6 Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants may be used to replace a single tooth or multiple teeth. Entire arch restorations supported by 4-6 implants have become more popular in recent years.

Here at Benfleet Dental Centre we have put together 6 benefits of dental implants to help you make the decision. First, we’ll explore how dental implants work and then look at some of the advantages of choosing dental implants over other restoration options.

What are dental implants and how do they work?

A dental implant is a small titanium screw that is placed in the jaw where it bonds with the bone. When the bone regenerates and grows around the bone, this creates a solid foundation for a crown, bridge or full arch restoration.

The dental implant essentially mimics the role of a natural tooth root. When you bite down, the force of your bite is absorbed by the implant and distributed along the jaw bone. This keeps the jaw bone active and prevents resorption, which can cause your jaw bone to change shape.

The procedure is completed over multiple visits, which means it isn’t a quick fix. Once the restoration is complete, the implant can last a lifetime with good care. You might need to replace or repair the crown, bridge or denture on top, but the part that is attached to your jaw will be there for life.

What are the alternatives to a dental implant?

If you don’t want a dental implant because of the length of the treatment plan or the cost, there are a few alternative treatments to consider. You might choose a dental bridge to replace a single tooth, or you could have a partial denture to close the gap in your smile. You could also choose to leave a gap in your smile, but there are long-term implications to this.

There are a number of advantages to choosing dental implants over alternative treatment plans, and over leading a gap in your smile. These are our top 6 favourite benefits that we share with patients when they are considering treatment…

1. Dental implants are the next best thing to healthy, natural teeth

Strong and stable, a dental implant restores a lost tooth so that it looks, feels, fits and functions like a natural tooth. Other options, such as dentures and bridges can lead to bone deterioration, and may interfere with eating, smiling, speaking and other activities of everyday life.

Dental implants are also designed to last a lifetime, so while the upfront cost might be greater, the lifetime value of your dental implants will be much higher.

2. Dental implants allow you to enjoy life without worrying about your teeth!

Teeth restored with dental implants are teeth that let you, not your teeth, lead your life. Dental implants allow you to keep your teeth where they belong – in your mouth. Brush, floss and care for teeth that have been replaced using dental implants exactly the way you would natural teeth.

You can brush your teeth as you normally would, without having to worry about cleaning your dentures overnight.

3. Dental implants help retain your natural face shape, and smile

A face without teeth can sag and appear sunken and sad, ageing you prematurely. Dental implants allow you to maintain the natural shape of your face and smile. Dental implants help to maintain your youthful appearance.

Dentures can make people feel much older and might impact their confidence when speaking and smiling. Dental implants help to boost your confidence and ensure that you don’t feel isolated later in life.

4. Dental implants allow you to eat your favourite foods!

You can bite naturally, eat virtually anything you want and, unlike removable dentures that can feel uncomfortable, you can experience the full taste of the food you eat with dental implants, too.

This is vital as you get older, as it can help you to avoid malnutrition that can occur if you are unable to enjoy a varied diet. Without the ability to chew with confidence, you might struggle to get enough fibre in your diet, and this can lead to widespread health problems.

5. Dental implants protect healthy bone

Leaving empty spaces in your mouth after losing one or more teeth can lead to additional health issues, such as the loss and deterioration of some of your jawbone. Dental implants are the only dental restoration option that preserves natural bone, helping to stimulate new bone growth and preventing bone loss.

This can help you to avoid the “sunken” look that can happen after tooth loss. It could also make your face appear less symmetrical if the tooth loss is on one side. If you leave a gap in your smile, it could also trigger a process of gum recession, which could leave the remaining teeth vulnerable to decay.

6. Dental implants are more predictable than other repair and restoration methods

Dental implants have a track record of reliable, long-term successful outcomes and are considered “more predictable” than other treatments to repair or replace missing teeth, including bridges, dentures and retreatment of failing root canal treatment. If you follow the aftercare advice and take good care of your dental implants, the risk of failure is very low.

Ready to talk about your dental implant restoration?

Looking for further help and advice on whether dental implants are right for you? Call Benfleet Dental Centre today on 01702 557766 and book a consultation. We can guide you through the process of placing dental implants so you can see how this treatment could transform your life.