Dental implants are considered the ultimate restoration to replace missing teeth. They are the result of scientific discovery, research, understanding and extensive clinical trials. As with much of the technology in modern dentistry, research and development continues improving materials and methods for dental implants. Today, they enjoy a success rate of about 98 percent. There are a number of reasons that implants are considered the best possible restoration:
- Dental implants restore the ability to chew food properly. This helps you get the full nutritional benefits from the foods you eat, and aids digestion, preventing gastrointestinal distress. Additionally, people have a tendency to chew on one side of their mouth when a tooth or teeth are missing on the other side. When chewing isn’t balanced, it causes undue stress on the jaws, which can lead to TMJ dysfunction, and the jaw, face, head, neck, and even shoulder pain inherent with this disorder.
- They can be used to stabilize full or partial dentures, eliminating the potential problems these restorations may create. Partial dentures have unsightly clasps and can put undue pressure on the remaining teeth. Complete dentures may require gooey adhesives to stabilize them. Dentures can slip and click when talking, and make it difficult to eat certain foods. Implant retained partial or complete dentures eliminate all of the above problems.
- Implants improve the overall quality of life for patients. Implant supported restorations function, look, and feel as comfortable as natural teeth, resulting in increased confidence and self-esteem. Oral hygiene is convenient, dental implants require the same cleaning practices as natural teeth do.
- One of the most important benefits of dental implants is concealed below the gumline. When natural teeth are lost, the bone surrounding and supporting the tooth is no longer stimulated, so it stops regenerating itself. The bone gradually begins to dissolve (resorb). Implants are placed directly in the jawbone, so the stresses of chewing are transferred directly to the bone, stimulating it and halting resorption. This protects your natural facial contours, preventing the sunken look around the mouth that is characteristic of people who are missing teeth.
Dental implants are a phenomenal option to restore your smile. To learn if you are a good candidate for this procedure, call (602) 714 2223 and schedule a consultation with Dr. Sameet Koppikar at Biltmore Dental Center today.