Replacing Teeth With Dental Implants

It’s estimated that an astonishing 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. Thankfully, modern prosthodontists (dentists who specialize in creating tooth restorations) have many excellent options such as dental implants at their disposal for replacing those missing teeth.

Dental implants, as you may have heard, is one of the best options. If you’re considering this procedure, it’s likely you have a few questions. Let’s address some of the most common ones here.

What Are My Options for Missing Teeth?

Modern dentistry offers several viable options for replacing missing teeth. Which one is right for you will depend on factors such as the reason for your tooth loss, how many teeth you have lost, and the overall health of your mouth.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a great option, whether you need to replace one or all of your teeth. Implants do need a certain amount of bone to support the implant. However, if you have already experienced bone loss, the site can be prepared with a bone graft. Additionally, the implant itself can actually stimulate your body to produce more bone on its own.

Bridge

A bridge is a more economical option than an implant. The missing tooth or teeth are crafted and then anchored to the teeth on either side of the prosthesis. This method requires grinding down healthy teeth for the anchors, which some people would rather avoid.

Partial Denture

A denture is similar to a bridge, but instead of attaching permanently to the teeth, it can be removed. The false teeth come on a plastic or a metal and plastic plate that might have clips or clasps to secure the denture in your mouth.

Complete Dentures

Dentures are a complete set of false teeth that you can remove. Extra steps must be taken to properly care for your dentures and avoid a proliferation of bacteria in your mouth. Generally, you have to take them out, meticulously brush them, and put them in a fizzy cleaning solution each evening.

Dentures are less expensive than full mouth dental implants, but will usually have to be redone every few years making them more expensive in the long run.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Each method has its own pros and cons, but dental implants stand out as one of the best options. Let’s look at the benefits to see why.

Convenient Care

Dental implants are extremely easy to take care of. Forget about popping out your dentures to clean them; with implants you simply brush and floss your teeth as normal.

Long Term Solution

The titanium implant fuses with your bone and the permanent crown mounted on top is durable and long-lasting. In general, most people don’t need to have their implants replaced as long as they keep up with their dental hygiene. They are, more or less, a permanent solution with no touch-ups required.

Looks Natural

Though all dental restorations are made to look as natural as possible, implants win this category. Bridges can have a little line between the base of the teeth and the gums, partial dentures might have visible clips, and full dentures can even fall out (particularly when not fitted properly).

Well-made implants look and feel like natural teeth.

Protects Facial Structure and Overall Health

The jawbone needs the support of the teeth, otherwise it begins to erode and this can affect the structure of your face as well as your overall dental health. The titanium implant provides the support your bone needs as well as stimulates the regrowth of bone.

Will Dental Implants Be Painful?

Implants can generally be implanted using only a local anesthetic. You might experience mild pain and discomfort for a few days after the surgery as the surrounding tissue heals. Most people, however, can resume normal activities within a few days.

Are Dental Implants Right for Me?

It depends on your situation. The best way to find out is to visit a dental implant specialist near you. In general, implants are a good solution for anyone with a strong jawbone and good oral health.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

Dental implants can cost more upfront than other restorations. However, because they last so long, they become cheaper over time because maintenance is minimal. For example, dentures may have to be completely redone several times, the cost of which will overtake the cost of  implants rather quickly.

Ready for a Brilliant Smile?

Are you considering dental implants? Discuss your options with our dentist in Boise, ID. We can help you decide if dental implants are the best option for you based on your individual circumstance.

Reach out to schedule an appointment and meet with our dental implant specialist today!