Advantages of Dental Implants

Tooth loss is surprisingly common among adults. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, nearly 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, and a staggering 40 million are missing all of their teeth. While tooth loss can be caused by factors, like gum disease or tooth decay, the end result is the same: the need for a durable and aesthetically pleasing tooth replacement solution.

For decades, dentures have been the go-to choice for tooth replacement. However, as dental technology has evolved, dental implants have rapidly become the superior option that many dentists and prosthodontists regard as the new standard of care for replacing missing teeth. 

Let’s take a closer look at how dental implants compare to dentures and why these state-of-the-art restorations reign supreme. 

Dental Implants Provide Stability and Functionality

Unlike dentures, which are removable and may slip or slide when improperly fitted, dental implants are securely anchored into the jawbone, providing a level of stability akin to the roots of natural teeth. This stability ensures that the implants do not move or shift, giving you the confidence to eat, laugh, and talk without the fear of embarrassing slips.

Dental implants function remarkably like natural teeth. They mimic the root-to-crown structure of a natural tooth, thereby providing the necessary bite force for comfortable chewing and speaking. With dental implants, you can enjoy your favorite foods and converse with ease, something that can be challenging for denture wearers. 

Comfort and Confidence

One of the significant disadvantages of dentures is the discomfort they can cause due to gum irritation and sore spots when not properly fitted. Dental implants, on the other hand, eliminate these issues by integrating with the jawbone, much like a natural tooth root. This prevents any movement or rubbing against the gums that could lead to discomfort or sores.

Dental implants also offer an incredible boost in self-confidence. With their natural appearance and perfect fit, they’re almost indistinguishable from your natural teeth. This means you’ll be able to flash your smile without the worry of anyone noticing you’ve had dental work done. In fact, dental implants not only restore function but also rejuvenate your smile, thereby enhancing facial aesthetics. This seamless, natural-looking solution can help you regain your confidence and enjoy life to the fullest. 

Durability and Longevity

Dental implants are designed to stand the test of time with proper care. The materials used in their construction, typically titanium or zirconium, are remarkably durable and biocompatible, allowing the implants to integrate seamlessly with the jawbone. This integration, known as osseointegration, facilitates the durability and stability of the implants, enabling them to withstand the forces of biting and chewing effectively for many years. With a meticulous oral hygiene routine and regular dental checkups, dental implants can last a lifetime.

In comparison, dentures require continuous maintenance. They may need periodic adjustments, relining, or even replacement due to normal wear and tear, changes in the mouth’s shape, or damage. Over time, the repeated cost of these maintenance procedures for dentures can add up, making dental implants a more cost-effective solution in the long run.

Bone Health and Facial Structure

When you lose a tooth, the lack of stimulation in that area can lead to jawbone loss, altering the facial structure over time and causing premature aging. However, dental implants stimulate the jawbone when you chew, just like natural teeth roots. This stimulation facilitates the production of new bone cells, preventing bone loss and preserving the integrity of your facial structure.

Dentures don’t provide the same level of support to the jawbone. They rest on the gums and can help slow bone loss to a certain extent by distributing the force of your bite more evenly. Yet, they do not offer the direct stimulation to the jawbone that dental implants do, and thus, cannot halt the bone loss completely. Therefore, while dentures are a viable tooth replacement option for many, dental implants stand as the gold standard for mimicking natural teeth and maintaining oral health. 

Long-Term Maintenance

Dental implants have a significant edge over dentures and other tooth replacement options as they don’t necessitate alterations to healthy adjacent teeth for support. In traditional bridgework procedures, natural teeth adjacent to the gap need to be ground down to serve as anchors for the bridge. This process can lead to weakening and potential damage to these otherwise healthy teeth. In contrast, dental implants stand independently, inserted directly into the jawbone, preserving the integrity of the surrounding teeth.

The ease of maintenance associated with dental implants further underscores their advantages. Cleaning dental implants is as straightforward as caring for your natural teeth—brushing twice daily, flossing, and regular dental checkups will suffice. Dentures, on the other hand, require additional effort for cleaning, including removal, soaking overnight, and using special brushes and cleansers to prevent bacteria buildup. 

Dental Implant Consultations at Parmer Lane Family Dentistry

Dental implants truly stand out as the premier choice in restorative dentistry. They not only offer uncompromised functionality and an enhanced aesthetic appeal but also ensure ease of maintenance and a more natural, comfortable fit compared to dentures. With dental implants, you regain the freedom to enjoy all foods, maintain your regular oral care routine, and smile with newfound confidence.

At Parmer Lane Family Dentistry, our team of dedicated professionals is committed to helping you make the best decisions for your oral health. If you’re considering dental implants as a solution to tooth loss, we invite you to schedule a consultation with your favorite dentist in Austin. Let’s explore together if you’re an ideal candidate for dental implants and embark on the journey to a healthier, happier smile.