Dental implants are a long-term solution for tooth loss. They look and feel like natural teeth, and they help prevent the bone resorption that occurs when a tooth is missing. The natural appearance of dental implants is one of their main benefits. They look, feel and act like your natural teeth, blending in seamlessly to your smile and going unnoticed with proper care.

They also prevent adjacent teeth from shifting crookedly into the empty space, which could impact your bite and overall oral health. The implant will heal and fuse to your jawbone, a process called osseointegration.

Natural Appearance

An implant consists of a screw-like titanium post that integrates with the jawbone, forming a strong foundation for a replacement tooth. The abutment is an invisible connector between the post and the crown, which is shaped and colored to match the surrounding teeth. A skilled implant dentist can match the color and sheen of adjacent teeth to ensure the implants blend in.

Dental implants also help preserve natural facial structure and prevent bone loss in the area of missing teeth. In addition, they can prevent the movement of nearby teeth toward the empty sockets and the loosening of those adjacent teeth. This helps retain the integrity of the mouth and prevents changes to speech patterns caused by missing teeth, such as mumbling or slurring.

Comfort

Implants are artificial tooth roots that act as a strong foundation for prosthetic teeth, like crowns or bridges. They provide many benefits that improve oral health and quality of life.

Comfort is a major factor for patients considering dental implants. They want to feel confident in their smile and know that their replacements will stay in place without shifting or coming loose.

The dental implant procedure can be mildly uncomfortable, but the discomfort is usually well managed with local anesthesia and/or sedation. Additionally, pain medications are readily available for post-surgery recovery.

In addition, dental offices are increasingly incorporating amenities and relaxing techniques to create a stress-free experience for their patients who need dental implants. This calming environment coupled with effective communication and empathy from their dental professionals helps reduce fear, anxiety and perceived pain during treatment. This ultimately promotes patient compliance, which is critical to a successful dental implant outcome.

Durability

The titanium post of a dental implant mimics the strong attachment of a natural tooth root, and this design allows implants to last for decades and even for life. Various studies have shown that implant longevity is influenced by the type of implant and the patient’s general oral health.

Replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant is crucial to maintaining oral health and function. Without a replacement, the jawbone begins to deteriorate due to lack of stimulation and pressure. This can affect adjacent teeth and other aspects of the mouth, including speech, eating, and overall comfort.

To ensure your dental implant lasts, commit to good oral hygiene practices, including brushing, flossing, and scheduling regular visits with your dentist. This will allow your dentist to catch any issues and prevent complications before they escalate. Additionally, avoid habits like smoking or excessive alcohol consumption, which can negatively impact the health of your teeth and gums. In addition, ask your dentist about a custom night guard to help reduce the risk of grinding your teeth while you sleep.

Reliability

Unlike dentures, dental implants fuse into the bone, so they look and feel like real teeth. They also won’t slip or shift out of place. They are extremely durable, but as with any surgery, there are some health risks associated with the procedure.

If you want to get dental implants, your dentist will assess your jaw and health to determine if you are a good candidate. You need enough healthy bone to support the implant and avoid health conditions that interfere with bone healing (like autoimmune diseases). You should also stop smoking because it can slow the healing process. We recommend that you tell your dentist about any recent MRI or x-ray procedures, as they may require you to take special precautions. We will also want to schedule follow-up visits to check your teeth and oral health. These appointments are vital to ensuring your implant is healthy and secure. Taking good care of your dental implants will increase their lifespan and reliability.