Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Why Choose Dental Implants?

Many people struggle with tooth loss; missing a tooth not only causes aesthetic concerns, but the absence of a tooth can cause health problems, like depleting jaw bone density, shifting teeth, and loss of oral function.

Missing a tooth, or multiple teeth, is a serious oral health issue, but dental implants have made replacing teeth a predictable process with plenty of benefits for patients.

Dental Implants vs. Traditional Restorations

The alternatives to dental implants are dental bridges or dentures. Both bridges and dentures can help fill in gaps caused by lost teeth, and some people may find these treatments budget-friendly, but neither can offer the benefits and long-term stability of dental implants.

Dental bridges do not replace natural tooth roots and therefore do not help support healthy jaw bone density. Getting a bridge also requires the dentist to buff down surrounding teeth so they can receive dental crowns and act as an anchor for the bridge.

Dentures, full or partial, do not solve the jawbone density problem either, and can be uncomfortable, unstable, and even slip out. Full dentures cause limitations when it comes to diet and can’t support ideal bite function.

Dental implants, however, look and act like natural teeth. They are long-term solutions to tooth loss that often last a lifetime with proper care. Implants are anchored into the jawbone, providing the stimulation needed to maintain excellent bone health. Surrounding teeth and tissues are not negatively impacted by implants, as they would be with bridges and dentures; implants are completely independent teeth replacements. People with dental implants do not have to follow a limited diet, as they can bite and chew with full strength and without worry.

If you are missing a tooth, or need to have teeth extracted due to gum disease or decay, please call our Clearwater dental office for an implant consultation. We believe in giving our patients the best dental implant care possible and use modern technology and the best materials available. Do the right thing for your oral health and call our implant dentist today.