This post from The Sugar House Dentist in Salt Lake City takes a realistic look at dental implants.
If you’re missing one or more of your teeth, you’ve probably come across dental implant hype.
- ‘Dental implants are as good as natural teeth!’
- ‘Implants can anchor dentures so they don’t slip around!’
- ‘Dental implants are far superior to dental bridges!’
Those may sound like bold claims. But people who have dental implants know that they aren’t exaggerations.
A dental implant is the strongest natural-looking restoration for a missing tooth. It works and feels like a natural tooth.
Why Are Dental Implants Revolutionary?
A dental implant is a titanium post that is inserted into the jawbone. It replaces a missing tooth root. In the months following implantation, it integrates with the jawbone. This is called osseointegration.
The post becomes a stable base for the visible restoration (abutment) above the gumline. The crown is attached to the post and abutment.
Why Are Implants Better Than Dental Bridges?
When you get a dental bridge to replace a missing tooth, your dentist takes away tooth structure from the adjacent or ‘abutment’ teeth. This is so your dentist can affix the bridge (false tooth) securely to the adjacent teeth. Think about that. It compromises the two teeth on either side of the missing tooth. That’s why dental bridges are often called ‘A three-tooth solution to a one-tooth problem.’
Dental Bridges Are More Susceptible to Tooth Decay
It’s difficult to keep the area under a dental bridge clean. Food bits accumulate in the small spaces. This leads to plaque buildup. Tooth decay under dental bridges is a common problem.
Remember, these teeth have been modified to hold the dental bridge. If decay takes place, the bridge has to be removed. The decayed teeth are filled or crowned. If the decay is extensive, the teeth may need root canals.
Dental Bridges and Dentures Don’t Stimulate Bone Growth
When a tooth is extracted, the root is removed. This diminishes blood circulation in the bone at the extraction site. Tooth roots help keep your jawbone healthy. When a tooth root is no longer there, the bone recedes
Since dental bridges and dentures don’t replace tooth roots, they can’t guard your bone structure.
At The Sugar House Dentist in Salt Lake City, dental implants are among our specialties. To see if you’re a good candidate for an implant, schedule an appointment today.
Contact The Sugar House Dentist:
801-618-0197
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1955 S 1300 E Ste L2
Salt Lake City, Utah
84105
