After losing one or more teeth or having them removed by a dentist, you'll need to choose a restorative dentistry option that will work best for your specific case. Dental implants are an excellent restorative solution that is superior to dental bridges or dentures for a number of reasons.
If you're thinking about getting implants but aren't sure how they stack up against other options, take a look at the five advantages listed below.
1. Stop bone deterioration
After your teeth are knocked down or extracted, there's an empty bone socket left in its place. If you avoid replacing the missing teeth, the area of bone that surrounds those sockets will begin to deteriorate and get weaker over time. Your jawbone might gradually shrink and become less dense, which could cause a variety of issues. You can have dental implants placed to reinforce the region and support the new tooth.
2. Amazing look and comfort
Implants have the same appearance, feel, and fit, similar to real, healthy teeth. They won't feel foreign in your mouth. It's likely that you won't even think of them. You may brush and floss your implants just like you would your real pearly whites. They will also help preserve your smile and help avoid unnatural changes in the shape of your face.
3. Stability for remaining healthy teeth
Your teeth may move out of their usual position in an attempt to close the gaps left by missing ones. This can, in turn, compromise your ability to chew, your bite, and the appearance of your smile. It may also result in interference, making getting a tooth replacement more challenging. Additionally, your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) may have issues as a result of a bad bite, which might lead to headaches and jaw pain.
4. Lower risk of oral infections
Think about what may happen to the natural teeth that are present around an empty tooth socket. They could come into contact with bacteria that cause deterioration. Additionally, the socket can serve as a site of entry for the same dangerous oral bacteria. This can result in oral infections and inflammation, both of which are extremely unpleasant and bad for your dental health.
Dental bridges and dentures typically create harder-to-reach areas where bacteria and plaque might accumulate. Dentures may also cause rashes and damaged skin, which, if left untreated, can serve as a breeding ground for bacteria. Contrarily, once an implant has fully healed, the empty socket is no longer visible, and you can brush and floss your teeth just as you did before.
5. Avoid facial sagging and premature aging
The jawbone deterioration due to tooth loss might induce certain changes in your face. Your lower face can start to collapse, gradually reducing the space between your chin and the tip of your nose. You may develop more mouth wrinkles, a more pointed chin, and thinner lips, which will make you look older than you actually are.
No matter your age or whether you have missing teeth owing to an injury or serious infection, implants may be the best possible treatment choice. They might also be a great option for teenagers when facial development and growth are complete.
The bottom line
Before deciding how you're going to replace your natural teeth, consult a cosmetic dentist to determine the best course of action for your unique needs. You should sit down with your dentist to discuss multiple factors since, just as with any dental surgery, a few things can impact how well your treatment goes. If they're a good choice, dental implants could improve your dental health in ways that other replacement options might not.
