Dental implants have become highly popular among patients who’ve experienced tooth loss, and for many good reasons. However, despite their popularity, there are many things about dental implant-supported restorations that aren’t that obvious. For example, the benefits that they provide to your smile long-term might not be as noticeable as their more immediate benefits. Also, the specific ways in which they enhance a traditional dental restoration are more lifelike and impactful. Today, we help you understand more about the advantages they provide by answering a few common questions about dental implants and how they differ from more conventional bridges and dentures.
Can they address all types of tooth loss?
Conventional dental bridges and dentures are each designed to address a specific level of tooth loss. For example, a dental bridge can be designed to replace a single lost tooth, or multiple teeth if they’re adjacent to each other. A partial denture can be designed to rebuild your smile if you’ve lost multiple teeth that aren’t adjacent to each other, or a full denture can be utilized to replace all of the teeth on your upper or lower dental ridge. However, dental implant posts are individual restorations that are designed to mimic and replace healthy, natural teeth roots. They can be utilized to support any size restoration, depending on your specific needs.
Will my dental implants last for life?
When a dental implant is placed within your jawbone, the surrounding bone structure heals to the post over the period of a few months (usually, between 3-6 months). This process makes your dental implants a nearly permanent part of your oral anatomy, and creates a stronger system of support for your dental restoration. With proper care and maintenance, your dental implant posts can last for life as part of your jawbone structure. The enhanced support and stability can also improve the longevity of your implant-supported dental bridge or denture.
Do I need implants if I already have a restoration?
If you already wear a traditional dental bridge or denture, then it might not seem worth upgrading the restoration to one that’s supported by dental implants. However, unlike traditional restorations, dental implants restore a vital part of your natural teeth, the roots, and the vital functions that they’re responsible for. Because a traditional restoration can’t replace the roots of your lost teeth, it also can’t stop the loss of mass and density in your jawbone as a result of their loss. Only dental implants can achieve this and help you better preserve your long-term oral health.
Learn more about the value of dental implants
After losing one or more teeth, you may have a few questions about how dental implants can help you more successfully rebuild your smile. To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling Gentle Smiles in Dallas, TX, today at 972-329-7645 (972-329-SMILE).
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