When teeth have been lost either to accident, decay or periodontal disease, one of the best solutions is dental implants. With dental implants, missing teeth can be replaced in a way that very closely resembles their original, natural state.
A dental implant is a root-form implant. This means that it is a replacement for your tooth’s natural roots. It is surgically implanted in your jaw, and like the natural roots of your teeth, provides a strong foundation for the visible part of the tooth called the crown.
Implants offer important advantages over other types of tooth replacement. Here are just a few of these advantages:
- The look, feel and function of implants are very similar to natural teeth.
- Implants do not involve the adjacent teeth as is the case with bridges. These teeth are not reduced or in any way compromised by implants. In fact, they may actually function better and last longer as a result of implants.
- Implants are secure. You should not worry about them moving around or coming out of your mouth.
- Implants can allow you to speak more clearly and chew food more effectively.
- Implants are easier to clean than bridges. Brushing and flossing are done exactly as with natural teeth.
- Implants can also improve your appearance by helping to prevent the deterioration of the jaw bone known as “resorption”. Resorption, which is a common occurrence for denture wearers, is the slow dissolving of the jaw bone over a period of years. It happens because dentures do not sufficiently stimulate the jawbone during activities like eating and speaking. Implants help prevent resorption by stimulating the jawbone which helps to keep it strong.
- Dental implants are as close as you can get to natural teeth in function, security and appearance.