Monday, July 20, 2009

The Advantages Of Dental Implants

Benefits of dental implants


Hesitancy to smile because of a cracked or missing tooth may diminish self-esteem. For years, the best solutions for missing teeth were full dentures, bridges or removable partials. Now dental implants create a more natural replacement for missing teeth. Dental implants are artificial tooth replacements that resemble a tooth or group of teeth. They provide distinct advantages over conventional methods.


Versatility


Oral surgeons can use dental implants in conjunction with other restorative procedures. For example, a single implant can support a dental crown used to replace a single tooth. The surgeon bonds a cap to the dental implant that is embedded in the bone beneath the gums. Implants can also support a dental bridge, which replaces a missing tooth by joining permanently to adjoining teeth, or can be used with dentures to increase strength and reduce irritation to the gums.


Naturalness


The untrained eye may find it nearly impossible to distinguish dental implants from natural teeth. The connection of the implant to living bone creates structure and functionality that looks and feels natural. Your surgeon will design the teeth to be the same size as your natural teeth. Eating with implants feels just like eating with your natural teeth, so you won't need to exclude certain foods from your diet.








A denture wearer experiences premature aging, loss of bone structure and facial collapse from the lack of teeth, but dental implants prevent this process.


Self-Confidence


People who wear dentures may experience a clicking sound when chewing that they find embarrassing. A denture wearer may find that her prosthesis limits her ability to speak normally. The use of denture adhesives is uncomfortable, and having to remove the dentures several times daily serves as a constant reminder that she doesn't have teeth. Dental implants create a permanent remedy to these problems and may boost self-esteem.


Success Rate


According to the website Consumer Guide to Dentistry, dental implants are among the most successful procedures in dentistry. Though there is no guarantee of success for implants, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons says the overall success rate is 95 percent. Patients with dental implants feel more comfortable and secure than those who have bridges or dentures.


Even patients who have experienced bone loss can successfully have implants placed, because oral surgeons can graft the bone to securely anchor them.


Hygiene


Your implants are just like your teeth, so you don't need to give them special treatment. You will maintain your oral hygiene by brushing your teeth with regular toothpaste and flossing regularly. Regular dental visits ensure that your implants stay in good condition

Tags: natural teeth, dental implants, dental implants, dental implants, denture wearer