If you have lost one or several teeth due to injury or disease but you’d rather not replace them with a bridge or dentures, you may consider asking your dentist whether you would be eligible for dental implants. Dental implants, our treatment of choice for tooth replacement at Crofts Dental Practice in Essex, can replace your natural tooth roots permanently without causing any damage to your healthy teeth.
Unlike dentures (full or partial), dental implants provide a more natural tooth replacement option since they are integrated into the jawbone through surgery and become an organic part of the mouth. Dentures, on the other hand, simply sit on the gums and do not prevent gum recession, which is a side effect of tooth loss. As a result, dentures tend to become loose over time and require replacement.
Bridges, another popular tooth replacement method, are also inferior to dental implants. While in the past, a bridge was the only choice available for a few missing teeth, nowadays, dental implants are stronger and permanent. Unlike bridges that require the removal of the enamel of adjacent teeth in order to remain stable, dental implants are integrated into the bone tissue, protecting the rest of your teeth.
Another important health benefit of dental implants is that they protect your oral health. If you have already lost one or more teeth, you probably don’t want to lose anymore. By integrating into the jawbone, dental implants help to keep the rest of your natural teeth in good shape. This because they prevent your natural teeth from shifting into the gaps created by your missing teeth.
Ultimately, dental implants are very important because unlike any other tooth replacement method, they help prevent bone loss. Missing teeth can cause the deterioration of the jawbone in the long run, resulting in bone loss and a ‘sunken’ look. Reduced jawbone density from gaps in your teeth will also leave you susceptible to other health problems, including infections and gum disease. Dental implants replace your natural tooth roots and help preserve your bone tissue facial structure. Surprisingly, dental implants will even encourage the growth of new bone tissue, which will help keep your teeth properly aligned and healthy.