Have you lost teeth due to tooth decay or gum disease? Or maybe you lost a tooth in a sports injury or auto accident? Dental implants can be a viable replacement option for adults of all ages, no matter how you lost your missing teeth. Implants can also be a viable option for adolescents, once facial growth and development has been completed — generally around age 16 for girls, and age 18 for boys.
4 Reasons to Get Dental Implants
Dental implants have many advantages over other tooth replacement alternatives such as dentures and bridges. Here are four that Dr. Leah Butler of Butler Family Dentistry in Strongsville, OH wants to make you aware of.
1. Dental Implants Function Like Natural Teeth
Dental implants feel, look, fit and function as if they were your original, healthy, natural teeth. They’re so comfortable you may forget they’re not your natural teeth once the implant site is fully healed. You’ll brush and floss them just like you do your natural teeth with no need to remove them for cleaning as is required for dentures. They also help you retain the natural shape of your face and mouth.
2. Dental Implants Last A Lifetime
Dental implants are built to last. Implants that are properly cared for can last many decades. Many other options such as dental bridges and dentures, may need to be replaced as often as every 5 to 10 years. This means that, although implants cost more up front, you will not need to pay to replace them as often as other restorative options and you’ll spend less time in the dentist’s office overall.
3. Implants Are Secure In Your Mouth
Your dental implants will be embedded in your jaw bone, so they won’t slip or click when you talk, eat or laugh like dentures can. You’ll also find that your speech is more natural with dental implants. With dental implants, you’ll be able to smile, talk, laugh and eat with confidence.
4. Implants Help Preserve and Protect Your Mouth
Implants protect facial bone and healthy teeth. Leaving empty spaces in your mouth after losing one or more teeth can lead to deterioration of jawbone tissue, your bite shifting and other issues. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that stimulates new bone growth and prevents further bone loss. Having dental implants placed as soon as possible after losing a tooth helps prevent bone loss at the site. Also, dental implants do not need adjacent teeth to be ground down for bridges to be anchored or partial dentures to be attached.
Dental Implants in Strongsville, OH
If you have lost teeth for any reason and are interested in finding out if dental implants can help restore your teeth, Dr. Butler and her team at Butler Family Dentistry in Strongsville are ready to help. Please call us at (440) 230-6748 or schedule a consultation online today!