Until recently, there were only so many options for tooth replacement if you lost a permanent tooth. Bridges and dentures used to be the “go-to” option for your dentist to restore your smile to its normal appearance, but they need a lot of maintenance and don’t provide the same functionality as natural teeth.
Dental implants are a modern solution for tooth replacements that preserve your oral health and maintains the feel and function of normal teeth. Valley Dental Health is a leading implant and cosmetic dental office in Cockeysville, MD with years of experience in helping patients restore their smile and confidence.
1. Implants last a lifetime
Because implants are surgically implanted in the jawbone, they can last for the rest of your life if you are diligent about proper care. The false tooth attached to the implant — the crown — may need to be replaced every 15-20 years due to normal wear and tear, but the piece inserted into the jaw — the implant itself — lasts many years. Make sure you visit your dentist for regular check-ups to make sure your implant is still functioning correctly.
2. Dental implants keep your jawbone healthy
While filling in gaps in your smile caused by missing teeth may seem like purely a cosmetic concern, having a gap in the jawbone can actually cause the bone to recede. This could potentially risk the neighboring teeth or the jawbone structure itself, and can lead to a sunken appearance to the face or more complicated dental problems.
Dental implants serve as the root of the missing tooth, which promotes healthy bone tissue and prevents bone loss. This helps your surrounding teeth healthy stay securely in place while also preventing your mouth from changing shape.
3. Implants protect healthy teeth
In addition to keeping the jawbone healthy, dental implants also protect the teeth surrounding the missing tooth. The placement of dental bridges, which are an older method of replacing teeth, involve grinding the surrounding teeth to serve as an anchor for the bridge. Implants are placed in the gap and do not need to be anchored in place by other teeth. This means that the only teeth that are affected are the ones that need to be replaced.
4. Implants feel and function like natural teeth
With dental implants you can eat and brush your teeth just as you would with your natural teeth. Other tooth replacement options such as bridges and removable dentures require specialized cleaning and can be less comfortable than implants. Unlike bridges, dental implants can be brushed and flossed just like your natural teeth and do not require any tricky maneuvering to clean around.
Implants are a long-term investment in your dental health. Valley Dental Health, the practice of Dr. Roham Rafat and Dr. Ashley Izadi in Cockeysville, is focused on the long term maintenance of a comfortable, functional smile that instills confidence and provides the best possible quality of life. Schedule your free comprehensive consultation online or call 443-733-6613 to start restoring your smile and confidence today.