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In the past, when you lost teeth, you had one major option: dentures. Now, many dentists including our own Washington, MI, dentist, recommend dental implants to patients wanting a permanent and natural-looking solution to missing teeth.
Here are 4 reasons why dental implants make the best tooth replacement choice.
1. Dental Implants Help Prevent Bone Loss in the Jawbone
One of the main is that they do not entirely substitute natural teeth. What we mean by this is dentures only replace the visible part of the tooth above the gum line. Without a tooth root present in the jawbone, the body will naturally begin to reabsorb minerals and break down that area.
Dental implants, on the other hand, are embedded into the jawbone and provide much needed stimulation. In fact, the placement of the implant actually works to drive new bone growth which otherwise would stop without tooth roots present. This activity strengthens the jawbone and encourages it to retain mineral density and volume thus preventing any bone loss.
2. Dental Implants Offer a More Natural Look and Feel
While the dental implant procedure does require surgery, the result is a natural feel and look compared to dentures. Dentures can be troublesome for many patients due to their appearance which oftentimes can be rather bulky and not proportional to the rest of the face.
Though it may take a few months for the dental implant to heal and fuse with the jawbone, the end result will appear and function much like a natural tooth. There is little to no time needed to adjust as they seamlessly blend into your smile. You also do not have to worry about them slipping while talking with others or enjoying a meal.
3. There is No Extra Maintenance or Adhesives Needed
One of the biggest is that you can care for them much like your natural teeth. Brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting our Washington, MI, dental office for a teeth cleaning every six months will prevent plaque buildup.
Dentures often require more frequent attention with regards to fit adjustments and at-home maintenance. Denture wearers also may need to use dental adhesives regularly which can be messy and inconvenient.
With dental implants, you can skip the adhesives because they are embedded directly into the jawbone. This secure foundation then makes at-home oral hygiene no different than if you never lost a tooth.
4. You Can Enjoy an Unrestricted Diet
Because dentures rest on top of your gums and do not connect with the jawbone, it can be challenging to bite down on certain foods and chew more effectively. Specific textures, such as sticky or hard foods, may also prove difficult to enjoy.
Thanks to their similar functionality to natural teeth, patients with dental implants can eat whatever they like and leave food restrictions behind. The implant's secure connection makes chewing easier and less worrisome because there's no risk of foods dislodging them.
Where foods like corn on the cob and steak are largely off-limits with ill-fitting dentures, they're easily enjoyed with implants. If you're ready for a permanent solution to missing teeth, dental implants are an excellent choice for their convenience and ability to beautifully complement the rest of your smile.
Say Goodbye to Missing Teeth
If you are embarrassed by gaps in your smile, our , can recommend the tooth replacement procedure. Many patients appreciate that implants offer a more natural-looking, long lasting solution than traditional dentures. To request an appointment, call Washington Family Dental today at (586) 752-4545.
This blog post has been updated.