Can Dental Implants Be a Solution for Missing Teeth?

Missing teeth can quite significantly affect both your physical appearance and your self-confidence. Whether it's a result of an injury, decay, age-related factors, losing a tooth, or several other factors, it creates an aesthetic problem and contributes to the functional aspect. Dentures or bridges have been used for many decades, but now dental implants have become a relatively modern, long-term solution with several advantages over the former ones. If you are contemplating dental implants, consider consulting an experienced dentist Sherman Oaks, to determine if they fit you. Can dental implants be the solution for missing teeth, though? Let's explore.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial roots of teeth. They are typically made from titanium. They implant inside the jawbone under the gum tissue. Over time, the bone fuses with the implant, a process called osseointegration, forming a solid base for a crown or bridge. This type of restoration mimics the tooth and is one of the most stable restorations for missing teeth.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Natural Appearance and Functionality: Dental implants look and function like natural teeth. The crown placed on the implant is custom-made to match your surrounding teeth' colour, shape, and size. Unlike dentures or bridges, dental implants are permanently fixed and won't slip or shift, making them a stable and comfortable option.

Long-Lasting Solution: One of the most important things about dental implants is how long they last. If well cared for and maintained, dental implants can last a lifetime. Other tooth replacement options, like bridges or dentures, will need to be replaced at some point within 5-10 years. The titanium implant is biocompatible, making it resistant to infections and decay.

Salivation and Bone Health Maintenance: Teeth loss causes jaw bone deterioration. Once a tooth is lost, no stimulation is sent to the jawbone at that site, leading to deterioration over time. In fact, only dental implants have the capacity to stimulate the jaw to help maintain proper facial structure and prevent bone loss.

Improved Comfort and Convenience: Removable dentures are often associated with discomfort and inconvenience. No adhesive or clasp is needed, and there is no problem with the movement of the denture when you are eating or speaking. With implants, you can eat and talk freely without those annoying limitations of traditional dentures.

Better Oral Health: Unlike the traditional bridges that require adjacent healthy teeth to be ground down, dental implants do not impact the neighbouring teeth. This protects your natural teeth and also helps improve your oral health. Besides, it's easier to care for dental implants as they can be cleaned like your natural teeth.

Are Dental Implants Right for You?

While dental implants have many benefits, they are only for some. This type of dental procedure usually depends on one's gums and jawbone health. In case there is a substantial bone in your jaws and healthy gums, dental implants are possible. However, those experiencing extreme bone loss must undergo some additional procedures like bone grafting, which must occur before the placement of the implants.

Conclusion

Dental implants Sherman Oaks are effective, enduring, and cosmetic solutions for missing teeth. They offer a permanent alternative that closely resembles the look and feel of natural teeth while offering long-term benefits like improved oral health and jawbone preservation. Dental implants can last a lifetime if properly cared for and can be relied upon for years of confident living.

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