The Benefits of Dental Implants: Why are they the Best Solution for Missing Teeth?

Despite the numerous innovations in dental care, millions of people still lose their teeth, especially due to tooth decay, gum disease, or trauma. Unfortunately, missing teeth affect several aspects of your life, including your diet, self-esteem, and much more. That’s where dental implants come in.

Dental implants are artificial replacement tooth roots. They contain titanium, a biocompatible element with excellent hard-tissue compatibility and corrosion resistance. The implant is fixed into the jawbone to provide a strong foundation for an artificial tooth or teeth (fixed or removable).

The stability and durability of dental implants compared to other tooth replacement options

With alternative replacement treatments like dentures and bridges, they are anchored to your natural teeth and gums. Regardless of the many adhesives or attachments used, they don’t offer a confident fit and can easily loosen, slip, and dislodge out of position when eating and even sleeping.

Dental implants fix into the jawbone, and they act like your natural teeth roots. Once they have healed, they offer excellent stability and strength. They can’t move or slip out of position when eating, laughing, or speaking.

Similarly, since dental implants integrate with the jawbone, they become a permanent part of your mouth and can last many years. With proper care and hygiene, they can last a lifetime. You only need to replace the artificial tooth every few years.

Since traditional bridges and dentures contain less durable materials like metal, porcelain, and acrylic, they only last for 15 – 20 years, after which replacement is necessary. Dental implants are cost-effective in the long term because they offer excellent stability and can last a lifetime.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

There are many benefits of getting dental implants, including the following:

• • Improves appearance and self-esteem

Since dental implants close the gaps left by missing teeth, they give a complete set of beautiful and healthy teeth. Similarly, dental implants lift your facial muscles, preventing facial sagging, wrinkles, thinning lips, and premature aging. It gives you a youthful and natural smile. When your smile is beautiful, you’ll feel better and more proud.

• • Keeps your adjacent teeth in position

Once you lose a tooth, it causes much strain to the adjacent teeth, especially when chewing. It can cause the nearby teeth to tilt towards the gap, causing them to become loose or crooked. Placing an implant closes the gap and helps the rest of the teeth to stay in their correct position.

• • Preserves the jawbone

Your natural teeth have roots that stimulate the jawbone and promote growth. When you lose a tooth, the stimulation stops, and your body reabsorbs the jawbone, significantly weakening it. This can cause your facial muscles to collapse, cause a poor bite, and other complications.

Since dental implants act like artificial roots, stimulating the jawbone when chewing, encouraging growth.

• • Improves your speech

Missing your front teeth can affect the way you pronounce certain words. Dentures and bridges can also initially affect your speech. Since implants are designed just like your natural teeth, they allow you to speak naturally like with your real teeth.

• • Improves your bite function

Missing teeth can make chewing difficult and sometimes uncomfortable. Dental implants function like your real teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods without pain or fear. Unlike overdentures, implants won’t slip or dislodge even when chewing relatively tougher foods. However, don’t chew hard and non-food items as the artificial tooth can still break or chip.

• • Improves your oral health

A missing tooth can lead to jawbone deterioration, misalignments, poor bite, increased risk of oral infections, and other complications. Covering the gaps with Implants prevents all these complications and protects your smile.

Dental Implant Procedure: What to Expect During and After

Generally, getting a dental implant is straightforward. Often, it involves several sessions spread over several months. The steps include:

• Tooth extraction : If you already have your natural tooth, the dentist will begin by extracting it. You may have to wait several weeks to allow the gums and bone to heal before getting the implant.
• Bone grafting : If you don’t have enough jawbone, you may need bone graft surgery to rebuild the bone before placing the implant. You may again need to wait for a few months for the bone to heal to get the implant.
• Placing the implant : The dentist or surgeon will drill through the jawbone and place the implant post. The implant is allowed to integrate with the jawbone in osseointegration. This process can take 3 – 6 months.
• Abutment placing : The dentist will place an abutment on the implant. It will connect the implant to the artificial tooth. It may take about two weeks for the gums to heal.
• Placing the permanent restoration : A crown is placed on the implant to act like your real tooth. A bridge or denture can help if you have multiple missing teeth.

After the implant surgery, you might experience minor discomfort, bruising, bleeding, and swelling at the implant site. Keep in mind the following aftercare tips:

• Take medication as prescribed
• Rest adequately
• Use a cold compress on the cheek
• Take soft foods
• Avoid tobacco and alcohol
• Maintain good oral hygiene and habits

Are you interested in dental implants in Calgary, AB?

For more information about dental implants and cosmetic dentistry in Calgary, contact East Hills Dental Clinic to book your consultation with our dentist near you.