Tooth loss is a prevalent dental problem — 178 million American adults are missing at least one of their permanent teeth. Unfortunately, losing just one tooth is enough to wreak havoc on your dental health.
Dental implants are replacement teeth that your trusted dentist can place directly into your jaw. They consist of a metal post, a dental crown, and an abutment to connect them. These prosthetic teeth look and act just like natural teeth, making them an excellent option for most patients.
Alla Pavlushkin, DDS, and our experienced dental team at Empire Dental Group, right here in Old Bridge, New Jersey, offer dental implants as part of their comprehensive approach to general and cosmetic dentistry. Dental implants provide so many advantages that we recommend them whenever appropriate.
Here’s why:
Dental implants preserve your dental health
As mentioned, losing even a single tooth can cause serious dental health problems. The teeth surrounding the gap can drift and twist, which causes further dental function problems, smile issues, and pain.
Additionally, the roots of your teeth stimulate bone growth in your jaw, which helps maintain a stable foundation for the rest of your tooth. Losing a tooth can affect bone growth and the strength of your jaw, leading to further tooth loss.
A dental implant includes a titanium post that replaces your tooth root. That post bonds with your jaw bone and provides the necessary stimulation to keep it healthy and strong. The dental crown that tops the post replaces the visible part of your tooth, which helps keep your remaining teeth in their correct positions. This also helps maintain your facial shape.
Dental implants are almost as good as the real thing
When your dental implants are placed, they look just like natural teeth. You don’t need to take them out to clean them, and you can eat anything you want with them. No one will know your dental implant isn’t a real tooth unless you tell them.
Dental implants don’t interfere with your speech. You won’t need to get used to the way they feel on your jaw. Once your implants are settled in your jaw and your gums heal, you won’t even feel them.
Dental implants are easy to care for
If you opt for dental implants, you take care of them just like your natural teeth. Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day and floss at least once a day. You don’t need to mess around with special cleansers and sticky adhesives. You won’t need to worry about losing or damaging your dental implants as you never have to take them out of your mouth.
Dental implants can last a lifetime
Unlike dentures or dental bridges that need to be replaced every 5-10 years, dental implants can last for decades with proper care. While a dental implant can cost more initially, in the long run, it can be a more cost-effective solution.
Call Empire Dental Group or schedule a consultation online today if you’re missing one or more adult teeth and want to find out if dental implants are the right tooth replacement option for you.