For centuries, replacing a missing tooth offered limited options – usually a bridge between two natural teeth, or a full set of removable dentures. Each of those options had strict limitations. Therefore, the concept of a dental implant is not really new. Skulls with implanted cadaver teeth, teeth made of shell, stone and metal, all are found in the study of anthropology. Of course, some of these ideas had greater success than other, and most were probably terribly painful.
Recent developments provide a secure, reliable option for replacing missing teeth: the modern titanium dental implant. A titanium dental implant fuses to the jawbone. Instead of relying on adhesives or other teeth to keep them in place, a dental implant is anchored to the jaw itself, just like an original tooth.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Although there are many benefits to dental implants, let’s discuss five of them:
- Dental Implants look, feel and act like natural teeth. Dental implants use the same metal as bone and joint replacements – titanium, which has the unique ability to fuse with living bone. The titanium serves as a root for the artificial teeth. The artificial teeth, also called crowns, are also very durable. In time, many patients cannot tell the difference between their old teeth and their new ones.
- Dental implants are permanent. Most dentures and bridges deteriorate in time, needing periodic replacements. With dental implants, they become a permanent part of your jaw. This also eliminates issues like slipping or shifting out of place – a common issue for both traditional dentures and bridges.
- Dental Implants help to keep your jaw healthy. Using your teeth stimulates the jawbone because the teeth are rooted to it. Ordinary bridges and dentures aren’t connected to the jaw, so the bone receives no stimulation. In time, the jaw starts to weaken – like a muscle atrophies when not used. Since dental implants are rooted to the jawbone, your jaw continues to receive that needed stimulation.
- You won’t use your old teeth to support your new ones. Dental implants mimic natural teeth with their connection to the jawbone. Bridgework and dentures typically rely on neighboring teeth to keep them in place, usually with crowns or adhesives. With dental implants, the original supporting structures in your mouth are maintained without adaptation.
- Dental implants are easy to maintain. Dentures are removed every night to soak and must be dealt with gently. But with dental implants, they only need regular oral care and checkups with the dentist – just like your natural teeth!
Dental implants have other benefits. Our dental staff is happy to schedule a consultation with you to discuss them and answer any questions at our Carmichael dental practice.