Did you know that over 150 million Americans are missing at least one tooth?
This staggering statistic comes from the American College of Prosthodontists and highlights just how common tooth loss is across the country.
Implants are one of the most popular long-term tooth replacement options to replace missing teeth due to:
- Long-lasting durability: Implants are one of the most popular long-term options due to their unmatched convenience and strength.
- Improved stability and comfort: Unlike traditional dentures, implant-supported restorations stay firmly in place, providing a more secure and comfortable fit.
- Bone preservation: Implants stimulate bone growth in the jaw, helping to maintain facial structure and prevent the bone loss that often comes with wearing dentures.
Whether you need to replace a single tooth or a full arch, implants can support a variety of different restoration options. We’re here to guide you through the dental implant process at Affordable Dentures & Implants, offering expert care at a price you can afford.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Compared to dentures and other tooth replacement options, dental implants have many advantages. By restoring the functionality and appearance of your teeth, you can improve your quality of life and oral health.
Dental implants offer many benefits, including:
- Restore the appearance of your smile
- Improve your ability to chew and speak
- Prevent your adjacent teeth from shifting
- Prevent tissue loss in the jawbone
- Comfortable and easy to maintain
- Better oral health
- Decrease your risk of cavities and sensitivity in adjacent teeth
Dental implants may not be ideal for everyone, and there are potential risks. In rare cases, complications can occur if the implant loosens or fails. However, with a success rate of 97% for 10 years, dental implants remain a highly reliable option.
Dental Implants are Long-Lasting
The average dental implant lasts 10-30 years but can last a lifetime. Different types of dental implants may have different lifespans. Mini dental implants are smaller and less invasive than conventional dental implants and are also common for patients with low jawbone density. However, mini dental implants are not suitable for every patient.
Prevents Bone Loss
When you lose a tooth, the lack of stimulation in the jawbone results in bone loss. Bone loss of up to 50% can occur within 6 months of losing a tooth. As a result, the shape of your jaw and face can change, and your other teeth may begin to shift.
These changes can make it difficult to chew and speak. If you wear dentures, they may not fit as well or begin to cause discomfort. Dental implants can prevent these issues. In addition to stimulating the jawbone, implants act like natural teeth in other ways that support adjacent teeth and maintain the health of surrounding tissue.
The Closest Thing to Natural Teeth
Dental implants look almost identical to your natural teeth. Your dentist customizes the crown to match the tooth’s color, contour, and shape. The result is almost indistinguishable from your other teeth. Implants also feel and function more like natural teeth for a strong bite.
How Dental Implants Work
A surgically implanted titanium post acts as the tooth root and anchors to the jawbone. Most patients are awake during the procedure, but if you're anxious about dental surgery, consider
exploring our options for sedation dentistry to make the experience even more comfortable. A local anesthesia ensures that the entire process is pain-free. After the initial surgery, you need time to heal before the next step. Patients can expect some initial swelling and discomfort.
In a process called osseointegration, the bone heals and fuses with the post. Your dentist provides a temporary replacement tooth during this time. Once the titanium post fuses with the jawbone, an abutment and crown can attach to it. The result looks and functions almost exactly the same as your natural teeth.
Single and Multiple Tooth Replacements
Multiple or single tooth implants can replace one or two missing teeth. For full-mouth restoration, many patients choose All-In-One or full mouth dental implants. Unlike dentures, the Affordable Dentures All-In-One dental implant solution anchors teeth to four permanently placed implants. The hold is much more secure than removable dentures, making the implants more comfortable to wear.
Once the gums heal from the surgery, you can chew with 95% of your original bite force. The All-In-One solution also helps preserve the structure of your facial features.
Implant Supported Dentures
For patients that prefer removable dentures but want the firm hold of implants, implant supported dentures offer an ideal alternative. SNAPSecure Dentures from Affordable Dental are implant supported dentures that snap on to implants in the jawbone.
The surgical implant offers a long-term dental solution that minimizes bone loss, unlike traditional dentures. Implant supported dentures do not require adhesives and provide a significantly stronger hold that improves your ability to chew.
How to Care for Implants
After investing in your smile’s restoration, it’s essential to maintain proper oral hygiene to ensure your dental implants last as long as possible. Maintaining your oral health, once your implants have healed, helps prevent gum disease and cavities in neighboring teeth.
Here are a few tips to care for your implants:
- Brush twice daily with a non-abrasive, soft-bristled toothbrush
- Floss every day using implant-specific floss
- Use nylon-coated interdental brushes in hard to reach areas
- Avoid foods that can damage implants right after surgery
- Use antibacterial mouthwash
- Schedule regular checkups with your dentist
- Avoid smoking and tobacco products
If you fail to maintain proper dental hygiene, inflammation from plaque buildup can lead to an infection or gum disease like gingivitis. In severe cases of bacterial plaque accumulation, periodontitis and peri-implantitis can cause pain and bleeding. But with proper care, implants can last for decades if not a lifetime.
Get Your Affordable Denture and Implant Solution
Dental implants offer permanent solutions to replace missing teeth and restore your confidence. Invest in your health and well-being today and reach out to the professionals at your local Affordable Dentures & Implants.
Affordable Dentures & Implants can help you select the best solution for replacing missing teeth. We personalize a treatment plan according to your oral health, budget, and preferences. Our wide range of dental products and expert services ensures a custom fit for every smile.
External sources:
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/dental-devices/dental-implants-what-you-should-know
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470448/
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db368.h