Dental Implants: The What, Why and When

Dental implants are a popular and effective tooth replacement solution. Understand when implants are the right choice and how they can restore your smile.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are tiny titanium posts that are carefully placed into the jawbone in areas where teeth are absent. These metal anchors serve as artificial tooth roots, providing a secure foundation for replacement teeth. The top portion of the implants is where the new teeth are affixed, resulting in a natural and functional smile.

Why Choose Implants?

Implants offer many benefits over dentures and bridges:

Durability

Dental implants, which are fused to the jawbone, offer exceptional stability and longevity. With proper care, they can last for decades, providing a reliable tooth replacement solution. In contrast, other options for tooth replacement often require replacement every few years, making dental implants a more durable and cost-effective choice in the long run.

Preserves Bone

The implant, through a process called osseointegration, fuses with the jawbone, effectively integrating with the natural bone structure. This not only provides a stable foundation for dental restorations but also helps to prevent bone loss that can occur after tooth extractions. In contrast, dentures and bridges, which rest on top of the gums, may contribute to gradual bone loss over time.

Comfort

Dental implants offer a remarkable solution as they not only feel and function like natural teeth, but also eliminate the discomfort and inconvenience associated with other options. Unlike alternatives that may rub, require adhesives, or feel awkward while eating and speaking, implants seamlessly integrate into your smile, providing a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing result.

Aesthetics

The replacements, known as dental implants, are designed to closely resemble the look and feel of real teeth, providing a natural and seamless appearance. In contrast, bridges typically involve reducing adjacent teeth to support the prosthetic tooth, while dentures, although functional, may sometimes lack the lifelike aesthetics of natural teeth.

Convenience

Dental implants are a revolutionary solution that not only allows for seamless eating and drinking without the need for removal but also eliminates the use of adhesives and the extensive dental care required for traditional dentures. With implants, you can enjoy the freedom and convenience of a natural-looking smile that lasts a lifetime. 

When Are Implants Appropriate?

Implants are great options for:

  • Single missing teeth
  • Multiple missing teeth
  • Total tooth loss

Candidates need sufficient jawbone density and volume to support the implants. Smokers and those with certain health conditions may not be good candidates.

Restoring Your Smile

For people missing teeth, dental implants provide a durable and natural-looking solution. Consult with your dentist to determine if implants are right for your needs.


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