In recent years, dental implants have replaced bridges and dentures as most dentists’ preferred method of replacing adult teeth. But you might wonder: Why are dental implants so popular? Simply put, because they are effective, durable, and lack the complications that accompany other methods of tooth replacement. Let’s take a closer look at these modern marvels of dental technology.
Why Dentists Prefer Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small titanium post that is screwed into the jawbone. Basically, the implant acts as a replacement tooth root. A crown can be attached to the other side of the screw, appearing as a natural tooth.
1. Dental implants look and function like real teeth.
Your natural teeth are firmly anchored to your jawbone by means of tooth roots. A dental implant does the exact same thing—as the titanium post serves as a root and the dental crown functions as a tooth.
2. Dental implants work best with your body.
Although dental implants are artificial, they work well with your body. Titanium has a unique ability to fuse to living bone in a short period of time, usually just a few months. In time, a dental implant looks, feels, and acts just like a real tooth.
3. Dental implants are durable.
4. Dental implants help prevent bone loss.
In order to remain strong and healthy, bone tissue needs natural stimulation. Your teeth typically provide that stimulation when you bite down naturally. However, when you lose a tooth there is nothing to stimulate the bone; the result is the bone begins to resorb, or break down (similar to a muscle that begins to atrophy). A weak jawbone is more vulnerable to fracture and can lead to a face with a more wrinkled appearance.
A dental implant replaces a missing tooth at the root level, giving the jawbone needed stimulation. No other method of replacing teeth can do this.
5. Dental implants don’t damage adjacent teeth.
In the case of most bridges and dentures, adjacent teeth must be altered somewhat to accommodate the new appliance. Additionally, these teeth are used as anchors and support for the bridge or denture; this added strain often weakens the teeth.
In contrast, dental implants are anchored to the jawbone itself; therefore, they provide no negative effect on adjacent teeth.
6. Dental implants are low maintenance.
It’s difficult to properly clean a dental bridge. Dentures require special cleaning materials, and typically need to soak overnight.
Implants are much different; in fact, you care for them just as you do your natural teeth—with a regular routine of brushing and flossing.
Would you like to know whether you would benefit from dental implants? Contact us at the Marconi Dental Group today—your Sacramento dental implant specialists.