If you’ve lost a tooth or two over the years, or even an entire arch, you have more options than ever before to replace lost teeth. If you’ve been living with tooth loss for some time, you might have a bridge or denture. Although they are effective, they aren’t the only treatments for missing teeth. A dental implant differs from any other solution because it mimics the entire tooth structure, including the root. Don’t worry if you have existing restorations because you can replace them with dental implants.
It’s Never Too Late for Dental Implants
If you currently have a bridge, partial, or full denture, it’s not too late for dental implants. Most people with good oral and general health are candidates. However, you may have experienced bone loss because missing teeth causes your jawbone to shrink over time. Therefore, you may require additional procedures before your placement surgery, like bone grafting.
How a Dental Implant Works
A dental implant is unlike any other treatment because it recreates the root and the crown. A titanium post is surgically placed into your jaw to serve as a root. Your bone will fuse to it through a process called osseointegration. Once your bone has healed, you’ll benefit from unmatched support for a custom-made restoration. If you’re missing more than one tooth consecutively, you can use multiple dental implants to support a bridge or denture.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Replacing a tooth from the root up offers various benefits that aren’t possible with traditional bridges and dentures. Here are just a few perks you’ll enjoy by making the switch to dental implants:
- Look Natural: Your implant post is hidden below your gum tissue to support your restoration, which is carefully crafted to match the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth.
- Jawbone Preservation: A dental implant is the only solution to stop bone loss caused by missing teeth. The implant post will stimulate new bone growth to keep your jaw strong and healthy. You’ll avoid many common issues caused by tooth loss and preserve your facial shape for a youthful appearance.
- Feel Natural: You will never have to worry about any slipping or irritation because your restoration will be stabilized by your jawbone. You can regain up to 70% of your natural binding force.
- High Success Rate: Dental implants have over a 95% success rate and are proven to last for 30 years or more with the correct aftercare, like brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist every 6 months.
- Cost-Effective Solution: Preserving your jawbone improves your oral health to reduce your overall dental expenses. Not to mention, dental implants can last for a lifetime, so you won’t have to budget for replacements every few years.
You can’t put a price on the benefits you’ll gain by investing in the most advanced solution for tooth loss.
About Dr. Marcus Cowan
Dr. Cowan attended dental school at The Dental College of Georgia and has continued his education in dental implants, surgical procedures, and many other specialties. He has the training and qualifications to treat the most complex cases of tooth loss. Dr. Cowan is an active member of many professional organizations, including the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Request an appointment through his website or call (617) 977-5235.
