Dental implants are, without question, the most resilient, longest-lasting, and best-looking solution for replacing a missing tooth or several teeth. Here’s what you need to know:
Every single day at Willow Pass Dental Care we execute flawless implant replacements for our patients experiencing missing teeth. We also receive many inquiries from current and prospective patients wanting to learn more about our treatment plan for replacing missing teeth.
A common question we receive is “Why dental implants?” That question is typically followed by “What are the benefits of a dental implant?” and “Why should I choose dental implants?”
Let me answer those questions here.
There are several reasons you may want to consider dental implants, such as:
- They look, feel and function like natural teeth because implants fuse securely to the bone to hold new teeth in a sturdy and permanent position.
- Since nearby teeth don’t require alteration for bridges or dentures, dental implants preserve healthy adjacent teeth.
- Dental implants prevent bone loss and deterioration that occurs over time from missing teeth and poor chewing function.
- They are durable and last for decades, while options like dentures require replacement every 5-10 years. Implant-supported teeth are built to last.
- Dental implants allow proper chewing and clear speech since false teeth don’t shift around or require messy adhesives like removable dentures.
- Restore your smile and confidence in social and professional settings with dental implants made to look indistinguishable from your surrounding teeth.
In summary, by replacing lost tooth roots, dental implants restore full smile function and aesthetics permanently with no impact on nearby teeth. They improve quality of life and can last for decades if properly cared for.
Reasons to Choose Dental Implants
Here are some of the top reasons to choose dental implants:
- Durability – Implants are extremely durable and can last decades with proper care. Unlike dentures or bridges, they do not need replacement over time.
- Stability – Dental implants fuse to the bone, providing a sturdy, firm base for artificial teeth that allows for ease and comfort of eating.
- Prevents bone loss – Implants stop the deterioration of the jawbone that occurs after losing teeth.
- Aesthetics – Properly color-matched implants have a natural shape, look and feel compared to tooth-supported bridges or dentures.
- Convenience – Implants eliminate the need to anchor or remove false teeth for cleaning or sleep like removable dentures.
- Healthy adjacent teeth – Unlike bridges, nearby teeth don’t require filing down for attaching implant restorations.
- Improved health – Proper chewing, speech and comfort provided by implants leads to better long-term nutrition and health.
- Confidence and quality of life – Those with missing teeth report major improvements in self-esteem after getting implants.
For restoring lost teeth, dental implants provide the most complete tooth replacement solution for the long haul.
What are some reasons you would not want or should not get dental implants?
Here are some reasons why someone may not be a good candidate for dental implants or want to avoid them:
- Uncontrolled chronic illnesses – Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or immune disorders that interfere with healing may affect osseointegration and tissue health around implants.
- Active smoker – Smoking limits implant success rates due to impaired and slower healing. Smoke toxins also increase gum disease risk leading to implant loss.
- Certain medications/treatments – Drugs that affect oral tissue health like IV bisphosphonates for osteoporosis may increase risks. Head and neck radiation also complicates matters.
- Poor bone density – Lack of adequate healthy jawbone can make implants unsuitable due to minimal stability and increased failure risks.
- Cost concerns – The procedure, hardware, and restoration costs of $3,000 to $6,000 or more per implant may be prohibitive for some budgets.
- Fear of the procedure – Anxieties about the minor surgery, injections, and length of treatment may deter some patients.
- Damage to nearby teeth – Adjacent tooth root trauma sustained during implant placement usually cannot be reversed.
- Poor oral hygiene habits – Dental implants require diligent home care and maintenance to avoid peri-implant disease leading to bone loss and failure. Patients unwilling or unable to commit to adequate daily brushing and flossing and regular professional cleanings may want to consider less maintenance-intensive options. Establishing a track record of plaque control and dedicated oral care before undergoing implants can set the stage for long-term success.
While ideal for most missing tooth replacement cases, dental implants do require careful case evaluations.
Written by Dr. Reza Khazaie