The Advantages of Dental Implants

The Advantages of Dental Implants

If you’ve lost one or more teeth, there are three options for permanent or semi-permanent replacement: dentures, bridges, and dental implants. Although dental implants are the most expensive of the three, they are generally considered the best option. Here are some of the advantages of dental implants over dentures and bridges.

1. Dental implants stimulate the jaw.
   The number one problem with both bridges and dentures is that they don’t stimulate the jaw when you chew. As a result, the jawbone starts to deteriorate. This bone loss causes changes in the facial structure that make you look much older.
2. They don’t move around.
   Dentures can slip and make chewing uncomfortable. Dental implants are permanently anchored to the jawbone, so they stay firmly in place, even while you are chewing.
3. You can eat anything you want.
   Dental implants give you the ability to eat what you want. With dentures and removable bridges, wearers often find that they have to avoid certain foods because they cause the replacement teeth to move around or pop out of place.
4. Dental implants don’t interfere with speech or taste.
   Full dentures cover the roof of the mouth, which can interfere with both speech and taste. Dental implants and bridges do not have this problem.
5. Dental implants are easier to care for than dentures.
   One thing many denture wearers hate is having to remove the dentures for cleaning. With fixed bridges and implants, cleaning is as simple as caring for your natural teeth.
6. Your healthy teeth are not affected.
   For full dentures, you may have to have teeth pulled that could be saved. For bridges, the healthy teeth on either side of the bridge are reshaped to accommodate the bridge. This can result in sensitivity of the previously healthy teeth and/or increase the likelihood that the adjoining teeth will decay, resulting in the need for extraction or a root canal.
7. You’ll have improved confidence and self-esteem.
   Any tooth replacement option is better for your self-esteem than having a gap where the tooth should be. Some people are self-conscious about dentures and removable bridges because they worry about them coming loose. If your dentures cause you difficulty speaking, that will add to the psychological impact of the new teeth. Implants and fixed bridges generally look, feel, and act like real teeth, so you can live your life confidently, without being embarrassed by your teeth.
8. They are permanent. Unlike dentures and bridges, dental implants can be expected to last for the rest of your life in most cases. Dentures and bridges have an average life expectancy of 5-10 years, but can sometimes last 20 years or more if they are well cared for.

Whatever method of tooth replacement you choose, it is important to act quickly. If you wait too long, the adjacent teeth can drift into the empty space or spaces, causing problems with your bite and adding orthodontic work to your treatment. The jawbone will also start to deteriorate over time, increasing the chances that you will need to get a bone graft before you can get your implants

Bloch Dentistry Center specializes in a wide range of dental services including: general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants, root canals, periodontic treatments, and reconstructive dentistry.

Call our friendly staff to schedule an appointment at (305)385-5555 or visit our website at http://www.BlochDentistry.com  We want to see you smile!