Dental implants may be a solution for you if you’re missing one or more teeth or have broken or decayed teeth beyond repair. Not only do they offer an unmatched level of support, but they can also restore your natural smile.
Our West Omaha dentists list seven benefits of dental implants here.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small, metal posts that act as tooth roots. The implant, which resembles a titanium screw, is placed in or above the jawline. Then, a replacement tooth (or crown) is fastened after a short healing period.
Unlike dentures or bridges, dental implants are surgically placed. The implants fuse with your jawbone so they won’t slip or affect your adjacent teeth.
Advantages of Dental Implants
Prevent Bone Loss
Your bone and facial structure can change when you lose teeth, making you look older. Dental implants offer the same support as natural teeth, preventing your face from changing shape.
They’re also the only replacement option that replicates jawbone stimulation, stopping bone loss.
Restore Bite Force
Missing teeth can affect your ability to chew. Implants help restore your bite force, making it easier for you to eat again. And, because they’re anchored in your jawbone, implants won’t slip like other replacement options that sit on top of your gums.
Easy to Care For
Implants require the same oral hygiene routine as your natural teeth. This means brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day and seeing your dentist every six months for regular checkups — nothing out of the ordinary!
Implant-supported dentures typically demand the same care as traditional dentures. If your implants support a dental bridge, make sure to clean under the false teeth to keep your gums healthy.
Matches Your Natural Teeth
Dental implants feel and function like your natural teeth.
Implants, also known as fixtures, are made of titanium or zirconium. The visible part of the implant, the dental crown, is usually composed of porcelain or ceramic. Crowns come in various shapes and sizes and are specifically designed to match your teeth so they won’t look out of place.
Better Oral Health
Gaps created by missing teeth can act as a trap for food and bacteria, resulting in gum disease. Implants fill this space, and they’ll never develop cavities. That said, while the material dental implants are made of can’t decay, replacement teeth need the same level of care to prevent bacteria build-up.
Spaces between your teeth also cause shifting and eventual deterioration. When you’re missing teeth, the surrounding ones can begin to move toward the gap. This can affect your appearance, as well as your ability to bite and chew. It may also lead to TMJ disorder, which can be painfully debilitating.
Implants keep your adjacent teeth stable, so you won’t have to worry about these issues.
Enables Natural Speech
Losing a tooth can change the way you speak. For instance, a space between your front teeth may result in a lisp. Restoration options like dentures may also slip as you talk, causing slurred speech.
In short, your tongue needs a surface to press against when forming words. Because dental implants hold firmly in place, they allow you to speak easily and naturally.
Built to Last
Dental implants can last a lifetime if properly placed and cared for. The implant piece lasts the longest because it’s embedded in the jawbone. Fixtures typically last 25 years or more because they aren’t directly exposed to things that cause damage.
Dental crowns, on the other hand, last anywhere from 10-15 years because the force of biting and chewing will eventually wear down the surface. However, when this happens, your dentist can replace it without removing the implant.
Implant Dentist in Omaha, NE
Overall, dental implants are a durable, versatile replacement option that can restore the functionality of your teeth.
Eagle Run West Dental Group offers cosmetic dentistry services in West Omaha, NE. While we coordinate our implant cases with a local oral surgeon, our dentists can help determine whether they’re right for you.
Call 402-498-8804 or contact us today to schedule a consultation!
Author Bio: Drs. Sharlene and Robert Wilson offer a variety of general and cosmetic dentistry services in Omaha, NE. They both earned their doctorate from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry. With over 30 years of combined experience, both are committed to helping patients achieve beautiful, healthy, and long-lasting smiles. Call 402-498-8804 to schedule an appointment.