Restore the function and appearance of your smile!
With dental implants, you can permanently restore the function and overall appearance of your smile, regardless of how many missing teeth you have. No other dental treatment replicates the anatomy of natural teeth like implants do! When it comes to restoring your smile, implants are the best option available.
A dental implant is a surgical-grade titanium post—about the size of a tooth root—that is inserted into the bone, next to your other teeth. Its objective is to recreate a functional tooth root to replace a missing tooth. A special abutment is attached to the hollow opening at the top of the implant and extends upwards, out of the gum tissue. The abutment then serves as the base of your new visible "tooth" restoration, such as a crown.
5 Great Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are ideal for replacing any number of teeth necessary. Depending on the patient, they can be customized for individual teeth or full-mouth rehabilitation. A full-arch hybrid restoration can be permanently supported by as few as four implants in some situations.
#1. Oral health
When you lose a tooth the bone around the socket begins to resorb (demineralize). The jawbone requires mechanical action to remineralize itself. With dentures, bridges, and partials, you simply don’t get that action. That is why dental implants help preserve more bone tissue.
#2. Longevity
With proper care and regular checkups with your dentist, there is no reason your dental implants shouldn’t last 20, 25 years, or beyond. Compare that to dentures, which require replacement around every 7 years, or a dental bridge, which may require replacement after 10 years.
#3. Comfort
Dentures are notorious for being uncomfortable. It’s not quite the dentures, but the loss of hard and soft tissue underneath the denture that makes it difficult to achieve a great fit after a few years. Since dental implants are embedded in the jawbone and do not put pressure on the gums, they are considered to be the more comfortable option.
#4. Durability
Apart from the ceramic or zirconia crown, there is not much that can go wrong with the titanium implant post or abutment. You still need to be careful with your restoration, whether it is a crown or implant-supported denture.
#5. Appearance
Dental implant esthetics have come a long way over the past few decades. Implants can be placed below the ridge of the jawbone, which allows restorations to be placed below the gumline. Therefore, the only visible structure is the crown, which can be shaped and tinted to perfectly match the adjacent teeth.
Schedule a Visit
If you are considering options to replace a missing tooth (or several teeth), call Bellbrook Dental for a consultation on dental implants in Bellbrook, OH.
Call us now →Are Dental Implants Painful?
Does it hurt to get dental implants? Not at all. The truth is that the majority of our patients will feel little to no discomfort throughout their dental implant placement. Most procedures can be completed with a little bit of numbing medication, but some people do request sedation during their appointment.
You may be prescribed certain medicine to take before and after your treatment to help you recuperate more quickly. Be sure to take all medication as directed to ensure the best results.
Are Dental Implants Expensive?
Dental implants may appear to be more of an investment at first when you compare them to other methods of tooth replacement (such as bridges or partials). The caveat is that it that the cost is more initially, but you get a better return on your investment. Most implants do not need to be updated because they will last the rest of a person's life. Whereas other types of restorations tend to require updates every 5-15 years.
Protect your smile by practicing good oral hygiene, flossing every day, and scheduling a checkup with our Bellbrook dentist twice a year.
How Do Implants Compare to Dentures and Bridges?
Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth or even a full row of teeth, making them one of the most versatile tooth replacement options available. When comparing the three most popular restorations (dentures, implants, and bridges), you will be confronted with several important considerations. Read on to learn how these compare in terms of cost, longevity, esthetics, comfort, and function.
As you consider your restoration options, one important thing to keep in mind is how long each restoration is designed to last. Most dental bridges last around seven to ten years. Dentures usually come with a seven-to-ten-year replacement schedule in place. Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. You may need to replace a crown after 20 years, but the implant post should last for many years.
In terms of outward appearance, dental implants appear the most natural in comparison to other popular tooth replacement options. Since the crown that tops dental implants can be tinted to perfectly match the surrounding teeth, your implants should be indistinguishable from your natural teeth. What about the less-costly alternatives?
Dentures might look good for the first year or two, but then the gum material begins to darken, making it look unnatural. Dental bridges rank second behind implants in terms of esthetics. When crafted by a master ceramist, dental bridges should appear identical to natural teeth. Although, some metal-fused bridges can give the restoration a darker, stain-like appearance, which can diminish the esthetic quality.
As dentists, we are mostly concerned about how the restoration functions and maintains oral health. With these in mind, dental implants surpass bridges and dentures in terms of functionality. Since implants are anchored to bone they offer more stability than other restoration options.
Unlike dentures and bridges, dental implants do not rest on the gums, therefore they do not cause painful gum irritation and slipping.
If you are considering dental implants then you must be aware that they typically come in at a higher short-term cost than dental bridges and dentures. However, dental implants are a long term solution that allow most patients to save money in the future. So, how does the cost of dental implants compare to dentures and bridges? Contact our office to schedule a consultation and learn all about our tooth replacement options.