Many experts consider dental implants to be the ideal way to replace your missing teeth. They’re the only restoration that’s inserted directly into your jaw and functions as a standalone structure. Because of this, they’re often considered stronger than the alternatives like dentures and dental bridges. Plus, they have an incredibly high success rate of over 95% which makes them both a popular and reliable solution.
If you’re curious about why dental implants are so effective, keep reading to learn 3 of the reasons!
Reason #1: Durable Materials
Dental implants consist of 3 parts; the abutment (or support rod) that’s inserted into your jawbone, the fixture that connects to the artificial tooth, and the restoration itself. These parts are all made of resilient materials that are meant to last. For example, the abutment is typically comprised of titanium because it’s both incredibly strong and lightweight. Plus, it bonds with your bone through a process called osseointegration which makes it a permanent fixture in your mouth.
The dental crown it’s capped with is usually made of composite resin or porcelain that is customized to look and function like your natural tooth. They have fewer pores than the teeth you were born with which makes them stain and chip-resistant, although they’re not invincible.
Once these pieces are put together, you’ll have a reliable replacement tooth that is difficult to damage.
Reason #2: Longevity
Unlike the alternatives, you likely won’t need to worry about having to repair or replace your dental implant for quite some time. With the right care, they can last 30+ years which could be the remainder of your life! Dentures, meanwhile, require periodic relining and typically last 10 years at the most. Dental bridges also require more replacements and often only have a lifespan of 5-15 years.
Caring for dental implants involves brushing and flossing twice daily, just like your natural teeth. That makes them a sturdy but low-maintenance option that lasts longer than their counterparts.
Reason #3: Stimulate Bone Growth
Did you know that when you lose your teeth, your body reabsorbs bone mass from your jaw that’s no longer required to support them? This kicks off a slow deterioration that eventually changes the shape of your mouth and facial structure, in addition to additional tooth loss.
Dental implants are the only artificial teeth that stimulate your jaw to prevent this process. The titanium pole in your jaw stimulates it every time you bite down or chew which keeps it active and healthy. This helps you maintain your remaining pearly whites and their foundation.
Now that you know a few reasons why dental implants are so successful, there’s no reason to delay. Call your dentist and schedule a consultation, and soon you’ll be on your way to having a perfectly restored smile!
About the Author
Dr. Sheng Ji is a board-certified oral surgeon who’s dual-trained in both medicine and dentistry. He pursued his dental education at the University of California San Francisco before he underwent additional training in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Now, he provides a full range of surgeries and services to handle even the most complex cases. With multiple forms of sedation available, he’ll go above and beyond to help keep you calm and comfortable throughout your visit. If you’re interested in dental implants and would like a consultation, you’re welcome to request one on the website or by calling (916) 961-1902.