You’ve probably come across dental implant hype.
- ‘Dental implants are as good as natural teeth!’
- ‘Tooth implants can anchor dentures so they don’t slip around!’
- ‘Dental implants are far superior to dental bridges!’
Those are bold claims. However, people with tooth implants understand that they aren’t exaggerations.
A dental implant is the strongest natural-looking restoration for a missing tooth. It works and feels like your original tooth.
Let’s discuss two lesser-known reasons that dental implants are the best tooth restoration option. These issues don’t receive as much attention, but they should.
Why Are Dental Implants Revolutionary?
A dental implant is a permanent metal tooth root that is inserted into the jawbone. It replaces a missing tooth. In the months following implantation, it integrates with the jawbone. This is called osseointegration.
The post becomes a stable base for the visible restoration (abutment) above the gum line. A crown is then attached to the implant to replace the missing tooth.
Why Are Implants Better Than Dental Bridges?
When you get a dental bridge to replace a missing tooth, your dentist removes tooth structure from the adjacent or ‘abutment’ teeth. This is so your dentist can mount the bridge (false tooth) securely to the adjacent teeth. Think about that. It compromises the two teeth on either side of the missing tooth. That’s why dental bridges are often called ‘A three-tooth solution to a one-tooth problem.’
Dental Bridges Are More Susceptible to Tooth Decay
It’s problematic to keep the area under a dental bridge clean. Food bits accumulate in the small spaces. This leads to plaque buildup. Tooth decay under dental bridges is a common problem.
Remember, these teeth have been adapted to hold the dental bridge. If decay happens, the bridge has to be removed. The decayed teeth are filled or crowned. If the decay is excessive, the teeth may need root canals.
Dental Bridges and Dentures Don’t Stimulate Bone Growth
When a tooth is extracted, the root is removed. This reduces blood circulation in the bone at the extraction site. Tooth roots help keep your jawbone healthy. When a tooth root is no longer there, the bone recedes and shrinks
Since dental bridges and dentures don’t replace tooth roots, they can’t safeguard your bone structure.
If you are missing teeth, we invite you to schedule a consultation to discuss your dental goals.
Contact Mark A. Miely DDS:
614-451-2100
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1840 Zollinger Rd
Upper Arlington, Ohio
43221