Dental implants are special posts placed by an oral surgeon into your jawbone to support a restoration that will serve as your new tooth or teeth. The benefit of the implant is that it replaces and functions like the roots of natural teeth. After the post heals, Dr. Reece will attach your new crown or denture to complete your new smile. The best part is that they feel and work just like your natural teeth.
Dental implants become a permanent part of your mouth, unlike other tooth replacements. They fuse with your jawbone over time, a natural process called osseointegration. This makes them very strong and stable, just like real teeth. Dr. Reece will recommend choosing dental implants for most patients because of their ability to restore natural function and aesthetics.
Choosing dental implants to replace missing teeth can help you in many ways. Dr. Reece will present all treatment options and educate you on what to expect for your long-term dental health. Key benefits to consider when choosing implants for tooth replacement treatment include:
- Look and feel natural – Dental implants look just like real teeth. Even you might forget which tooth is the implant!
- Eat your favorite foods again – With dental implants, you can bite and chew normally, even hard or sticky foods.
- Speak more clearly – Missing teeth can make some words hard to say. Implants help you speak clearly again.
- Keep your face shape – When teeth are missing, your face can start to sag or look older. Implants help you retain the natural shape of your lower jaw and face.
- Protect your jawbone—When a tooth is lost, the jawbone under it can start to shrink. Implants prevent this.
- Protect other teeth – Implants stay in place and don’t need support from other teeth, keeping your healthy teeth safe.
- No special cleaning needed – Just brush and floss like you do for regular teeth.
- Long-lasting solution – With good care, implants can last for many years – even a lifetime for most people.
Dental implants don’t just replace missing teeth – they also help keep your whole mouth healthier. Dental implants can support many aspects of your oral health and overall wellness.
Better gum health. Gaps from missing teeth can trap food and cause gum disease. Implants fill these spaces, making it easier to keep your gums clean and healthy. When dental implants are placed correctly, they help the gums fit snugly around them, keeping out harmful bacteria.
Less risk of cavities. Unlike natural teeth, the materials used for implant crowns can’t get cavities. While you still need to care for the gums around them, you won’t get tooth decay in the implant itself.
Prevent teeth from shifting. When you lose a tooth, the adjacent healthy teeth might shift or drift into the gap. Teeth in the opposite jaw might also move up or down into the space. This can affect the health and function of your bite and make your teeth crooked. Implants support the natural structure of your bite and tooth position.
Reduce grinding and clenching damage. If you have missing teeth, you might put extra pressure on your remaining teeth when you chew or if you grind your teeth at night. This can lead to worn, flat, or cracked teeth. Implants are secure and stable, helping spread out the force when you bite, protecting your natural teeth.
Keep your bite balanced. A full set of teeth helps you have an even bite. When your bite is balanced correctly, you’re less likely to have jaw problems or headaches caused by an uneven bite. Implants help keep this balance.
Better digestion and nutrition. When you can chew your food properly, your digestion works better. People with missing teeth often avoid healthy foods that are hard to chew, like fresh fruits and vegetables. With dental implants, you can eat a more balanced diet, which is good for your overall health.
Improved self-care habits. Many people find that they take better care of all their teeth after investing in implants. Wanting to protect their investment leads to better brushing and flossing habits, which benefits their whole mouth.
Less bad breath. Food stuck in gaps where teeth are missing can cause bad breath. Implants eliminate these gaps, reducing places where food can get trapped and cause odors.
Fewer dental problems in the future. By preventing bone loss and keeping other teeth from shifting, implants help you avoid many common dental problems that might need treatment later. This can mean fewer dental visits for problems and more just for regular check-ups.