Specialist Prosthodontics

Dental implants are an excellent solution to tooth loss and have many advantages that make them more convenient than dentures in many ways. Here at Brisbane prosthodontics Specialist Pros, we are here to answer any questions you may have about getting a dental implant. Before you commit to getting an implant, here are a few things you should know.

1. Dental Implants Can Help Guard Your Adjacent Teeth

Traditionally, a dental bridge has been the more popular option in replacing a missing tooth, as it usually requires a lower upfront cost than dental implants. Essentially, dental bridges are artificial teeth held in place by the teeth around your missing tooth. However, your healthy teeth surrounding the gap may need to be shaved down to fit as anchors for the bridge. This can make your otherwise healthy teeth weaker and more vulnerable to decay. On the other hand, a dental implant uses an artificial tooth root - typically made out of titanium, and is mounted into your jawbone with screws. This process does not affect the health or exisiting condition of your surrounding teeth. Dental implants also decrease sensitivity as well as risk of decay of your adjacent teeth.

2. They Have a High Success Rate

For the last three decades that dental implants have been around, dental implants have one of the highest success rates of all dental procedures – from between 95 to 98 per cent, if completed by a dental expert. Dental implants can last up to fifteen years and retain a more natural looking teeth longer, compared to dental bridges.

3. Implants Can Prevent Bone Loss

Other dental options such as dental bridges or dentures provide a cosmetic solution, but do not address the issue of bone loss. When a tooth goes missing, the jawbone can experience atrophy in the area, meaning that the area which loses the tooth deteriorates over time for lack of stimulation. With dental implants, the root mimicks that of a natural teeth and keeps it functional through appropriate chewing and natural forces. These preserves your jawbone and keeps it in a healthy state.

4. Dental Implants Have a Natural Appearance

Dental implants can look extremely natural in their appearance, so people around you will not know that your implant is an artificial tooth. The implant is custom designed to match the shape of your mouth, teeth shape and colour, ensuring that it fits well and is natural. Additionally, over time, your dental implants undergo ‘’osseointegration’’, where the artificial root of your implant integrates with your bone tissue, leaving you feeling like it’s your very own natural tooth.

5. Dental Implants Can Save You Money in the Long Run

Dental implants tend to be more expensive upfront, but it is a great investment in the long run. While dentures are susceptible to wear and tear and dental bridges need to be replaced every five to seven years, dental implants are the longest lasting teeth replacement option in the market, lasting way beyond fifteen years. The cost for dental implants, therefore, is usually a one-time cost with the proper care in place, and they generally do not require additional upkeep of the teeth more than your natural teeth do.

6. They Can Improve Your Quality of Life

As previously mentioned, your dental implants will feel like your natural teeth over time, due to a process called osseointegration, where the artificial root of your implant integrates with your bone tissue. Enjoying food with a dental implant feels exactly like eating with your natural teeth. This incredible dental option is hassle-free, unlike the more traditional dental bridge or dentures that come with its own set of restrictions. Dental implants will allow you to maintain or improve your passion for food without worries.

Talk to your dentist about implants

If you would like to find out more about implants be it implant crown or implant bridge as a solution for you, speak to your dentist about it. Your dentist is the best person to recommend the right solutions and can explain the pros and cons of each option in a way that is tailored to your dental situation.