Dental Implants, the Highly Recommended Choice for Tooth Replacement
August 23, 2019
By: Dr. Howard Chasolen
One of the main goals of dentistry is to save your teeth. But when there is excessive damage from injury or infection, that isn’t always possible. When you have a missing tooth, it is important to replace it as soon as possible to restore your normal chewing function and also to avoid other dental issues that could result when that space is left open. There are many replacement options available, but why is the dental implant so highly recommended?
What Is a Dental Implant?
The most common implant is made of a post, usually titanium due to its strength and ability to fuse with bone, an abutment, and a crown. The post is surgically embedded into the jaw bone and acts as the root would in a natural tooth, providing stability. The abutment connects the post to the crown, which mimics the visible part of a natural tooth.
Why Choose an Implant?
A main benefit of an implant is that because it so closely replicates a natural tooth, it retains the function and strength of a natural tooth. It also means it looks like a natural tooth, giving you back your attractive smile. Other benefits include:
High success rate: Implants have as high a success rate as other tooth replacement options — up to 95% over 10 years. Properly cared for, an implant can last a lifetime.
Prevents the degeneration of the jaw bone: Pressure from teeth during chewing and biting provide stimuli needed to keep bone integrity maintained. When there are missing teeth or with long-term wear of dentures, that stimulus is missing and bone loss results. Implants, due to being embedded in the bone, restore that tissue stimulation to help prevent additional bone loss. Studies have shown that an implant actually promotes bone growth in the area.
Versatility: Implants are a permanent replacement option whether you have one missing tooth or many. They can even be used as part of a whole mouth reconstruction when all the teeth need replacement.
Less invasive: Implants are less invasive than some other replacement options. While other options may require modifying teeth adjacent to the missing tooth, implants do not affect the surrounding teeth or gum tissue.
Regain confidence: Embarrassment and loss of self-esteem often accompany tooth loss. With an implant, you can be confident when eating your favorite foods again, and you won’t have to hide your smile. Most patients tend to forget they even have an implant in place.
While an implant is not suitable in all cases, in most situations the implant is a highly recommended option for replacing missing teeth. A prosthodontist specializes in the area of cosmetic, implant, and bite reconstruction, and Dr. Chasolen has completed over 9,000 hours of continuing education to be certified as one. When we recommend a dental implant, you know it is because it is the right choice for you. If you are in the Sarasota, Florida, area and have any questions about the dental implant procedure or need to make an appointment, contact us to schedule a consultation.
