Benefits of Dental Implants

Benefits of Dental Implants

This method for replacing lost teeth allows for a discreet restoration of a smile that can look very natural. Dental implants are very comfortable and will not slide or move in the mouth as dentures can. Implants will also prevent neighboring teeth from shifting into empty tooth sockets and bone from atrophying.

How Dental Implants Work

How Dental Implants Work

Implants work by replacing both a tooth’s crown and its roots. This is done by surgically inserting a small titanium post directly into the jawbone at the site of tooth loss. Since the post is constructed from titanium, the bone surrounding it will eventually integrate with the metal. This process stabilizes the titanium post so that it can permanently support a prosthetic tooth. Once the post is stable, a prosthetic such as a crown or bridge will then be attached to the implant. The prosthetic tooth or bridge will fill in the gaps of an incomplete smile while providing the biting surface necessary to enjoy smooth and comfortable oral function. 

Dental implants differ from traditional prosthetics because of their construction. For instance, dentures rest on top of the gums and only replace the crowns of teeth. Since implants are embedded beneath the surface of the gums, the tooth’s roots is also replaced. The titanium post anchors the prosthetic in the jawbone, making dental implants very durable and long lasting. Another major difference between implants and dentures is in the manner by which they are cleaned. Dentures are cleaned outside the mouth and left to soak overnight. Implants, on the other hand, are permanent and therefore cleaned along with biological teeth by regular brushing and flossing.