When you lose a tooth, it isn’t just going to grow back like your baby teeth did. Even if you wish really hard for it, it won’t happen all by itself. Regardless of whether it was knocked out, decayed beyond repair or lost to gum disease, a missing tooth can significantly impact your smile, your bite and even your confidence.
The good news? You don’t have to live with the gap for the rest of your life. Dental implants stand out as the clear winner among all the other options. Here’s why they’re the next best thing to your real teeth.
They look natural
Implants are great because they aren’t going to look out of place from your natural teeth. Each implant is custom-made to match the color, shape and size of your natural teeth, so much so that many people can’t even tell the difference between them. Implants are even anchored in your jawbone, making them feel even more like the real thing to the surrounding tissue.
They’re built to last
Other options, such as dentures or bridges, typically require repairs or replacements over time, but implants are in it for the long haul. It is important to treat implants like your other natural teeth. Brush at least twice a day, floss once a day and attend your regular checkups every 6 months. With proper care, dental implants can last twenty-plus years and often a lifetime. That’s a significant investment, considering the cost and inconvenience of replacing other types of restorations.
They protect your jawbone and facial structure
Not many people are aware of this, but your jawbone begins to shrink when you lose a tooth. This happens because there’s no longer a root in place to stimulate the bone. Over time, this can cause facial sagging and premature aging. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that actively prevents this since they fill the space of the natural tooth root, which keeps your facial features intact.
They won’t impact neighboring teeth
Bridges, one of the alternatives to implants, require grinding natural teeth on either side of the gap to anchor the replacement tooth. That means sacrificing a healthy tooth to replace a missing tooth. Implants, on the other hand, don’t require this “grinding” since they are self-supported. This helps you to preserve your overall oral health.
They won’t impact your diet
Missing teeth or unstable dentures can limit your diet. Crispy apples, chewy steaks or crunchy nuts are just examples of what you might have to miss out on, but dental implants restore your natural chewing power, meaning you can enjoy all your favorite foods without fearing discomfort or embarrassment of losing your denture. You won’t have to worry about adjusting your bite or avoiding meals out with friends.
They improve confidence, speech and lifestyle
Replacing a missing tooth with an implant will do wonders for your confidence. No more avoiding photos, smiling with your lips closed or struggling to speak clearly! Implants restore more than just teeth – they restore your self-esteem. With implants, you’ll be able to speak naturally, laugh freely and smile proudly without worrying about slipping dentures or visible gaps.
Easy maintenance
Unlike dentures that need to be removed and soaked, implants can be brushed and flossed just like natural teeth. You only need to stick to your regular oral hygiene habits and visit your dentist for routine checkups. That’s all there is to it – nothing crazy, as it’s stuff you should already be doing.
Are you a good candidate?
The ideal candidate:
- Has healthy gums
- Has enough bone density in the jaw
- Is in overall good health
- Doesn’t smoke or is willing to stop during the healing process
And if you’re unsure, ask your dentist. They’ll easily be able to decipher if you’re a good candidate. If you’ve already been told you aren’t eligible, it might not be like that forever. Many advancements are happening in bone grafting and implant technology, making implants possible for many people who weren’t candidates before.
Conclusion
Dental implants can be more expensive upfront than dentures or bridges, but they’re often the most cost-effective solution in the long run. You’re not just paying for a tooth; you’re investing in the quality of your life.
At Horizon Dental Care, we believe it’s time for you to stop settling for less and begin smiling confidently again. Whether you’re missing one tooth or several, our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the dental implant process with care, precision and personalized attention.
Contact us today to schedule your implant consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, stronger, more confident you.
