Benefits of Getting Dental Implants

No one likes having a missing tooth. Not only is a gap between the teeth unappealing (where a tooth is missing), but it is also annoying. Biting, chewing, clenching the teeth and even speaking can become more difficult. On top of that, having a missing tooth may present certain oral health issues. If you are missing a tooth, it’s important to have it replaced. One excellent solution is having a dental implant placed.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are dental appliances that replace a missing tooth or teeth. This is done by installing a titanium implant or a series of implants to hold a false tooth or teeth in place. While implants for multiple teeth are a solution for the needs of some patients, many patients will have an implant placed for just one tooth.

Why Implants?

There are many advantages that dental implants have that make them an ideal tooth replacement. Some of these benefits include:

Cosmetic Appearance

A dental implant can be made to look much like the original tooth that it is replacing. This allows the patient to smile with confidence, and not worry about people noticing that they have had a tooth replaced.

Preservation of Bone

A major issue that comes with the loss of a tooth is bone loss in the jaw. Over time, the bone will typically deteriorate. When this happens, the look of a patient’s face may change and it may make it more complicated to place a dental implant in the future. The titanium rod placed in the jawbone helps to encourage bone tissue preservation.

Prevention of Crowding

When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth may actually begin to shift to fill the area. This leads to teeth crowding, which is both unappealing to look at and dangerous to the patient’s oral health. An implant keeps the surrounding teeth in place—eliminating the potential for migration.

Preventative Care

When the teeth migrate, they sometimes impact surrounding teeth, causing damage to those teeth. Teeth crowding can also make it difficult to brush and floss. This can lead to decay, disease and infection. Having an implant placed can make it easier for a patient to brush and floss—allowing them to keep their teeth and gums clean.

Is an Implant Right for Me?

While a dental implant is ideal, it may not be an option. Some patients find the cost of implants to be too high upfront. Other patients will find that their jawbone has deteriorated too much, and that they cannot have a rod placed in their jawbone.

The process of having an implant placed starts with a consultation with your general dentist or cosmetic dentist. They will take a look at the gap where the tooth is missing, along with the jawbone. This will most typically include x-rays. They will then determine if you are a candidate for an implant or not.

Speak with your dentist about the possibility of having a dental implant placed to avoid teeth migration, encourage bone strength and improve the cosmetic look of your smile overall.

Wake Dental Care (located in Cary, NC) is the areas leader in dental implant dentistry. Contact our office today to setup an appointment and see if dental implants are the right fit for you.

If you're interested in learning more about dental implants in general, here's some reading on the differences between dental implants and dental bridges.