Big Reasons for Choosing Implants
Did you know that about 40 million Americans are missing all of their teeth due to tooth decay and periodontal disease? That’s according to the American College of Prosthodontists, and that’s in spite of the dental care and technology advances of these times. This serious dental issue can be addressed by some solutions, one of which provides the best long-term measure, dental implants. Here are reasons why they are so popular.
Implants look like natural teeth. They can be custom-made to look exactly like your original tooth, even matching the color of existing teeth. Dentures also look natural, however, they often move while eating or talking and can slip out entirely, which doesn’t happen with implants. Crowns often fail to add a natural look to one’s smile, though they can cover a dead or decayed tooth. Where aesthetics are concerned, implants are far superior to other alternatives.
Implants offer more physical comfort. They don’t move around, causing friction and irritation and soreness to gums, unlike dentures. Implants provide confidence while speaking and eating and are not prone to slippage. Bridges can put strain on teeth underneath, which can cause decay, damage or even loss of the teeth. Patients often change from bridges or dentures to implants due to the difference in comfort. On the other hand, crowns are usually not noticeable during eating or speaking, but they can become loose eating hard food.
Implants last longer than other options. Only dental implants provide a permanent solution to tooth restoration, as they become a permanent fixture in the bone. Dentures and bridges may break or need periodic adjustment or complete replacement. Crowns and teeth with root canal treatments can crack, break or wear out. Teeth with crowns can develop cavities underneath the crown. It’s for this reason that many patients opt for implants since they provide a permanent tooth replacement solution.
Implants minimize bone loss. In fact implants stimulate bone growth and and strengthens it. A major disadvantage of dentures or bridges is bone loss in the underlying jaw. Over time, dentures will no longer fit securely and facial sagging can occur. Use of implants becomes mute when bone loss is too extensive, so it is best to get an implant right after the loss of a tooth to retains the integrity of the underlying bone.
Implants provide more long-term value. The cost of implants can vary, higher initially than the other options. But implants save time and money as they don’t require adjustments or replacements once the healing is complete.