Benefits of Dental Implants
Dentist Battle Ground
 The benefits of dental implants go far beyond the fact that they are the best tooth-replacement option. Excel Dental has a wealth of expertise in this area of dentistry so take a look at why they can be the perfect solution for you.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a tooth restoration that is placed directly into the jawbone. Acting like a tooth root, it fuses with the jawbone and forms a secure base that is strong enough to support the chewing and biting forces exerted by a crown (the pontic tooth) that is positioned on top.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants replace the esthetics and functions of a natural tooth. Once placed, they are as strong as your own tooth, look like your own tooth, and with a normal brushing and cleaning routine supplemented with visits to the dentist can last you a lifetime.
From a cosmetic point of view, dental implants look the part, and while there is no doubt that a gap in your teeth is undesirable, they are also beneficial in preventing bone loss in the alveolar ridge—the area of the jawbone that supports the tooth roots and provides a framework that underpins the facial tissues.
Tooth loss is not only aging to your looks, but it is also aging to the structure of the face. If a tooth is lost bone mass around the tooth socket begins to resorb. This happens as soon as the tooth is lost, and within a year as much as 25% of the bone can be reduced. If bone loss is diminished in the alveolar region it can cause a sunken appearance around the mouth, forming wrinkles and hollows in the skin as the underlying bone support is compromised.
Dental implants not only stop bone loss but promote the growth of healthy bone too. This is because, like unused muscles, the bone wastes away if it is not used—and the biting and chewing forces exerted on a dental implant stimulate the jawbone in exactly the same way as a tooth root does. We'll let you know how dental implants are safe for you during your first visit.
We take being able to laugh, eat, talk, and eat with confidence, but if you have missing teeth this may not be the case. Even if you have dentures, there is always the possibility they may shift, or fall out, and wearers often have to modify their diets because wearing dentures makes it difficult to eat certain foods. Dental implants fuse with your jawbone through a process known as osseointegration, and offer a permanent, secure tooth replacement option that won’t move, slip, or fall out.
Special care is not required with dental implants. As long as you visit the dentist regularly and maintain a twice-daily flossing and brushing routine your implants will last a lifetime. It is important to note that in the same way as natural teeth, gum disease can affect the area around the implants and so care must be taken to keep the gums disease-free and the implants clean to prevent plaque and tartar build-up.
Dental implants are made to be a permanent solution and are directly planted on the jawline. They bond with the bone tissue around them, which further secures their placement. Once they have been infused in the bone, it creates a strong base for the artificial tooth. The implant can last for 15 to 20 years but can even last longer with proper care. However, the attached crown might need to be replaced because of the normal wear and tear. It is impossible to have an accurate estimate of how long the dental implant will last since there are several factors that could impact its lifespan.
Schedule an appointment at Excel Dental to find out more about the benefits of dental implants by calling us at (360) 369-3930. |
