What are the upsides of dental implants?

Are you perplexed as to why your dentist has suggested a dental implant? Our Edmonton dentists discuss some of the reasons they may recommend this tooth replacement option in this post.

Why consider a dental implant?

Dental implants use a screw, abutment and tooth replacement such as a dental crown, bridge or dentures to replace natural tooth roots in areas of the mouth that are missing teeth.

These permanent tooth replacements provide the stability necessary to preserve your jawbone and to keep your natural teeth in place, preventing them from shifting to fill the gap left by the missing tooth.

If you're wondering why your dentist recommended a dental implant, continue reading. Our Edmonton dentists can discuss why you may want to consider a dental implant if you're looking to replace one or more missing teeth.

1. Dental implants address and prevent bone loss.

Additionally, tooth loss can result in jawbone deterioration. Before placing the dental implant and tooth replacement, we can address this with a bone graft. By replacing missing teeth as soon as possible with a dental implant, you can also avoid future bone loss, protect your oral and overall health, and preserve your facial structure.

2. You may smile more confidently.

When teeth are lost due to decay, trauma, dental disease, or other causes, the resulting bone loss and facial structure loss can make people feel self-conscious about smiling and socializing. However, with a dental implant, we can address the sunken facial appearance, wrinkled appearance, and collapse that can occur when teeth are lost. A healthy and natural-looking facial structure is supported by an intact jawbone, which may help you look younger for longer.

3. Dental implants prevent digestive problems stemming from missing teeth.

If you are missing teeth, you may find it difficult to chew your food properly. As a result, you may experience digestive discomfort. However, by replacing missing teeth, we can restore your full chewing capability – and allow you to continue enjoying your favourite foods for many years to come.

4. Dental implants typically won't move around or fall out.

With a permanent, custom-made dental implant, you can typically do everything you can with your natural teeth – including chewing on difficult-to-chew foods like spare ribs and corn on the cob, coughing, sneezing, and smiling. Implants should not shift or feel loose due to their secure placement and attachment to the jawbone. This could occur for a variety of reasons, including infection, dental disease, or potential injury.

5. Your adjacent teeth will not be affected by the need for bridges, denture clasps or attachments.

While both bridges and dentures have their place, dentures require adhesives, and bridges require the grinding down of some of your natural teeth to allow the bridge to be cemented onto them. While this option may be viable if the adjacent teeth have been restored with large crowns or fillings, it is best to leave them alone if they have not been restored, as the prepared tooth structure can never be replaced.

Dental implant-supported bridges and crowns do not involve the adjacent natural teeth, preserving more of their natural structure while also protecting your oral health.