Every day, people lose a tooth or multiple teeth for various reasons. Injury, gum disease, wear and tear, aging, and tooth decay are all causes of tooth loss. Once a tooth is gone, you will face several replacement options. Dr. Elizabeth Duling will suggest dental implants for all patients who qualify. Read on to learn more about the benefits of dental implants from an Owens Cross Roads, AL dentist.
The Benefits of Dental Implants in Owens Cross Roads, AL
Dental implants offer many benefits, unlike other options such as dentures and dental bridges. Instead of simply filling in the gap in your smile, they are better for your oral health and well-being. The benefits of dental implants include:
Better Oral Health
Dental implants will improve your oral health. Not only will they replace the missing teeth, but they will also replace the missing teeth roots. The underlying bone will deteriorate over time once a tooth goes missing.
We maximize healthy jaw bone or recommend grafting so you have enough bone to support your implants. Teeth implants are the only solution to prevent this and keep your remaining teeth and jawbone healthy.
Improved Speech
Missing teeth can make it difficult to speak clearly. Dentures also cause slurring when they shift or move around in the mouth. Dental implants can restore your teeth and the ability to speak normally. This will positively impact your confidence and overall quality of life.
Increased Comfort
Dental restorations that are secured with implants tend to be more comfortable. This is because they do not require remaining teeth, suction, or adhesives to stay in place. They will not move around in your mouth and rub your gums, leading to irritation or sores. They are made to fit perfectly in your mouth and will not move or shift.
Improved Eating Ability
Missing teeth make it hard to eat certain types of foods. Replacing your teeth with dentures does not restore much of your chewing ability. Removable dentures can slip around the mouth when eating hard or crunchy foods.
With dental implants, you can enjoy a wider variety of food. This is because the implants stabilize your new teeth, making them more durable. You can chew food with ease without any discomfort. Once you are used to your restoration, you may not notice a difference between implants and natural teeth. Implants will restore most of your full bite function.
Improved Appearance
Replacing missing teeth, especially in the front of the mouth, can improve the appearance of your smile. We use implant restorations that mimic the look and feel of natural teeth. Materials like porcelain reflect light like natural teeth.
Our office also takes precise measurements and color-matches restorations to blend in with your smile. If you need full dentures, we will ensure your restoration matches your desired tooth shade.
Long-Lasting Restoration
Dental implants offer a long-term solution for missing teeth. They are designed to be durable and will last for many years with proper care and maintenance. The implant post, or the part of the implant we place in the jaw, is permanent because it replaces the tooth root.
Implants will last a lifetime if you practice good oral hygiene at home, see a dentist regularly, refrain from smoking, maintain good overall health, and wear a mouthguard when needed.
No Impact on Surrounding Teeth
Dental implant restorations will only replace your missing teeth. When a dental bridge is used to replace teeth, adjacent teeth must support it. Your dentist will have to reduce these teeth in size, and they will also endure extra stress to support the whole bridge.
Implants are a standalone solution that will not impact the surrounding teeth. You can preserve the appearance of your natural teeth when you get implants.
Improved Overall Quality of Life
Finally, patients with dental implants report an improved overall quality of life. This is because this tooth loss solution resembles natural teeth so well. Teeth implants improve appearance, oral health, eating abilities, speech, and self-confidence. They are a long-term solution that will not require constant replacement or repair.
Are Dental Implants for Me?
Most patients are candidates for dental implant treatment. The only qualifications are missing teeth, healthy jaw bones, and good overall health. During a consultation, we will review your medications and medical conditions to ensure you are healthy enough for treatment.
Our office will also take X-rays to see if you need pretreatments. If you are not a current candidate for implants, we will recommend treatment to improve your health. Treating gum disease, tooth decay, and bone loss can ensure successful implantation.
Dental Implant Treatment
Before placing implants, we ensure you have enough jaw bone to support the implant posts. A healthy jawbone ensures that the implants have enough support. We often recommend bone grafting to build up healthy jaw bone tissue.
Removable dentures and traditional bridges do not need grafting. As a result, you can lose the natural jaw bone that supports your facial structure. Facial sagging is common among patients who do not receive grafting or implants. This problem can make you look older and make your face sunken.
During implant treatment, we place titanium implant posts in the jaw. These posts act as new tooth roots to support crowns, bridges, and dentures. While this treatment may take longer or cost more than other options, many patients find implants worth the time. Implant restorations deliver a stronger biting force, easy cleaning, and longer-lasting results.
Benefits of Dental Implants FAQs
Dental implants come with many benefits compared to other tooth replacement methods. Learn more.
How do dental implants improve oral health?
Unlike bridges that require altering adjacent teeth, implants are standalone replacements that do not compromise surrounding natural teeth. They stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone deterioration and preserving facial structure. This helps maintain the alignment of existing teeth and reduces the risk of shifting or bite problems. By filling the gap left by missing teeth, they also make oral hygiene easier and reduce the risk of gum disease.
How do dental implants affect facial aesthetics?
Implants help maintain facial structure by preventing bone loss after tooth loss. When teeth are missing, the jawbone can deteriorate over time, leading to a sunken or aged appearance. By stimulating the bone, implants preserve facial volume and help patients maintain a youthful look. This makes them a superior option to dentures, which do not prevent bone loss.
Can dental implants boost self-confidence?
Absolutely! Missing teeth can affect self-esteem and make people feel self-conscious about their smiles. Dental implants restore a natural-looking appearance, allowing individuals to smile, speak, and eat confidently. Implants provide a secure and comfortable fit, unlike dentures, which can shift or feel unnatural. This can improve social interactions and overall quality of life.
Do dental implants help with chewing and eating?
Absolutely! Dental implants restore nearly full chewing power, allowing patients to eat various foods, including tough or crunchy items. Unlike dentures, which can slip or make eating difficult, implants provide a stable foundation for biting and chewing. This improves digestion and nutrition, as individuals can enjoy a well-balanced diet. Patients often regain the ability to enjoy their favorite foods without worry.
Are dental implants more comfortable than dentures?
Dental implants feel and function like natural teeth, eliminating discomfort associated with removable dentures. Dentures can slip, cause sore spots, and require adhesives, whereas implants are securely fixed. Since they integrate with the jawbone, they provide a more natural bite and allow for easier chewing. This results in a more comfortable and confident daily experience.
Can dental implants prevent bone loss?
Yes, one of the biggest benefits of dental implants is their ability to prevent bone loss. When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area no longer receives stimulation, leading to gradual bone deterioration. Implants mimic natural tooth roots by stimulating the bone, helping it maintain density and strength. This prevents the sunken facial appearance that often occurs with prolonged tooth loss.
Restore Your Teeth with Dental Implants
Dental implants offer many benefits for those who have lost one or more teeth. Call the office of Dr. Duling in Owens Cross Roads, AL, for a dental implant consult at 256.202.4186. You may also request an appointment online.
Please let Dr. Duling know if you have questions about dental implant treatment. She will be happy to help.
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