Dental implants don’t come cheap but are probably the most popular dental treatment out there. But what makes dental implants so popular? How do they compare to dental bridges? And do they offer any additional health benefits compared to cheaper alternatives? In this post, we will look at the 5 key reasons dental implants have become so popular to help answer these questions and more.
Obviously, with both a bridge and a dental implant, your bite and ability to chew will be improved by virtue of a gap being removed. However, with a dental implant, you receive additional benefits when compared to a bridge. As a dental implant is rooted into your jaw, this makes it work and feel much more like a normal tooth.
In addition, because a dental implant is actually rooted into your jaw, it helps to strengthen bone growth. It does this by helping to prevent bone resorption that takes place when a tooth is lost. When a tooth is lost it can actually change the shape of your jaw if left uncorrected. However, a dental implant can actually help prevent this. It can even stimulate bone growth and help ensure the long term repair of the jaw.
One of the great features of a dental implant is its durability. Whilst a bridge will last a decent 10-15 years, a dental implant is designed to last almost a lifetime. Indeed, dental implants can last as long as 20-30 years. However, you need to ensure you still take proper care of your teeth if you want to improve the longevity of an implant.
One of the reasons for dental implant’s being reliable and long-lasting is because they are fixed to the jawbone. This helps to replicate a natural tooth much more closely, with the implant acting as a tooth’s root. Made from long-lasting and strong titanium, it is easy to see how an implant will last the course.
A further benefit is that they do not need to remove any healthy tooth structure from surrounding teeth to be installed. Whereas a bridge may need to make adaptations to adjacent healthy teeth, an implant is fixed to the jaw itself helping to protect surrounding teeth.
Whilst hygiene and health are the primary reasons for dentistry. It is also true that an important part of health is how we feel about ourselves. And feeling comfortable with our teeth and our smile is a huge part of that. A dental implant can be pretty much indistinguishable from a natural tooth, helping to give you confidence in your smile.
Moreover, a dental implant helps to prevent bone loss and can even foster bone-strengthening growth. It improves oral hygiene and strengthens your surrounding teeth by preserving your healthy gum tissue. This helps to maintain the shape of your face in the long run, as a gap can lead to your face actually sagging over time.
A further benefit of a dental bridge is improved dental hygiene. When people choose not to have a gap filled in with dental treatment, this can cause issues down the line. It can also weaken bone structure, and make it harder to chew. All of these issues combine to make an angry mouth.
With a dental implant, these issues can rapidly disappear and dental hygiene can be improved. However, you will still need to take proper care of your teeth and gums. This will help to prevent the accumulation of bacteria that might make you susceptible to gum disease or tooth decay.
A dental implant does require at least two surgeries, one to install the implant and one to install the bridge. However, because of their high success rates in terms of longevity, improved oral hygiene, and a restored smile. Many people will choose a dental implant over alternatives like dental bridges.
Because they are fixed to your jaw, they can also help to improve the overall functioning of your mouth. This has multiple daily rewards, be it an improved ability to speak clearly or simply an ability to chew food without discomfort. With a dental bridge, success looks like 10-15 years, but an implant could push that to 30. That alone highlights why dental implants are so popular.
The benefits of dental implants shine through. This is true whether you look at them on their own merit or compare them with other similar treatments. If you have lost a tooth or are having pain, don’t delay and contact your dentist. They will be able to run you through your options with you. If a dental implant is what you need, it will be a worthwhile investment that, with the right care, will last you a lifetime.