Why Dental Implants are the Superior Choice for Replacing Missing Teeth

People lose teeth for many reasons, and you might be surprised to learn that almost 200 million American adults are missing one or more teeth. The problem worsens with age; experts estimate that nearly 20% of adults over 65 have lost all their teeth. 

However, the fact that a problem is common doesn’t make it less problematic. When you’re missing one or more teeth, you’re more vulnerable to gum disease and decay, your remaining teeth may move, and you even have a greater risk of bone loss and other health issues! 

Dr. Sabrina E. Mickel and her staff in Beachwood, Ohio, recommend replacing missing teeth. You have several options, such as bridges or dentures, but we believe a dental implant provides excellent function, and most patients are satisfied with their implants. Here, we provide five reasons you may want to consider dental implants. 

1. It is a permanent solution

Tooth replacement options, such as dental bridges, partial dentures, or full dentures are removable prosthetics. Since they are removable, they may also shift around in your mouth and rub your gums. You may not find them completely comfortable. 

Dental implants are permanent and stable. An implant is a titanium post surgically implanted into your jawbone, where it fuses with your bone. The part you see is an artificial tooth attached to the top of the post. The implant is sturdy and doesn’t move. 

2. A natural look

The crown, the part of your implant that looks like a tooth, is custom-made for your mouth, so it appears natural. Dr. Mickel carefully selects a color, size, and shape for your crown to look as natural as possible. 

Once your crown is in place, it’s difficult for anyone to know that you even have an implant. 

3. Comfort matters

You may find speaking and eating difficult when you’re missing one or more teeth. Bridges and dentures are adequate replacements, but they can slip, plus talking and eating may still be challenging. 

Discomfort is one of the main drawbacks of bridges and dentures, while increased comfort is one of the advantages of dental implants. When the implant fuses to your jawbone and everything heals, it’s anchored and acts like a natural tooth. It doesn’t move, even when you’re eating and talking. 

4. Protection for your remaining teeth

You don’t think much about what your teeth do, but they always work together. If one is missing, things are off. Your remaining teeth endure more pressure and wear and may become damaged. 

Missing teeth also increase your risk of decay. It may be hard to clean your remaining teeth, or they may shift over time and become more difficult to clean, raising the possibility of lingering bacteria that can cause gum disease and tooth decay. 

Dental implants restore healthy function by keeping your remaining teeth in place and carrying the load of your missing tooth. There’s no need to worry about shifting or moving. Also, your ability to practice excellent dental hygiene doesn’t change. 

5. Strong bones

Your teeth have roots that reach down into your jawbone, which holds them in place. Each time you bite down, those roots stimulate your jawbone, increasing blood flow and nourishment and keeping it healthy. When you’re missing a tooth, the bone in the spot where its roots should be begins to deteriorate. 

Over time, bone loss can spread, cause other teeth to loosen, and even change the shape of your face. 

A dental implant mimics a tooth’s roots. It stimulates your jawbone just as your natural tooth would, keeping it healthy and strong. 

If you’re missing one or more teeth and want to learn more about your options for replacement, schedule an appointment at Sabrina E. Mickel and Associates today. We’re always happy to answer your questions and make suggestions based on your specific situation.