Reviewed By Dr. Jeffery Kesecker, DDS
Reading Time: 8 minutes
Welcome to the first installment in our comprehensive blog series about dental implants! Here at Legacy Surgery, we understand that the journey to restoring your smile can raise many questions. This series aims to equip you with all the information you need to make informed decisions about your dental health.
Dental implants are a life-changing solution for missing teeth, offering a permanent and natural-looking replacement option. But what exactly are dental implants, and why should you choose them over traditional tooth replacement options? Let’s dive in and find out!
Key Takeaway
Dental implants stand out as the superior tooth replacement option, offering long-term benefits such as improved aesthetics, functionality, and oral health. They not only mimic the appearance and feel of natural teeth but also stimulate the jawbone, ensuring both durability and comfort. If you’re seeking a reliable and effective solution for missing teeth, dental implants are an excellent choice worth considering.
Table of Contents
Understanding Dental Implants
Dental implants represent a remarkable advancement in dental technology, providing a reliable and effective solution for missing teeth.
Unlike traditional dentures or bridges that rest on the gums and often become uncomfortable or unstable, dental implants function as artificial tooth roots. This unique structure offers a solid foundation for permanent replacement teeth, making them an excellent choice for long-term oral health.
The process begins with a consultation with your chosen oral surgeon. At Legacy Surgery, we do a full assessment of your oral and physical health. We will take images of your jaw and mouth using a 3D Cone Beam Scanner. Our treatment coordinator will discuss your treatment plan and answer any questions you may have.
The surgical procedure involves implanting a titanium post into the jawbone. This post mimics the root of a natural tooth and is designed to integrate with the jawbone through a biological process known as osseointegration.
This integration secures the implant firmly in place and stimulates the jawbone, preventing bone resorption—a common issue that occurs after tooth loss. Once the implant has fully healed, a custom dental crown or other restoration is attached to the post. The new tooth will feel and function just like a natural tooth!
The Gold Standard in Tooth Replacement
Dental implants are considered the gold standard in tooth replacement for several reasons. They provide unparalleled stability compared to other options, such as dentures or bridges.
Removable dentures can slip or shift during eating and speaking, leading to discomfort and self-consciousness. Bridges, while more stable than dentures, require the alteration of adjacent teeth for support, which can compromise their integrity over time. In contrast, dental implants preserve the structure of neighboring teeth and do not rely on them for support, making them a more holistic option for tooth replacement.
Most notably, dental implants promote better overall oral health. When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area begins to deteriorate due to lack of stimulation. This can result in changes to facial structure (denture face) and may cause neighboring teeth to shift or become loose. Dental implants prevent bone loss by stimulating the jawbone, preserving both oral health and appearance.
Comparison of Dental Implants to Other Tooth Replacement Options
| Feature | Dental Implants | Dentures | Bridges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Look and feel like natural teeth | May look less natural, can slip | Can look very natural |
| Stability | Highly stable | Can shift or slip | Stable but relies on adjacent teeth for support |
| Durability | Can last a lifetime | Typically last 5-10 years | About 5-15 years but can require replacement |
| Bone Preservation | Stimulates jawbone, prevents loss | Does not stimulate bone | May not prevent bone loss |
| Maintenance | Brush and floss like natural teeth | Requires special cleaning methods | Requires regular dental care but less than dentures |
| Comfort | Very comfortable, no movement | Can cause irritation or discomfort | Generally comfortable but depends on fit |
| Cost | Higher initial cost, long-term value | Lower initial cost but needs replacement | Moderate cost, depends on materials used |
Benefits of Dental Implants
The benefits go beyond just improving appearance—they can also significantly improve your quality of life. Many people don’t realize the effect that a missing tooth will have on their life.
Your teeth do so much for you; they chew your food into small pieces so that it is easily digested. They rip and tear food like bread or meat. If you are missing one or more teeth, your ability to do these things will be affected.
When you are considering your tooth replacement options, think about your lifestyle and how missing teeth will affect it.
Here are some key advantages to consider:
- Appearance and self-confidence: Dental implants look and feel like real teeth. They restore your smile to its natural state, allowing you to eat, drink, smile and live as you did before you lost the tooth.
- Speech and chewing ability: Unlike dentures, which can slip or affect speech, implants offer stability for improved speaking and eating capabilities. You can eat all of your favorite foods, no restrictions required!
- Durability and longevity: With proper care, the implant itself can last a lifetime, making them a cost-effective long-term solution. Dentures need to be replaced every few years because your bone starts to shrink, affecting the fit of your dentures. With implants, this is not a concern since they provide the necessary stimulation to maintain bone health.
- Preservation of jawbone health: As mentioned earlier, dental implants prevent bone resorption by stimulating the jawbone. This helps maintain the structure of your face and prevents future oral health problems.
- Convenience: Dental implants are a permanent solution, eliminating the need for messy adhesives or frequent removal like dentures. They also require no special care—simply brush and floss as you would your natural teeth!
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are suitable for most healthy adults who have lost one or more teeth. However, there are a few factors that may affect your eligibility, such as:
- Overall health: Good general and oral health is essential for the success of dental implants. Certain health conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or periodontal disease (gum disease) may impact healing time and increase the risk of complications.
- Sufficient jawbone density: Since dental implants rely on osseointegration to secure them in place, adequate bone density is crucial. If you have experienced significant bone loss, a bone graft procedure may be necessary before implant placement.
- Commitment to good oral hygiene: As with natural teeth, proper oral care is vital to maintaining the longevity of dental implants. This includes regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits.
If you are considering dental implants, ask your dentist for a referral to an oral surgeon or book an appointment directly. You may have your dentist complete our doctor referral form, or you can call us at (540) 437-1230 (Harrisonburg) or (540) 213-8750 (Staunton).
Risks and Complications
While dental implants offer many benefits, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and complications associated with the procedure.
Some of the common issues include infection at the implant site, nerve damage, and sinus problems (especially for upper jaw implants). Additionally, there can be a risk of implant failure if proper healing is not achieved or if there is insufficient bone density.
To mitigate these risks, it is very important to choose a qualified and experienced oral surgeon, follow all pre- and post-operative instructions carefully, and attend regular check-ups to monitor the health of your implants. In the unlikely event of complications, your oral surgeon will work with you to find a solution and ensure the best possible outcome for your implant.
Final Thoughts
Dental implants offer a revolutionary solution for missing teeth, providing many benefits compared to traditional tooth replacement options. Not only do they improve appearance and self-confidence, but they also promote better overall oral health and functionality. If you’re looking for a long-term solution that feels and functions like natural teeth, dental implants may be the perfect choice for you!
Trust Legacy Surgery for Dental Implants
At Legacy Surgery, we understand that every patient is unique. That’s why our approach to dental implant surgery is personalized and tailored to your individual needs. Our experienced oral surgeon, Dr. Kesecker, has the expertise and state-of-the-art technology necessary for successful outcomes.
We hope this first installment in our blog series has given you a better understanding of what dental implants are and their benefits. Stay tuned for the next blog in this series, where we will explain the parts of a dental implant.
Remember, a confident and restored smile is within reach with Legacy Surgery! Schedule your consultation today and take the first step towards a confident smile.
If you are searching for ‘dental implants in Harrisonburg, VA,’ or ‘dental implants in Staunton, VA,’ call our treatment coordinator to book an appointment today! Call (540) 437-1230 for our Harrisonburg location or (540) 213-8750 for our Staunton location.