WHY DENTAL IMPLANTS ARE THE BEST TOOTH REPLACEMENT OPTION

If you’re struggling with missing or compromised teeth, you’ve probably looked into your tooth replacement options. You might’ve heard that most dentists consider dental implants to be the gold standard for tooth replacement, but maybe you’re not convinced, or you might be unsure why they say that.

Today, we explain the ins and outs of dental implants, and why they have this successful reputation, so you’ll be able to decide if a tooth implant is the correct restoration to help you reclaim your smile.

WHAT IS A DENTAL IMPLANT?

A tooth implant in Metairie consists of three distinct parts that work together to act and function just like a natural tooth.

  • The implant: Our dentists carefully place the dental implant into your jawbone, where it fuses and integrates with it over time, replacing your missing root.
  • The abutment: When your implant has healed and stabilized, the abutment connects it to your customized restoration.
  • The porcelain crown: Your dentist will create a durable and aesthetic porcelain crown that connects to your implant and acts as your new tooth.

The dental implant components combine to provide you with a natural-looking and durable restoration we design to last for many years and even a lifetime in some cases.

WHAT MAKES DENTAL IMPLANTS A SUPERIOR TREATMENT OPTION?

When considering tooth replacement, you might also learn about bridges or a denture. A bridge is a fixed appliance that attaches crowns to healthy teeth on each end while supporting one or more prosthetic replacement teeth in the middle. Your dentist uses porcelain crowns to create a bridge that naturally complements and blends well with your smile.

A full or partial denture is another tooth replacement option that uses a removable appliance to restore multiple lost teeth or all of the teeth in an upper or lower arch. While a denture can help someone struggling with chronic tooth loss, it also comes with a learning curve that can be challenging as the patient learns to talk and eat with their new appliance.

Here are the benefits dental implants have over a bridge or denture for restoring your smile when considering your other options.

DENTAL IMPLANTS PROVIDE EXCELLENT FUNCTION

Since a dental implant replaces both your tooth and root, it acts just like a natural tooth. This means you’ll have all the functions you were used to for eating and chewing food. It also means that you can brush and floss normally and with ease.

DENTAL IMPLANTS PROTECT YOUR JAWBONE

When you lose a tooth, you also lose the root. Without a root to house and support, your jawbone will begin to deteriorate. In addition, bone loss can impact the fit of your denture, and you’ll need to have it relined periodically to ensure a proper fit.

Bone loss also impacts surrounding teeth, and it can even change the appearance of your face.

DENTAL IMPLANTS DELIVER EXCEPTIONAL LONGEVITY

Your tooth implants have the potential to last for a very long time when you take good care of them with excellent home care and regular checkups with your Metairie dentist. For some people, dental implants may even outlive them.

This excellent longevity can make dental implants a more cost-effective choice over a bridge or denture that you’ll have to replace over time.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO ALTER ANY OTHER TEETH TO ENJOY DENTAL IMPLANTS

A Metairie dental implant is really the closest thing you can get to a natural tooth since it restores both root and tooth.

When choosing a dental bridge, your dentist must alter two of your healthy anchor teeth to support it. Dental implants don’t impact neighboring teeth.

WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS IN METAIRIE?

Dental implants are ideal for most patients; however, they do require a couple of things to be successful:

  • First, the patient should be in good general and dental health.
  • The patient also needs enough healthy bone structure to support the dental implant successfully.

Our dentists will determine if you fulfill these requirements for a dental implant during an evaluation where they will gather information through x-rays and a thorough examination. If you need any additional dental care or treatment before getting your implant, your dentist will discuss that with you.

There are also options for bone grafting or other procedures our dentists can tell you about to help you successfully support dental implants if you lack healthy bone structure. So dental implants can likely be a viable option for you, whatever your situation may be.

OULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT’S POSSIBLE FOR YOUR SMILE?

Contact Oak Family Dental today at (504) 834-6410 and schedule a smile evaluation if you’d like some more information about tooth replacement options in Metairie.

Related Services: Dental Implants