Dental Implants Pasadena, Texas
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants are the gold standard treatment. Implants provide unmatched benefits compared to other tooth replacement options. They are the closest thing to replicating natural teeth in terms of appearance, comfort and function. This essay will examine five key advantages that make dental implants the premier choice for restoring missing teeth.
Dental Implants Are the Best Option for Replacing Missing Teeth
First and foremost, dental implants are quite simply the best way to replace missing teeth today. An implant consists of a small titanium screw that is surgically embedded into the jawbone to serve as an artificial tooth root. A visible crown is then attached to the implant post to complete the restoration. The titanium integrates with the bone through the process of osseointegration. The end result is a replacement tooth anchored securely in the jaw that looks, feels and functions like a natural tooth. Dental implants provide numerous advantages over other tooth replacement options like dentures and bridges. Patients report much higher satisfaction with the comfort, performance and esthetics of implant supported teeth. For these reasons, implants are considered the gold standard for tooth replacement.
Dental Implants Preserve Healthy Tooth Structure
A significant benefit of implants is that they do not rely on or damage adjacent teeth the way bridges do. Bridgework spans the gap created by a missing tooth by attaching crowns to the neighboring teeth. This requires grinding down the adjacent teeth to place the bridge crowns over them. The natural tooth structure removed can never be recovered. And grinded down teeth may become sensitive or prone to decay over time. Eventually the bridge needs to be replaced which requires grinding the anchor teeth again. Repeated bridge replacements continue to damage otherwise healthy teeth. Implants stand alone and do not impact neighboring teeth whatsoever. The surrounding teeth remain untouched and intact. For those with healthy teeth on either side of a gap, implants are an excellent choice to avoid unnecessary loss of natural tooth structure.
Dental Implants Maintain Jawbone Integrity
Another major advantage of implants is they prevent the bone loss that occurs after losing teeth. The jawbone depends on stimulation from tooth roots to maintain its mass and density. When a tooth is lost and not replaced, the area of bone it occupied begins to deteriorate from lack of stimulation. Dentures and bridges do not stop the progression of bone loss. But dental implants mimic tooth roots and provide the needed stimulation. The bone bonds tightly to the implant surface in a process called osseointegration. This preserves the bone tissue and prevents shrinking of the jaws after tooth loss. Maintaining facial bone structure is especially critical for esthetics. Implants help prevent aging and the sunken cheek look that can occur when missing teeth are not replaced.
Dental Implants Are Superior to Bridges
Finally, when replacing a single missing tooth, an implant is almost always preferable to a bridge. As discussed, bridges require grinding healthy teeth for crowns to anchor the pontic replacement tooth. This irreversibly damages natural tooth structure. Implants keep neighboring teeth intact. Bridges usually only last 10-15 years on average before needing replacement. The anchor teeth must be ground again with each replacement bridge. This leads to smaller, weaker teeth over time. A properly placed implant can potentially last a lifetime with a very high survival rate. Bridges may initially seem like a quicker, cheaper solution but come with long term consequences. Implants preserve bone, prevent tooth migration and provide lasting viability. For replacing a single tooth, implants offer the best long term value and health benefits.
Dental Implants Provide Secure Denture Stabilization
Patients who have lost all or most of their teeth can gain tremendous benefits by opting for implant supported dentures. Traditional dentures rest on the gums and rely on suction and adhesives alone to stay in place. This allows them to move and slip, making chewing and speaking difficult. Dental implants can be used as anchor points to secure a denture firmly in the mouth. Special caps are placed on 2-6 implants spread around the jaw. Clips or magnets on the denture then attach directly to these caps for an incredibly stable, snap-in fit. Patients report a world of difference in comfort, stability and performance with implant retained dentures compared to traditional dentures. The investment in implants to stabilize dentures is well worth the benefits.
In conclusion, dental implants deliver an array of benefits that make them the number one choice for replacing missing teeth. Unrivaled comfort, function, esthetics and longevity make them a worthwhile investment. They prevent bone loss, protect healthy teeth and can provide denture stabilization. After weighing the advantages, it is easy to understand why dental implants have become the standard of care for tooth replacement. Anyone missing teeth should consult an implant dentist to determine if implants are right for their needs and goals. With appropriate patient selection and placement, dental implants greatly enhance dental health and quality of life. When Dr. Nugent’s wife, Mom, Dad, Mother-in-law and Father-in-law lost a tooth, a dental implant was used to replace the missing tooth. Get the best in dental care for your family. See why Dr. Nugent is a leader in Dental Implant treatment in the Pasadena, Texas. To schedule your appointment call us at 713-941-8261.
