Dental implants are sturdy, long-lasting tooth replacements. The dental implant anchor may last a lifetime with proper care, while the crown on top may last five to eight years before needing replacement.
What Makes Dental Implants Unique?
Dental implants are special because they replace a missing tooth's crown and root. Replacing the root in addition to the crown allows the implant to bond tightly with the jawbone, creating a restoration that looks and feels natural.
Other tooth restorations, such as bridges and conventional dentures, sit atop the gums and jaw. They do not provide the chewing stimulation that an implant gives to the jawbone, leading the bone to reabsorb around the socket.
Advantages of Dental Implants
Excellent Chewing Ability
When you have a dental implant, you won't need to worry about food sticking to it, trapped underneath it, or breaking it. You can eat virtually anything you want while practicing excellent oral hygiene.
Cosmetic Improvement
A space in your smile can make you self-conscious and reluctant to show your teeth publicly. However, when you feel great about your smile, you'll project a more friendly and optimistic image.
Keeps Teeth Stable
Missing teeth allow their neighbors to drift out of position. This problem can cause poor oral health and bite issues.
Boost in Gum and Bone Health
Chewing stimulation from a dental implant keeps the natural jawbone robust and prevents the sunken look associated with conventional dentures.
Types of Dental Implants
- Single-Tooth Implants: Replacing one tooth at a time, single-tooth implants can complete your smile.
- Implant-Supported Bridges: If you are missing three or more adjacent teeth, an implant-supported bridge may be more practical and economical than multiple single-tooth implants.
- Implant-Supported Dentures: We can replace an entire arch of teeth on just four to six implant anchors.
Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
- Healthy jawbone mass or ability to undergo bone graft surgery
- Healthy gums with no periodontal disease
- No untreated tooth decay
- No chronic conditions or diseases that could impede healing (cancer, uncontrolled diabetes, etc.)
- Non-smokers or willing to permanently quit because tobacco use impairs healing
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Can you get a temporary tooth while waiting for an implant?
Yes, in most cases, your dentist will make a "flipper" or temporary denture to fill in the gap during the implant process.
What happens if you have a tooth pulled and don't replace it?
You may have learned to live with the gap in your smile, but your oral health suffers even if you aren't aware. Plaque and food collect in the gap, causing decay and gum disease. The teeth shift and push your smile out of alignment, possibly leading to dental and medical problems.
Call Suwanee Family Dentistry
Getting a dental implant and restoring oral health is never too late. Please call our Suwanee, GA, office at 678-714-2380 to schedule your consultation today.