In the past, when a person wanted to replace their missing teeth, their options were a bit limited. You could either get a dental bridge or dentures, and while these have helped thousands of patients, they leave a lot to be desired when compared to natural teeth. Fortunately, over the past few decades, dentistry has advanced to offer a third, more desirable option: dental implants. With dental implants, your dentist can replace any number of teeth so they are strong, natural-looking, and will last a lifetime.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is actually a small titanium post that is placed directly into the jawbone to restore the root structure of a lost tooth. This can then be used to support any number of replacement teeth. This artificial root is what makes dental implants so special. Most other treatments only replace the tooth above the gum line, which leaves your jawbone vulnerable to deterioration.
With dental implants, not only will your new teeth have unrivaled stability, but they’ll also help your jaw maintain its shape and strength over time, which is essential to your long term oral health. This is something bridges and dentures simply can’t do.
The Advantages of Dental Implants
Dental implants have a number of short and long term benefits you simply can’t get with more traditional treatments:
- Stability: Because the replacement teeth are anchored into the jawbone just like natural teeth, they’ll have the strength and security of real teeth as well.
- Appearance: Dental implants resemble a natural tooth in every way, both structurally and cosmetically. The posts are usually attached to all-porcelain restorations to give patients the next best thing to their real teeth.
- Longevity: While bridges and dentures need to be replaced every 5-7 years, dental implants can easily last for 30 or more.
- Versatility: Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even support a denture.
Are Dental Implants Right For You?
If you have missing teeth, dental implants are simply the best way to bring them back. To get them, simply contact an implant dentist in your area. At your first appointment, they’ll examine your dental health, overall health, as well as the height and width of your jawbone. That last part is essential to you being able to get dental implants.
From there, the entire process from implant placement to getting your new teeth can take about 6-12 months depending on your particular case.
Dental implants are giving more and more people their complete smile back, restoring both their appearance and ability to speak and eat comfortably at the same time. Missing teeth no longer have to be a life sentence anymore. If you’re ready to get your smile back, contact an implant dentist today.
About the Author
Dr. Randall Nameth is a general, cosmetic, and implant dentist based in Worthington, OH. He has used dental implants to help thousands of patients over the years, and he hopes to help thousands more in the future. He currently practices in Worthington, and he can be reached through his website or by phone at (614) 846-2222.