Tooth loss in adulthood can have a dramatic impact on quality of life. Fortunately, individuals seeking a tooth replacement solution have options from which to choose. Among the most popular are dental bridges, dentures (full or partial), and the longest-lasting and most natural-looking and feeling solution, dental implants.
Today, we’re discussing what dental implants are and a handful of benefits they offer.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small titanium posts that serve as replacements for natural tooth roots. They’re surgically implanted into the “socket” left in the jawbone by a lost tooth and, after fusing with the jawbone in a process called osteointegration, create an anchoring point for a replacement tooth. What distinguishes implants from other tooth replacement solutions is that, rather than simply facilitating tooth replacement above the gumline, they replace the roots in the jawbone.
Six Big Benefits of Dental Implants
That dental implants offer a comprehensive solution for tooth loss is something of a given. However, in case you’re wondering what exactly it is that makes them so great, here are our top half-dozen reasons:
- Improved Appearance – Dental implants blend seamlessly with existing teeth to form a natural, aesthetically pleasing, and confidence-inspiring smile.
- Clearer and More Comfortable Speech – Unlike dentures, implants are fixed in place. They’re thus not at risk of slipping or otherwise causing discomfort while speaking.
- Increased Chewing Efficiency – Dental implants feel and function just like natural teeth. As a result, they fully restore chewing functionality, allowing you to eat without restriction or difficulty and bite and chew your food properly, which helps with digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Longevity – Dental implants are extremely durable and resistant to decay. With proper care, an implant can be expected to last well over a decade, if not a lifetime, without requiring retreatment!
- Improved Jawbone and Facial Structure – Following tooth loss, the jawbone can begin to deteriorate. Dental implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss and preserving natural facial structure.
- Enhanced Bite Integrity – Dental implants help adjacent teeth both by preventing them from shifting out of alignment and because they don’t require the support or alteration of those adjacent teeth.
Cosmetic Dentist and Dental Implants in Jonesboro, AR
If you’re in the Jonesboro area and want to learn more about dental implants from a cosmetic dentist, contact dentist Dr. Anthony Bartels and the team at Anthony Bartels DDS to schedule a consultation appointment.