Dental Implants

Are you considering dental implants? These natural-appearing teeth can replace damaged or missing teeth. They come with several benefits, which we will be discussing in this article. If you have any questions, concerns, or want to learn more, be sure to contact Willow Springs Dental today.

Here is everything you need to know about dental implants!

What are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a replacement for a tooth. They recreate the entire structure- everything from the crown to the root of the tooth. This root is usually made from strong metal and is placed in the jawbone. Once the root has been secure in your mouth for three to six months, we attach the rest of the tooth to it.

This waiting period is crucial. We need to ensure that your jaw is adjusting to the implant's root since this is what makes it secure. When properly taken care of, your dental implant should last forever.

The best part is that dental implants look like real teeth. No one else will know that it is an implant. Dr. Johnson a prosthodontist adds that dental implants can also help make dentures more secure with treatments like All-On-4.

Who Can Get an Implant?

Anyone who has at least one missing tooth can receive a dental implant. Additionally, those who have broken, damaged, or decaying teeth can also receive a dental implant to replace them. Many people prefer implants over dentures as well since they look and feel more natural.

With advances in dental technology, most people can receive dental implants today. If you are interested and want to know if you are eligible for this treatment, be sure to reach out to us. We have a team of experienced dental care personnel at our practice who would love to assist you.

All the Benefits of Dental Implants

There are many different advantages to getting dental implants. They include the following:

They Look and Feel Natural

Dental implants look and feel like real teeth. That allows you to chew and eat normally. If you were having trouble eating before, you know what a big difference that can make in your daily life. Plus, you can brush the implant just like you do the rest of your teeth.

They Last a Lifetime

When taken care of, dental implants can last you a lifetime. The implant is made from lasting materials and works alongside the rest of your teeth. It is also connected directly to your jawbone. The most important part is that the implant is not toxic and should not be rejected by your body.

So, when you follow our instructions for caring for the implant, it should last you the rest of your life. Compare that to a dental bridge, which only lasts an average of 10 years and puts pressure on your other teeth.

They Prevent Bone Loss

When you are missing a tooth, the jaw bone in the gap can deteriorate. It can happen rapidly, with about 25% of the bone deteriorating after the tooth is missing for only a year. However, since an implant replaces the tooth and even has its own root in the jaw bone, there is no bone loss over time.

They Prevent Gum Disease

When you have a gap in your teeth, it creates the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. Food can become trapped there easily as well- all of which can lead to gum disease. By having a dental implant added, your gums are going to stay much healthier.

They Prevent Premature Aging

Your face can start to sag when you experience bone loss in your jaw. These changes can cause you to look older than you are, which can harm many people’s self-confidence. They Keep Your Other Teeth in the Right Place

Missing teeth leave an open space where your other teeth are drawn towards. That can cause your teeth to shift out of place and become misaligned. Crooked teeth impact your bite negatively and make it harder to check.

Crooked teeth can also cause pain through headaches and may cause tooth decay due to crowding. By getting an implant, you are saving yourself from issues with your dental health.

They Improve Your Speech

Dental implants can greatly improve your speech. Missing teeth can make it harder to talk, but your speech should return to how it was before when you have the tooth replaced. Plus, they are much easier to talk with than dentures, which can slip or move around inside of your mouth.

They are Convenient

Dental implants are much more convenient than dentures. Dentures require adhesives, specific cleaning methods, and more maintenance. Dental implants look and act like real teeth, so they do not require any more time or effort to take care of. You can save time with implants when compared to dentures.

They Improve Self-Esteem

Many people feel uncomfortable with their appearance when they are missing teeth or have broken teeth in their mouth. Not only is it healthier to have implants added, but they can help to restore your smile- which can help bring back your confidence.

How Successful are They?

Dental implants have varying success rates, depending on where they need to be installed in your mouth. However, most dental implants have a success rate of 98% or higher. You will need to take care of them if you want them to succeed.

To do this, you simply need to treat them like they are real teeth. Brush, floss, and use an antibacterial mouthwash often. Then, make sure to come in for regular checkups.

Overall, you should be able to receive dental implants without worry. Our professional dental team is very experienced in working on dental implants. You can trust us to handle the procedure and all follow-up appointments with your best interest in mind.

Call Us Today

If you want to learn more, call us today! We would love to answer all of your questions and let you know what to expect with dental implants. Our team has plenty of experience in this procedure, so we are confident that you will enjoy the results.