Dental implants have revolutionized the way we think about replacing missing teeth. No longer are removable dentures or fixed bridges the only options. At Dalin Dental Associates in Creve Coeur, MO, dental implants are a popular and effective long-term solution for patients who have lost teeth due to injury, disease, or decay.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. They are then allowed to heal and integrate with the bone, a process known as osseointegration. Once the healing process is complete, a custom-made crown that matches your natural teeth in shape and color is attached to the implant post.
1. Durability One of the most significant benefits of dental implants is their durability. With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime. Unlike dentures that may need to be replaced every 5 to 10 years, implants are a permanent solution to tooth loss. They are designed to fuse with bone, making them stable and strong enough to withstand the forces of chewing and biting.
2. Improved Oral Health Dental implants have a positive impact on overall oral health. They do not require reducing other teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does. More of your own teeth are left intact, improving long-term oral health. Individual implants also allow easier access between teeth, improving oral hygiene.
3. Convenience and Comfort Forget about dealing with the embarrassments of removing dentures or the hassles of using messy adhesives. Dental implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures and the inconvenience of using dental adhesive. Since implants integrate into the structure of your bone, they eliminate the discomfort typically associated with removable dentures.
4. Enhanced Self-Esteem and Confidence Dental implants can give you back your smile, and help you feel better about yourself. Many patients experience a significant boost in self-esteem and confidence as they can smile, eat, and speak in public without worrying about how their smile looks or whether their dentures will slip.
5. Improved Eating and Chewing Dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain. They are anchored securely to your jaw bone just like natural teeth. This allows for a stronger biting force than removable dentures, which can slide around in the mouth, making it difficult to chew certain foods.
6. Natural Appearance Dental implants are made to look and feel like your own teeth. They are designed to fuse with bone, and for all practical purposes, are indistinguishable from natural teeth. This integration with the bone also helps the implants preserve the natural shape of your face and prevent the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.
