Now, dentistry has advanced. Implants are often the best option for replacing missing teeth. You can use them to replace one or several teeth. Sometimes, dentists use them to anchor a denture or as part of a bridge. Here are our top five reasons why dental implants are the best choice!
Improved Quality of Life
Dentures rarely fit well. Most people who get dentures are not satisfied with them. Dentures often slide, click, or require daily adhesive. Many find it hard to adapt to dentures, especially if they are used to natural teeth.
Implants maintain bone health and integrity. After a tooth is extracted, the bone in that area will deteriorate over time. Placing an implant helps conserve bone. This benefits the surrounding teeth and helps prevent facial collapse. Losing bone or teeth can make it difficult to speak or chew food. Implants prevent these problems.
Built to Last
Most restorations, including dentures, are not designed to last forever. Dentures need adjustments or replacement as bone changes over time. A bridge might last 5–10 years, but an implant can last a lifetime. Implants have existed for decades and offer a 30-year survival rate with over 90% success. When placed properly, implants are successful nearly 98% of the time.
Here is a dental implant as compared to adjacent natural teeth.
Preserve Remaining Teeth
Placing an implant maintains bone integrity and density. This approach has little impact on surrounding teeth. A bridge requires two teeth to fill a gap. If either supporting tooth fails, the entire bridge must be removed.
Partial dentures use remaining teeth for support, which can cause gum issues and put extra force on natural teeth. An implant supports itself and does not stress nearby teeth.
Looks Natural
A well-placed implant blends in with your natural teeth. It looks similar to a crown, and most people will not notice it. The implant appears natural and feels comfortable. Once the crown is placed, you will not think about it as different from your other teeth.
No Decay
Implants are made from titanium, so they resist decay. With proper care, you should not need future treatment for the implant. However, implants can develop peri-implantitis, which is similar to periodontal disease. Good oral hygiene remains important.
Regular flossing is necessary, but you may need to adjust your technique due to the implant’s shape. Your dentist will explain this after the procedure. If you use a water flosser, you can continue your routine as usual.
Implants are the Absolute Best Option
Our doctors have placed many implants over their careers. Implants are the best option for replacing missing teeth. Whether you qualify for implants depends on your bone structure and available space. At Innovative Dentistry at SLU, we often refer patients for a CBCT scan. This scan shows the exact bone level and helps us plan accurate placement.
After reviewing your scan, we can determine if an implant is right for you. If you want to replace missing teeth, discuss it at your next visit or call us to schedule an appointment.
References
American College of Prosthodontists: https://www.prosthodontics.org/assets/1/7/ACP_Talking_points_for_Missing_Teeth_1-12-15.pdf
Ritter Implants:
https://www.ritterimplants.com/blog/top-10-reasons-choose-dental-implants
American Academy of Implant Dentistry:
https://www.aaid-implant.org/dental-implants/who-can-benefit/
UIC College of Dentistry:
https://dentistry.uic.edu/patients/dental-implants-benefits