About Dental Implants
Dental implants have restored natural-looking smiles and self-confidence for millions of people over the past five decades. Whether you are missing a single tooth, a few teeth, or all of your teeth, your dentist will usually recommend dental implants because of the significant benefits they provide compare to other treatment options.
Your natural tooth consists of two parts: the root, embedded in bone, and the crown, which is visible. When you lose a tooth, the bone that previously surrounded the root resorbs, or deteriorates. A dental implant is a substitute tooth root that functions like a natural tooth root, preserving the bone and providing a strong foundation for a replacement crown. No other treatment option preserves the bone.
Why Are Dental Implants Considered the Treatment of Choice?
Dental implants are the preferred method of tooth replacement because of the benefits they provide compared to other treatment options.
- Dental implants preserve bone, preventing the bone resorption, or deterioration, that occurs naturally when teeth are lost or missing.
- Dental implant treatment does not compromise the health of the adjacent natural teeth. Other treatment options impact the health of these teeth.
- Dental implants have the best prognosis and the highest long-term success rates of any type of tooth replacement.
- Dental implant treatment is the most cost-effective tooth replacement option long-term.
For more information, visit The Dental Implant Guide or Dental Implant Surgery
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Dental implants provide numerous benefits compared to other treatment options.
- Replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth
- The bone surrounding the teeth is preserved
- Adjacent natural teeth are not compromised
- Oral hygiene is significantly better
- Increased stability and sense of security
- Denture adhesives can be eliminated
- The appearance of the smile is improved
- Nutrition and digestion can be improved, leading to better overall health
- Increased self confidence with a more natural-looking smile
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Nearly every patient with missing teeth, that is otherwise in good health, is a candidate for dental implant treatment. While certain medical conditions can affect the success of treatment, very few health issues prevent patients from having dental implants.
The integrity of your bone in the area where teeth are missing will determine whether dental implant treatment is possible. Fortunately, advances in technology and bone grafting procedures have made it possible for many people who do not have sufficient bone to have dental implant treatment.
If tooth loss has affected your appearance, self-confidence, or comfort, a consultation with your dentist is the first step in determining whether you are candidate for dental implant treatment that can improve your quality of life.