Dental Implants – Why Should I Consider Them?

While having a tooth missing in your smile may be unsightly, there are other very important reasons for you to consider an implant to replace missing teeth.

First, what is a dental implant? “A dental implant is a fixture that is placed into the jawbone, many times with only local anesthetic. This fixture acts like a tooth root. It maintains the level of bone and creates a stable foundation for a crown or bridge to be placed upon it,” says Dr. Denine Rice from her Implant and Periodontal practice in Riverside, California.

The success rate for implants is impressive. “We’ve seen 99% of our dental patients do quite well with their implants,” adds Dr. Rice. “And with proper care, they can last a lifetime.”

And the advantages are numerous:

1.     Better health – the stability provided by dental implants means that patients can eat a normal and varied diet.

2.     Improved speech – when teeth are missing or when a poor-fitting denture is the only option, speech may suffer.

3.     Greater comfort – many patients, particularly, find that the wearing of dentures is uncomfortable.

4.     Improved appearance – because the implant can replace a single tooth or be used to replace an entire arch of teeth, a lovely smile can be achieved.

5.     Increased options for replacement – when an implant is used to replace a missing tooth, a dental bridge is no longer necessary. This is a positive as dental bridges rely on adjacent teeth for stability.

Contact your dentist today and see if you are a candidate for an implant to replace your missing teeth!