Tooth Replacement Has Entered a New Era
- Posted on: Sep 15 2017
Tooth loss is a dental problem that most people think they can avoid. It is possible to keep your natural teeth for your entire lifetime. However, statistics continue to demonstrate the prevalence of tooth loss among American adults. Fortunately, the methodology for restoring proper bite and chewing function has evolved over time. We can still replace teeth with bridges and dentures, but we now also have the option of going above and beyond. Here, we want to discuss the reasons why more patients are opting for dental implants to restore optimal structure after tooth loss.
What is a dental implant?
Dental implants are not like the usual restorations that we see, because we can’t see them at all! The purpose of an implant is to act as an artificial root. This small titanium post sits in the jawbone in the same way a natural root sits in the socket beneath a tooth.
Benefits of Dental Implants
One of the details about tooth loss that has been discovered is that the underlying structure of a tooth is just as important as the crown that enables us to chew. As implant treatment has been conducted, numerous benefits have been noticed. These include:
- High success rate for long-term function. The success rate for dental implants is over 98%. Success is measured by the stability of artificial teeth and the overall function of restorations over several years. Once implants are integrated into bone tissue, which can take approximately 6 months, these fixtures can be expected to remain stable for life. The only thing patients need to do is keep brushing and flossing in order to prevent periodontal disease.
- The end result of implant treatment looks and feels real. One of the concerns that patients have had about tooth replacement is the loss of authentic appearance. Materials used to craft artificial teeth are now more shiny and translucent, leading to a natural aesthetic. And because restorations are stabilized by implants, the sensation of chewing and biting feels very much like natural teeth.
- Implants are versatile. Dental implants can be used in a wide range of treatments to replace missing structure. One tooth, several teeth, or all teeth; it doesn’t matter, implants hold the key to stability.
Would you like to know more about dental implants? Call our Pasadena office at 713-943-9832.
Posted in: Dental Implants
