How Does a Dental Implant Compare to a Real Tooth?Dental implants can replace your missing teeth, restore your smile, and prevent further oral health issues down the road. Dental implants are made of a biocompatible screw-post that's embedded into your jawbone and over time fuses with it just like a natural tooth root. Thus, implants can be as strong as your natural teeth. Unlike implants, natural teeth can decay or get cavities. Contact us at Dallas Oral Surgery Associates for more information on dental implants and other restorative dentistry procedures. Effects of Tooth LossWhen you lose a tooth, the surrounding natural teeth tend to shift to fill the gap left. This movement of your existing teeth can lead to misalignment that can compromise your smile and your ability to bite or chew. Also, the growth of your jawbone is stimulated by your tooth root. If you lose a tooth and you don’t replace it, the bone can degrade. This degradation can weaken the jawbone and lead to the loosening of your existing healthy teeth. Additionally, if your jawbone recedes, the gums can start to recede as well, leading to the development of periodontal disease. Gum disease can, in turn, expose you to even more severe health conditions. Untreated periodontal disease is linked to serious health conditions like stroke, cancer, dementia, heart disease, and more. Missing teeth can also have a negative aesthetic effect on your face, making you look much older. Dental Implants vs BridgesBoth dental implants and bridges are teeth replacement options that can help restore your smile. Dental implants are embedded under your gum and look and function like your real teeth. They are inconspicuous, unlike dental bridges which are anchored on your existing teeth and can be visible. Implants may also be an ideal option if you don’t want your existing teeth to be damaged. The dentist may have to physically alter your natural teeth when fitting a dental bridge. Implants can also have the same lifespan as natural teeth when well taken care of. Conversely, dental bridges may weaken with time due to pressure and because they are supported by teeth that have been physically altered. Implants are great for jaw health because they stimulate the jawbone and prevent it from degrading. Conversely, dental bridges are anchored on other teeth and don’t stimulate the jawbone. Bridges, therefore, can’t prevent the gradual bone loss that comes with having missing teeth. Bridges can also exacerbate wear on nearby teeth, while implants have no negative effect on your existing teeth. Dental Implants Replace All TeethIf you've lost all of your teeth or if your existing teeth are in poor condition, dental implants can help replace all of your teeth. Implants can help support partial or full dentures. The main benefit of implants is that they function and feel like your natural teeth. Importantly, they are exceptionally durable. Implants are an ideal option for individuals who don’t have enough teeth that can be used to secure dental bridges. Contact us at Dallas Oral Surgery Associates at 214-363-9946, for restorative dentistry procedures that will restore your smile and the function of your teeth. |
