Why Are Dental Implants a Popular Choice for Restorative Dentistry?

Tooth loss is a serious problem that affects a large percentage of the American population. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, more than 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, and approximately 36 million have no teeth.  

Several factors can contribute to tooth loss, such as tooth decay, gum disease, physical injury, and the natural aging process. It not only affects a person's ability to chew and speak but also impacts their confidence and self-esteem. If you have a few missing teeth, the best dentist in Montgomery, AL, can help.  

Dental implants are a popular option for replacing missing teeth due to their natural appearance, functionality, and durability. This article will explore why dental implants are an increasingly favored option for restorative dentistry.

Why Are Dental Implants Increasingly Getting Attention?  

What Are Dental Implants?  

Dental implants are a restorative dental procedure used to replace missing teeth. They consist of a titanium post surgically implanted into the jawbone, acting as an artificial tooth root. The post is then attached to an abutment, which connects the post to the prosthetic tooth.  

They are highly sought-after because they provide a realistic and functional solution to missing teeth. Additionally, they are known for their durability, with an average lifespan of over 25 years. Moreover, dental implants are relatively low-maintenance if you follow proper oral hygiene practices.

What Is the Dental Implant Process?

The dental implant process typically involves various stages and can take several months to complete. Here is a detailed overview of the dental implant process:

• Initial Consultation: During the first stage, your dentist will conduct a comprehensive examination to determine the status of your oral health and evaluate your suitability for dental implants. Your dentist may take X-rays or CT scans to assess your jawbone and surrounding tissues. They will also discuss your medical history and any pre-existing health conditions that may affect the implant procedure.  

• Treatment Planning: Your dentist will create a customized treatment plan based on the examination. This will include the number of implants needed, the location of the implants, and the type of restoration required (e.g., crown, bridge, or denture).

• Implant Placement: The next stage involves the surgical placement of the dental implant. Your dentist will make a small incision in your gum tissue to expose the jawbone and then drill a small hole into the bone to insert the implant. Once the implant is in place, the gum tissue is stitched closed, and you will need to wait 3-6 months for the implant to fuse with your jawbone (osseointegration).  

• Abutment Placement: Once osseointegration has occurred, your dentist will place an abutment on top of the implant. This is a small connector that attaches the implant to the prosthetic tooth.

• Prosthetic Placement: The final stage involves the placement of the prosthetic tooth onto the abutment. Depending on your needs, this can be a crown, bridge, or denture.

You must attend regular follow-up appointments throughout the process to monitor your progress and ensure the implant is healing properly.  

The dental implant process requires patience and commitment, but the end result is a natural-looking and durable replacement for missing teeth that can last a lifetime with proper care.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?  

• Improved Oral Function: Dental implants provide a natural-looking and functional replacement for missing teeth, allowing you to speak, eat, and chew with ease.  Unlike other restorative options such as dentures or bridges, dental implants are fixed in place and do not slip or move around in the mouth. This allows you to enjoy your favorite foods and speak clearly without worrying about your teeth shifting or falling out.

• Aesthetic Benefits: Dental implants are designed to look and feel like natural teeth, providing a seamless and attractive appearance to the smile. The prosthetic tooth is custom-made to match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth, ensuring a natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing result. This can significantly impact your confidence and self-esteem, allowing you to feel more comfortable and at ease in social situations.

• Durability: They are renowned for their impressive longevity. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.  

The titanium post that is implanted into the jawbone is extremely durable and can withstand the daily wear and tear of regular use.  

With proper oral hygiene and regular checkups with a dentist, you can expect your dental implants to last for many years without requiring replacement or repairs.

• Preservation of Jawbone: Dental implants help to preserve your jawbone by stimulating bone growth and preventing the bone from deteriorating due to tooth loss.  When a tooth is missing, the surrounding bone tissue can weaken and deteriorate over time, leading to further tooth loss and other oral health problems. Dental implants act as artificial tooth roots, stimulating bone growth and helping maintain the jawbone's strength and density.

• Improved Confidence and Self-Esteem: Dental implants can restore your smile and improve your confidence and self-esteem, making you feel more comfortable and at ease during social events.  

Missing teeth can be a source of embarrassment or self-consciousness, causing you to hide your smile or avoid social interactions. Dental implants provide a natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing solution that can restore your confidence and improve your overall quality of life.

• Convenience: Dental implants do not require special maintenance or cleaning procedures, and patients can care for them just like they would natural teeth.  

Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups are required to maintain dental implants' health and longevity. This makes them a convenient and easy-to-maintain option for those who want to restore their smile without the hassle of additional maintenance.

• No Damage to Adjacent Teeth: Unlike other restorative options such as bridges, dental implants do not require adjacent teeth to be altered or damaged to support the replacement tooth. This means that healthy teeth can be left untouched, preserving the overall health and integrity of the mouth.

• Comfort: Dental implants are designed to fit comfortably in your mouth without slipping or moving around like dentures. This can eliminate the discomfort and irritation that some patients experience with dentures, allowing for a more comfortable and natural-feeling solution to missing teeth.

• Improved Bite: Dental implants can improve your bite, helping to distribute the pressure evenly across your teeth and reducing the risk of future dental problems. Missing teeth can cause the remaining teeth to shift or become misaligned, leading to further dental issues down the road. Dental implants can help to prevent these problems by providing a stable and secure replacement for missing teeth.

Looking for the Best Dentist in Montgomery, AL?

While the dental implant process can take several months and require a significant investment of time and money, the benefits are well worth it for patients seeking a reliable and aesthetically pleasing solution to tooth loss.  

At Willis Dental Care, our team of skilled dentists is dedicated to providing high-quality and affordable dental services to our neighbors in the community.  

From routine preventive care to advanced restorative procedures like dental implants, we have the skills and technology to meet your dental needs. We believe in treating our patients with care and compassion and use the latest technology to deliver efficient and comfortable dental care. Schedule an appointment with us today.