Dental implants are a comfortable and lasting investment if you want to replace missing teeth! When it comes to look, fit, and function, this teeth replacement option is as close to real teeth as you can get compared to dentures, crowns, and bridges.
What Are Dental Implants?
When you lose a tooth due to disease or injury, you can be at risk of dental complications, such as defective speech, rapid bone loss, and changes to chewing patterns, that lead to pain and discomfort. Replacing a missing tooth with a tooth implant can help improve your dental health and quality of life.
A dental implant consists of 3 parts, the titanium implant post, the abutment, and the crown.
- Titanium Implant Post – Serves as an artificial tooth root, which is surgically implanted into the jawbone to secure the replacement tooth in place.
- Dental Implant Abutment – The metal part that attaches the implant post to the dental crown. It is secured following the osseointegration period.
- Crown – Made from porcelain to mimic the look and function of a natural tooth
After the dental implants are embedded, they integrate seamlessly with your existing teeth.
Types of Dental Implants
1. Endosteal Implant
It is the most common type of dental implant, which is placed inside the bone. It looks like a small screw, cylinder, or blade. It has a titanium metal post, a biocompatible material that will not irritate or be rejected by the body.
The metal screws are placed in your jawbone to hold one or more replacement teeth. Once they have fused to the bone and the surrounding soft tissues have recovered, the dentist will perform minor surgery to install the abutment.
The endosteal implant is ideal for patients with dentures or bridges.
2. Subperiosteal Implant
This type of implant is ideal for people with insufficient bone to support endosteal implants. The implantation method for the subperiosteal is different from the other methods since it sits underneath the gum line and above the jawbone. It does not involve surgery to place the implant into the natural bone.
3. Zygoma Implant
Also known as zygomatic implants, zygomas are often recommended to patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw. It is ideal for patients who do not want to go through bone grafting. Instead of surgically placing the implants into the jaw bone, they are implanted into the cheekbone to provide support for upper jaw teeth, dentures, and bridges.
Why Dental Implants Are a Practical Investment
Dental implants come with plenty of benefits, both cosmetically and from a dental health standpoint.
- Prevention of Bone Loss
When you have missing teeth, your risk for jawbone atrophy increases. Jawbone atrophy refers to the loss of bone in the jaw, which affects your facial appearance and your bite. Bone tissues need constant stimulation to stay healthy. Without the natural tooth root, the jawbone tissues begin to shrink. However, dental implants provide the stimulation your jaw needs to remain healthy and strong.
- Safe for Natural Teeth
Anchoring a fixed bridge or supporting a removable partial denture requires the dental surgeon to shave down healthy natural teeth. With the removal of the enamel, your teeth are at higher risk of decay and infection.
On the other hand, the dental implant procedure does not have adverse effects on the natural teeth since they perfectly fit into the gaps left by missing teeth. This enables you to preserve your oral health without significant damage to the adjacent teeth.
- Long-Lasting
Fixed bridges and removable partial dentures require regular adjustments (or replacement) every couple of years due to ongoing jawbone tissue loss. Additionally, both tooth replacements require extra care and maintenance, adding up to costly dental bills in the future.
Tooth implants that are surgically placed by an experienced dental surgeon almost always offer long-term success. They do not require adjustment and caring for them is relatively easy. It only needs regular brushing and flossing, as well as routine dental checkups. Choosing implanted teeth means minimal future dental expenses.
- Easy to Care For
Dental implants do not require a special toothbrush, toothpaste, or adhesives to secure them in place. Also, you do not need to soak them in water overnight.
- Allow You to Eat Your Favourite Meal
Some people avoid eating certain foods, like corn on the cob, raw vegetables, or tough meat due to fear of damaging their temporary teeth replacements. Dental bridges and dentures may cause discomfort as they dig deeper into the gum tissue. However, when you replace a missing tooth with a dental implant, it provides you with complete freedom when it comes to enjoying your favourite foods.
- Improved Nutrition and Health
Eating with missing teeth can limit your diet, which prevents you from getting the nutrients your body needs. However, eating your favourite chewy, crunchy, healthy foods with your dental implants is just as easy as it is with natural teeth. This results in improved health and personal nutrition.
- Easier to Speak
Missing teeth or poorly fitted dentures can impact your speech. In many cases, it results in a lisp, which affects your confidence. This may want you not to speak whenever around people. Replacing missing teeth with dental implants can help restore your speech so you will never have to worry about speaking correctly again.
- Reclaim Your Confidence
Some people are conscious about smiling with their mouths open due to damaged or missing teeth. However, implant dentistry enables you to restore your smile.
Are Dental Implants Worth It: Conclusion
Yes, dental implants are a long-lasting investment for your oral health. The advantages of getting implants are extensive, benefitting not only your oral health but your overall well-being.
As long as you are a good candidate for dental implants, the success rate for the procedure is relatively high. With such good odds, you can have peace of mind knowing that your investment will not go to waste.
If you are planning to get dental implants in Langley, BC, contact Township Dental Centre. Our dentists are ready to transform your smile and quality of life! We put your dental needs on top of our list. We offer complete dental care for you and your entire family. We also accept all insurance.
Consult with our dentist to learn what to expect before and after a dental implant procedure. Give us a call today at (604) 533-8475 to schedule a consultation, or send us a message using our contact form to request an appointment. We will set you up for a thorough assessment to determine if dental implants are the right fit for you.