Replacing missing teeth with dental implants makes it possible to replicate your natural teeth’ function. Dental implants are the most natural-looking and advanced solution for replacing missing teeth. Your overall quality of life is enhanced with dental implants compared to other tooth replacement options like dental bridges, crowns, and dentures. In addition to your quality of life, your long-term oral health is also improved. The benefits of dental implants far outweigh other dental restorations.
Northborough, MA dental implant dentist, Dr. Robert J. Gauthier, offers complete treatment for dental implants. For most cases, Dr. Gauthier will perform the surgical placement of the dental implant as well as the restoration of the dental crown, dental bridge, or denture.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the best and most natural way to secure a restoration. They may be used to secure dental crowns, bridges, or dentures. Rather than securing restorations on top of gum tissue as traditionally done, implants secure restorations at the tooth root. Implants are surgically implanted into the jaw bone to give restorations natural structure and and support. Although it takes longer for implants to placed, they allow for your restoration to function naturally. They also reduce the risk of jawbone deterioration, as they replace the tooth at its root.
In general the implant process takes multiple appointments to complete. The first appointment is a consultation where we will examine your oral health to ensure that your mouth is healthy enough for implants to be placed. During this appointment we will answer any questions and explain the full implant proess to patients. Next, we will surgically place your implant into your jaw bone. The healing process for this takes a few months, and during a process called osseointegration the implant will fuse with your jawbone. Once, you have healed, an abutment is attached to your implant. After this the restoration is attached to the abutemnet and patients leave our office with a newly improved smile.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are the preferred way to secure restorations for a variety of reasons. Restoring patients smiles with dental implants increase patients self confidence, while improving the function and aesthetics of their smile. Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of dental implants.
Unharmed Adjacent Teeth – With a dental bridge, the adjacent teeth will require grinding down, thus weakening them. With dental implants, the surrounding teeth are not involved in the process. We only replace the missing tooth or teeth without harming the surrounding teeth. There is no harm cuased to any natural enamel in the process for placing implants.
Care – Dental implants are easy to care for. You will brush and floss them just like your natural teeth. Dentures and dental bridges involve special care, including removing and brushing them daily. They are also fragile and can break if dropped. You can never let your dentures dry out, which can be a constant worry, especially when not wearing them.
Stability – Since dental implants integrate with your jawbone, they are incredibly stable. This eliminates the fear of them slipping around in your mouth while talking or falling out while trying to eat. Dentures will deliver about a 30-40% normal chewing function. Dental implants will deliver a 100% normal chewing function.
Durability – Since the restoration placed on the implant is not real enamel, there is no risk of a cavity or tooth decay on the replacement tooth. Implants have a strong and durable foundtation that allows them to function and be cared for like natral teeth as there is never a need to remove them. With proper care and maintenance, your dental implant should last a lifetime.
Cost – Dentures are the more affordable option upfront. Dentures also require a lot of maintenance that can add up over time. You will have to buy adhesives, cleaning solutions, and maybe a replacement set. They may also need to be realigned or rebased over time. All these costs can add up depending on the wear and tear. Dental implants will require a significant investment upfront, but the results will last much longer.
Bone loss associated with tooth loss – If you’re missing a tooth or multiple teeth, that void can cause bone loss and deterioration in your jawbone. Northborough, MA dentist Dr. Gauthier, will recommend dental implants over dentures because they are the only option for missing teeth that stimulates the jaw bone, which helps stimulate bone growth. This will prevent recession of the jawbone and facial collapse.
Longveity of restoration- In general dental implants are the longest lasting restoration availiable. Implants can last a lifetime with proper care and maintience. Traditionally secured restorations can be difficult to upkeep and care for, however patients can care for implants veru similarly to how they would care for their natural teeth. The extended lifespan that implants offer signifiantly reduces the potential for patients to need to replace a restoration.
Increase is confidence- After restoring your smile with implants, many patients report an increase in self confidence. Implants provide a natural looking tooth replacement option that blends in seamlessly with surrounding teeth. They also renew patients smiles allowing them to speak and smile without concern. Missing teeth can make it difficult to speak clearly, reducing patients confidence, however restoring missing teeth with dental implants allows for patients to naturally restore their teeths function and their own self confidence.
Common Concerns with Dental Implants
Although dental implants offer a variety of benefits, many patients may still have concerns before having implants placed, as they are a large time and finanical commitment. The most common concern we hear is that patients are worried about the pain and healing time after the initial implant is placed. We know this is a common concern, however it is important to remember that implants replace your tooth at its root. This restores full function to your smile, and reduces the risk of many potential issues associated with restorations for missing teeth. As technology advances, the implant process is becoming easier, less invasive, and far less painful. These advancements make replacing missing teeth a much simpler procedure than it may have been in the past.
Learn More About Dental Implants
Schedule A Dental Exam & Consultation Today
If you have a missing tooth or several missing teeth, we offer dental implants in our Shrewsbury, MA, Westborough, MA, and Northborough, MA. Schedule a dental consultation today with Dr. Gauthier to discuss your oral health, concerns, and budget to see if dental implants are the right choice.