Dental Implants – What Are They?

The great thing about living in the 21^st century is the fact that you don’t need to settle for missing teeth. Thanks to modern dental technology, gaps in your smile can be a thing of the past. While there are several different options out there to replace your missing teeth, dental implants have become a preferred method because of their numerous benefits. Continue reading to learn more about the basics of dental implants and the types of advantages that they have.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are typically titanium metal posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone by a dentist. After the procedure, the bone will grow around and fuse with the implant in a process called osseointegration. A dental crown is placed on the end to fill in the empty space. This crown is customized to match the exact size, shape, and color needed to blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile. A single implant can provide a solid anchor for more than one tooth as well.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

More than 3 million Americans are already reaping the benefits of dental implants everything they have to offer. Here are just a few of them:

• Increased Comfort: Dentures don’t feel exactly like your natural teeth. Once dental implants completely heal, you will notice that they feel so similar, you may even forget that they aren’t your real teeth.
• Easier to Maintain: You may need to stock up on adhesives and soaking solutions so you can keep your dentures in optimal shape. As for implants, you just need to care for them how you would with your natural teeth. All you need to do is brush, floss, rinse, and visit your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups.
• No Eating Restrictions: You will need to stick to softer foods until your implants completely heal, but afterwards, there are no restrictions. This is because dental implants restore up to 90% of your chewing power, so there is no need to limit your menu.
• Long-Lasting: Dentures and other tooth replacement options need to be repaired and replaced periodically, but dental implants can last upwards of 25 years or even the rest of your life with proper care. You may never have to worry about your missing teeth again.
• Prevent Bone Deterioration: Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option out there that replace the root of the missing tooth, therefore stimulating the jawbone with regular chewing. This prevents the jawbone from shrinking over time.

When it comes to tooth replacement, dental implants have numerous benefits that you cannot find with anything else. Talk to your dentist to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. You will have your smile back in no time!

About the Author

Dr. Matt VanderMolen is an experienced dentist who has been practicing for more than 30 years. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Illinois and is committed to continuing education. He is a Master of the American Dental Implant Association and is a member of numerous other professional organizations, including the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology. If you are missing teeth, he would be happy to help you get your smile back. For more information on dental implants or to schedule a consultation at his office in Springfield, visit his website or call (217) 546-3333.