5 Reasons to Replace Missing Teeth With Dental Implants

Millions of people lose teeth for a variety of reasons, and regardless of how it happens, the effects can lead to health challenges. It can compromise your ability to eat, which affects your diet, changes the shape of your jaw, alters your bite, and weakens the structure of your jaw. Depending on the cause of the missing teeth, it can even increase the risk of losing more teeth.

There are several replacement options for missing teeth, such as dental bridges and dentures. Dental implants are the superior choice. To explore the advantages, let’s examine the common causes of tooth loss, how dental implants work, and why they’re the best option for replacing missing teeth.

Residents of the Richmond Hill, Georgia, area looking for options for replacing missing teeth or other dental needs can find help with Dr. Nils Anderson and his skilled team at Village Dental.

Common causes of missing teeth

There are several ways to lose teeth, including tooth decay, gum disease, genetic conditions, and injuries. Tooth decay and gum disease (usually the result of bad dental hygiene) cause damage that leads to tooth loss over time, while injuries can knock them out on impact. There are other common factors in tooth loss, such as smoking and lack of access to proper dental care.

How dental implants work

Of all the tooth replacement options, dental implants are the only method that imitates how teeth function as opposed to simply how they look. That is accomplished through osseointegration, meaning the metal post implanted into your jaw and the bone fuses, similar to a natural tooth.

The procedure starts with an incision in the location where you are missing a tooth. Next, the implant is placed in the jaw, after which we wait for osseointegration (it can take up to six months). 

Once the post is fully integrated into the jaw, the second part of the implant is placed, called the abutment. It attaches to the post to hold the crown.

5 reasons why implants are the best choice

This unique method of tooth replacement has several advantages over other dental appliances, including:

1. Durability

You don’t have to worry about your dental implant coming loose, falling out, or causing problems for any of the other teeth. 

2. Longevity

Dental implants don’t have to be replaced. With optimal care, they can last a lifetime. 

3. Act like natural teeth

Talking and chewing feel completely natural because implants act like your other teeth. You clean them the same way and you can eat whatever food you want. They look completely natural, too. 

4. Protect your other teeth

Dental bridges require altering a healthy tooth to place it. Alternatively, dental implants require no tooth alteration.

5. Improved speech

Bridges or dentures can create speech problems, especially if they don’t fit properly or loosen. Dental implants improve speech because missing teeth can sometimes cause audible whistles when you talk.

Getting implants can improve your quality of life. If you’re ready to see what they can do for you, make an appointment with Dr. Anderson and Village Dental today.