the dentist administers local anesthesia and then cuts the gums to expose the underlying jawbone. Once the gums are exposed, the dentist drills a pinhole in the section of the missing teeth. The tiny hole is used to guide the titanium posts into the jawbone. The dentist must bore the pilot hole precisely to avoid nerve damage. Most professionals use CT scan images when drilling to avoid causing damage.
- Implant Placement
Once the pilot hole is in place, the dentist widens it slowly to accommodate the titanium screw or post. After inserting the implant, the dental professional stitches back the lifted gum tissue over the post. They then place a protective cover over the site to protect the area while you wait for osseointegration.
You will return to the dentist once the surgical site has healed. In this second visit, the dentist will remove the cover securing the implant and attach a connector or abutment to the post or screw. The role of the connector is to retain your restoration in place by connecting it to the implant. In some cases, especially when you have multiple missing teeth in the same section, the dentist places an abutment during the implant surgery to allow the placement of a temporary restoration as osseointegration occurs.
After the abutment is in place, you will receive a final restoration. If a dental crown is already fabricated or your provider offers same-day fabrication, the treatment will be completed in a single visit. The implant restoration treatment ends when you receive the final restoration.
Benefits of Dental Implants vs. Their Alternatives
Benefits of implants over other alternatives include:
- Implants are more stable because they are implanted on the jawbone, unlike bridges, which are supported by neighboring teeth, and removable dentures, which sit above the gums and are prone to slipping.
- Implants do not interfere with adjacent teeth because they sit independently, whereas bridges require reshaping the surrounding healthy teeth to support the bridge. The clasps in dentures also use surrounding teeth and can affect them.
- The implants stimulate the jawbone, which is crucial for its preservation, unlike bridges and dentures, which offer no stimulation.
- The initial cost of implants is higher than that of bridges and dentures, but they are more affordable in the long run because of their durability. They do not require replacement, thus saving you money.
Find a Competent Dental Implant Dentist Near Me
If you are considering dental implants or seeking professional opinion regarding missing teeth, you must consult an experienced dentist. At SoCal Dental of Agoura, we understand that missing teeth can make you feel self-conscious about your smile, cause bite problems, and lead to bone resorption, which can cause facial sagging. Therefore, we will thoroughly examine you during the initial consultation to determine if dental implants are suitable for your oral issues and goals. Contact us at 818-597-0100 to arrange a no-obligation consultation.
