Dr. Joseph Thompson uses dental implants to replace teeth at his Greeley, CO dentist office. They offer a number of benefits over other tooth replacement options, such as dentures and bridges.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Improved Functionality
Dental restorations that are secured with dental implants can function like natural teeth. You will be able to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. Traditional dentures, on the other hand, will slip or shift in the mouth while eating or speaking. Implant secured restorations are securely anchored in the jawbone, providing a stable base for chewing and speaking.
Improved Aesthetics
Your new dental implant secured restoration will look and feel just like natural teeth. We will custom make them to match the shape, size, and color of the surrounding teeth. This will provide a seamless and natural looking smile. This is especially important for people who have lost front teeth and their new teeth will significantly impact their overall appearance.
Improved Oral Health
Once the dental implants integrate with your jawbone, they will provide enough stimulation to help prevent bone loss. Maintaining proper jawbone structure is important because it holds the natural shape of your face and helps hold any remaining teeth in place. Also, dental implants do not rely on other teeth to hold the restoration in place like partial dentures and bridges do. This extra stress puts those teeth at a higher risk for decay and infection.
Durability
Your dental implants should last you a lifetime. Once they integrate with the bone, they will remain in place as long as you are in good oral health. Proper oral hygiene is key to them remaining healthy and strong for a lifetime. Traditional tooth replacement options like dental bridges and dentures are much less durable only relying on suction, adhesive or remaining teeth to hold them in place.
Comfort
Dental implant restorations are more comfortable to wear than traditional dentures and bridges. They will not place extra stress on remaining teeth nor will irritate your gums. Your restoration is anchored securely to the implants in jawbone and will not require adhesives or other products to keep them in place.
Convenience
Since dental implants are the closest thing to natural teeth, they are more convenient than other tooth replacement options. They do not require special dietary restrictions and can be cared for just like your natural teeth. Patients can eat their favorite foods and enjoy their favorite activities without worrying about their teeth.
Improved Self-Confidence
Dental implants can have a significant impact on a patient’s self-confidence. Patients with missing teeth often feel self-conscious about their appearance, and may avoid social situations or hide their smile. Dental implants provide a natural-looking and comfortable solution, helping patients to feel more confident and outgoing.
Better Speech
Missing teeth can make it difficult to pronounce certain letters and sounds. Someone with gaps in their smile may slur or mumble. Dental implants provide a reliable and stable tooth replacement for the tongue and lips, allowing patients to speak more clearly and confidently.
- Implant Dentistry: An Overview
- Additional Dental Implant FAQs
- What are Dental Implants?
- Dental Implants vs Dentures
- Dental Implants Cost
- Dental Implant Process
Frequently Asked Questions
How do dental implants help prevent further bone loss in the jaw?
Dental implants act like natural tooth roots, stimulating the jawbone when you chew. This pressure keeps the bone active and helps prevent the shrinkage after tooth loss. Without stimulation, the bone gradually breaks down. Implants keep your jawbone strong and maintain long-term oral stability.
Can dental implants help improve my bite alignment or chewing efficiency?
Yes, implants restore full chewing function and help distribute bite forces evenly. They prevent nearby teeth from shifting into gaps, which helps keep your bite aligned. With strong support and natural function, implants make eating more comfortable and efficient compared to missing teeth or loose dentures.
Will my implant-supported restoration look different from my natural teeth?
No, implant-supported crowns or bridges are designed to closely match your natural teeth in shape, size, and color. A properly placed and shaded implant blends seamlessly with your smile. Most people can’t tell the difference once the restoration is in place.
How do dental implants protect the teeth next to the missing tooth?
Implants keep nearby teeth from shifting into the space, which helps preserve your bite and alignment. Unlike bridges, implants don’t rely on neighboring teeth for support, so those teeth stay untouched and strong. This protects their structure and health over time.
Do implants help maintain the shape of my face after tooth loss?
Yes, implants help preserve your facial shape by preventing the bone loss that leads to a sunken or aged appearance. When teeth are missing, the jawbone shrinks, affecting facial structure. Implants keep the bone active and help maintain a fuller, more natural facial contour.
Can I still get dental implants if I have gum disease or a history of it?
You can still get implants, but any active gum disease must be treated first. Healthy gums are essential for successful healing and long-term implant support. If you have a history of gum disease, your dentist will monitor your gums closely and may recommend extra care to maintain implant health.
Is it possible to replace multiple teeth with just a few dental implants?
Yes, a few implants can support multiple teeth using implant bridges or implant-supported dentures. You don’t need one implant for every missing tooth. Your dentist will assess your jawbone and tooth loss pattern to decide how many implants are required for stable, lasting results.
Dental implants offer a wide range of benefits for patients who need to replace their teeth. Book a consult today with Dr. Thompson to learn more about the benefits of dental implants in Greeley, CO.