The Benefits of Dental Implants

Are you exploring your dental implant options but aren’t sure if the procedure is worth it? With a 6-month healing period, many patients have the same question.

But the procedure is entirely worth it, especially when you consider the amazing benefits outlined below! 

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Dental implants are a type of artificial tooth designed to look, feel, and function like a natural one. To that end, they’re made from three components:

• Metal post: acts as the tooth’s root;
• Abutment: a piece that connects the root to the crown;
• Dental crown: the artificial tooth that completes your smile and restores function

The metal post is surgically inserted into the jaw bone, after which the body enters a 6-month healing period known as osseointegration.

During it, the bone and gums will fuse to the implant and keep it in place, similar to a natural root. Once the process is complete, you can receive the abutment and your custom dental crown.

The Main Perks of Getting Dental Implants 

The benefits of dental implants include:

• Natural look and feel: Dental implants look as if they’re emerging from the gums, just like a natural tooth. Moreover, unlike other tooth replacements, there is virtually no adjustment period. Other than experiencing some tightness the first day after getting the crown, the implant will feel like it was in your mouth all along.

• Permanent restoration: Dental implants last a lifetime. While the dental crown might need replacement after 15 years or so, the abutment and metal post will not. They’re only ever damaged in extreme cases, such as due to trauma.

• Jawbone support: The metal post helps stimulate the jawbone when you eat, preventing it from shrinking. This helps maintain your entire oral health and prevents some common side effects of tooth loss, such as changes in the factual features; 

• Easy maintenance: With dental implants, you essentially need to brush and floss your teeth daily and see the dentist every six months or so. That’s it! They don’t require special maintenance like other restorations, such as removable dentures.

• Cost-effective: The cost of a dental implant may seem high at first, but considering it is a permanent tooth replacement that supports your overall oral health, it pays for itself down the line. And if you have extensive tooth loss, you can get an implant-supported denture as opposed to singular implants and have an even more affordable restoration.

Find Out If Implants Are Right for You

Dental implants are one of the most popular ways to replace a missing tooth. Unfortunately, they’re not for everyone.

Learn if you’re a good candidate for dental implants by seeing Dr. Julia Winter for an oral health assessment.

Schedule your dental implant consultation at Kite & Key Dentistry online, or call our office at 484-240-7741 if you want to learn more about the benefits of dental implants.