Did you know that millions of Americans suffer tooth loss every year? This is despite improvements in dental care.

A dental implant is a metallic unit that dentists surgically attach to the jaw. Over several months, they allow it to fuse to the jawbone. It is a permanent artificial replacement for the root of a missing tooth. This replacement root will hold the artificial tooth or a bridge. 

A dental implant is the only treatment that mimics a regular tooth. This is because it stands alone without affecting any adjacent teeth. It is also very stable since it fuses with the jawbone. The process of connecting with the jawbone is known as osseointegration. 

Why Would You Need a Dental Implant?

Dentists generally use dental implants to replace missing teeth. They can utilize them to replace a single tooth, a few teeth, or all the teeth. The primary point of replacing teeth in dentistry is to restore aesthetics and functionality.

Some of the factors to consider before getting dental implants are:
 

• Where the missing teeth are located

• How healthy the patient is

• Preference of the patient

• Quality and quantity of the jawbone in the location for the dental implant

• Cost

Usually, the dentist will examine the area where the dental implant should go. Then they make a clinical assessment on whether the patient is a viable candidate.

Dental implants are usually either subperiosteal or endosteal. Subperiosteal implants rest on top of the jawbone under the gum. However, these implants are no longer in use because of their poor performance. They do not last long, so you cannot rely on them. Endosteal dental implants usually fuse to the jawbone.

Advantages of Dental Implants

• Improved Speech

Compared to poor-fitting dentures, implants are much better for speech because dentures can slip inside the mouth. On the other hand, implants are very stable and will not slip.
 

• Improved Appearance

Dental implants look like regular teeth, so it is difficult for someone to tell whether you have fake teeth. They also fuse with the jawbone, making them permanent.
 

• Easier Eating

Unlike dentures that can make chewing difficult, implants make it easier. Dental implants are permanent and function like regular teeth, meaning you can eat your favorite meals comfortably and pain-free.
 

• Improved Oral Health

Unlike bridges, dental implants do not require the reduction of other teeth. This is because dental implants stand on their own. All the teeth remain unaffected by implants, ensuring long-term oral health. Implants also allow easy access between teeth, making oral hygiene easy to maintain.
 

• Improved Self-esteem

As dental implants look like regular teeth, they can restore your smile and give you a confidence boost. This might not be possible with other treatment options.
 

• Durability

Dental implants are incredibly durable than other options for tooth replacement. They can last a long time, even a lifetime, with good care.
 

For more on the best treatment options for missing teeth, visit Weston Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at our office in Weston, Florida. You can also call (954) 507-6441​​​​​​ to schedule an appointment today.