Dentistry has come a long way. Today, when you lose a tooth — whether from decay or an accident — you have quite a few options for filling that gap in your smile. Specifically, you can explore dentures, bridges, and implants.
One of those options has clear advantages over the others, so much so that its popularity is skyrocketing. Dental implants are tooth replacements that function differently than your other choices and, as a result, deliver some dramatic benefits.
Plus, Dr. Scott Evans offers dental implants right here at our office in the University Park area of Dallas, Texas. Why are we so convinced that it’s your best tooth replacement option? Here are five reasons for your consideration.
1. Implants look, feel, and function naturally
Dentures float in your mouth, while bridges get attached to the teeth on either side of the gap in your smile. Implants, on the other hand, are rooted just like your natural teeth.
The process starts with implanting a metal post into your jawbone (hence the name “dental implant”). Once your jawbone heals around that post, we attach an abutment and top it with a prosthetic tooth, or crown.
We make that crown look exactly like the tooth you lost. And because the implant gets rooted in your mouth just like a natural tooth, it looks, feels, and functions like the rest of your teeth.
2. There’s no learning curve
Because the implant is firmly anchored in your mouth, there’s no need to learn how to talk or eat with it. While most people report that they have a learning curve with dentures and some even experience challenges with bridges, a dental implant shouldn’t change the way your mouth feels in any way.
3. Implants can last your lifetime
Both dentures and bridges need to be replaced periodically — usually every decade or so. A dental implant, on the other hand, is designed to last your lifetime. If you want a one-and-done solution to filling the gap in your smile, this is it.
4. Implants keep your jawbone healthy
The roots of your teeth help to keep your jawbone strong and healthy. As you chew, the pressure your roots exert stimulates regeneration in your jaw.
If you don’t have those roots, though, you risk bone atrophy. That lack of a tooth root means less bone tissue replacement in that area, potentially compromising your jawbone health over time.
5. Implants prevent additional tooth movement and loss
As a fixed tooth replacement with its own “root,” the dental implant helps to stabilize your adjacent teeth. This lowers your risk of tooth movement that could result in a crooked smile. Just as importantly, though, the boosted jawbone health and support for your adjacent teeth helps to reduce your risk for future tooth loss.
Clearly, dental implants deliver some serious advantages. If you want to explore this option for yourself, call Scott Evans, DDS, at 214-337-5202 to schedule a consultation today.
