Making the decision to replace a missing tooth or multiple teeth is an important first step. After that, you must choose the type of replacement, and that too, can be a big decision.
Dr. Stephen Hiroshige and his staff often recommend dental implants because they offer a long-term solution to the problem and because patients who get implants tend to have a high satisfaction rate. In this post, we’ll describe the benefits of implants, as well as what you can expect after your procedure and in the years ahead living with your implant.
Before we get into why dental implants are considered the gold standard when it comes to replacing missing teeth, we should explain why you need to replace a missing tooth at all. Although there are cosmetic considerations, there are also health factors to think about.
If you’re missing a tooth, your other teeth can shift in your mouth because of the gap. This can make hygiene more challenging, and it can lead to loosening of your remaining teeth.
Additionally, your jawbone requires the stimulation of your tooth’s root to stay healthy. Over time, the part of your bone that doesn’t get stimulated breaks down and is reabsorbed by your body.
That bone health issue is the main reason dental implants are such a good option. Dentures and bridges don’t provide the stimulation your jawbone needs, but an implant does.
Getting a dental implant requires several appointments: at least one for a consultation, one for implanting a titanium post, and one for permanently attaching the prosthetic tooth to the post. Some people may need more appointments for other things, such as fillings in surrounding teeth or bone grafts to make sure your jawbone is healthy enough to support the post.
Once the titanium post is placed, you’ll wait several weeks or months for it to fully fuse with your jawbone. You’ll have a temporary crown during that time. After you’ve completely healed, Dr. Hiroshige will place your permanent crown, and you’ll carry on with your life.
Another reason we so frequently recommend dental implants is the fact that living with one is easy. You don’t really need to do anything special, although dental hygiene is important, especially if you have a history of gum disease.
Dental implants allow you to chew, speak, and care for your teeth exactly as you do for your natural teeth, which is another reason they have such a high satisfaction rate. In one study, more than 80% of people with implants reported high satisfaction one year after getting a dental implant.
Finally, as long as you brush, floss, and get regular professional cleanings, your implant should last a lifetime. That’s a pretty important benefit!
If you’re ready to find out more about your tooth replacement options generally or about dental implants specifically, schedule an appointment with Dr. Hiroshige. He’s always happy to answer your questions.
