Dental implants can be a great solution for missing teeth. Whether an accident or decay is the reason for your tooth loss, you may now realize how much you took your teeth for granted. Every time you see your smile in the mirror or try to eat chewy foods, you’re reminded once again that you need a full set of sturdy, strong, teeth.
When you’re comparing options — dental implants, bridges, dentures — it’s normal to immediately prioritize the solution that’s the lowest out-of-pocket cost to you. But there are three situations in which dental implants should rise to the top of your list.
When You Want to Preserve Teeth
If you were to get a bridge to replace a missing tooth, you would need to grind down the teeth on either side of the gap. The bridge fits over these two adjacent teeth. It’s an effective solution for many people, but if you’re younger and the teeth surrounding the missing tooth are healthy, this might not be the ideal solution for you.
Dental implants allow you to replace what’s missing without harming your existing teeth. In addition, dental implants are the best solution for retaining your jawbone’s structural integrity. When the jawbone senses there is no tooth to support, the body will stop sending nutrients to that area of the jaw and it can cause the face to appear sunken.
This bone resorption process can affect the stability of surrounding teeth as well. But implants help retain jawbone strength, maintaining the health of surrounding teeth and the natural structure of the face.
When You Want a Long-Term Solution
Dental implants might cost more up front, but they last longer. Bridges and dentures need to be refitted and remanufactured periodically. This means you need to pay for a whole new appliance. With implants, invest once, and you’re set for life, as long as you take care of your dental health over time.
When You Want a Functional Fix
Bridges and dentures are acceptable … until you are missing several teeth. Once you have more than a couple of teeth that need to be replaced, dental appliances can become cumbersome. It gets harder to chew and speak comfortably, especially when the replacement teeth don’t feel permanent.
This is where dental implants offer a clear advantage. Once they are fully healed and integrated with your jawbone, it will be hard to tell which tooth is an implant and which is natural — it functions exactly like your original tooth. You can eat whatever you want, brush your teeth the same way and you won’t have any speech issues.
When You’re Ready, We’re Here
Choose Richmond Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery for the best in dental implants and tooth restoration options. Every recommendation is made with your best interests in mind. We always work hand in hand with your dentist, ensuring you get the personalized care you deserve.