Even with advancements in dental care, millions of Americans experience tooth loss. The majority of tooth loss is from tooth decay, periodontal disease, or injury. For a long time, the only treatment options available for people with missing teeth were dentures and bridges. Luckily today, dental implants are available.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a replacement to tooth roots. They are similar to screws that fuse to your jawbone from which a cap (artificial tooth) can be attached. Implants provide a strong foundation for fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth that are made to match your natural teeth.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

There are many dental implant benefits, including:

  1. Improved appearance. Dental implants look and feel just like real teeth. They are a great choice for replacing missing or damaged teeth because of their durability and appearance.
  2. Improved speech. With poor-fitting dentures, the teeth can slip within the mouth causing you to mumble or slur your words. Dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that teeth might slip.
  3. Improved comfort. Because they become part of you, implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.
  4. Easier eating. Sliding dentures can make chewing difficult. Dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain.
  5. Improved self-esteem. Dental implants can give you back your smile and help you feel better about yourself.
  6. Improved oral health. Dental implants don’t require reducing other teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does. Because nearby teeth are not altered to support the implant, more of your own teeth are left intact, improving long-term oral health. Individual implants also allow easier access between teeth, improving oral hygiene.
  7. Durability. Implants are very durable and will last many years. With good care, many implants last a lifetime.
  8. Convenience. Removable dentures are just that; removable. Dental implants eliminate the embarrassing inconvenience of removing dentures, as well as the need for messy adhesives to keep them in place.

How successful are dental implants?

Success rates of dental implants vary, depending on factors such as age, length of implant, diameter of implant, bone quality, and region of implant. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information over a 10 year period the success rate of dental implants was reported as 90%–95%. With proper care, implants can last a lifetime.

If you are looking to improve the functionality or appearance of your smile, dental implant benefits should be considered. Schedule an appointment with your dentist for a consultation.