In the past, patients had limited options if they wanted to replace teeth. Back then, only dentures or bridges could effectively fill the gap in their smile and make basic tasks like chewing and speaking easier. Today, dental implants offer a multitude of benefits that other tooth replacement options couldn’t match. That’s why if you’re considering restorative dentistry to rebuild your smile, it’s worth considering how dental implants in Washington can provide you long-term solutions.
Long-Lasting and High Success Rate
Dentures are known for offering a quick solution for tooth loss, especially if you’re missing an entire arch. However, they require refitting and replacement every 5 to 7 years, making them less than ideal for long-term use. Dental bridges last longer, averaging about 10 years before needing any kind of replacement, but they don’t feel quite as natural as they could be, nor do they have the ability to replace as many teeth at a time.
Dental implants are not only a long-lasting solution (easily capable of lasting 25 years to a lifetime of use) but they carry a success rate that people can rely on. On average, the success rate for dental implants reaches as high as 95 to 98 percent. This is even after a 10-year period, only further proving their reliability and longevity.
The Most Natural Appearance Possible
If you’ve seen anyone with dentures, you’ve probably noticed a significant change in their facial appearance. This is due to bone resorption, a process that occurs after teeth are lost. Teeth are responsible for not just helping you chew, but stimulating your alveolar bone (essentially part of the jaw bone.) If your teeth aren’t stimulating your bone, it begins to shrink. This causes the cheeks to hollow out and the overall angle of your jaw to change shape.
Dental implants replace the root of teeth, which means they consistently stimulate alveolar bone and prevent bone resorption. They are also the only tooth replacement option that solves this issue and prevents dramatic changes in your appearance.
Improved Oral Health
Dental bridges require the removal of tooth enamel to place because your natural teeth are used as an anchor to hold a larger restoration. Because of this removal of tooth enamel, you put your remaining teeth at higher risk of tooth decay and sensitivity. Dental implants require no removal of existing enamel to place because the jaw bone acts as the anchor, not remaining teeth.
Stronger Biting Force
As mentioned, bone will begin to resorb back into the body if tooth are lost. As the jaw begins to shrink, it won’t only affect your appearance. It will also affect your ability to chew foods as well as you could before. This is often the case even if you were to have a denture or traditional bridge made because they don’t address the missing tooth root.
When it comes to restorative dentistry, there are no other treatments as comprehensive as dental implants. Chewing your favorite foods feels indistinguishable from natural teeth, so you can rest knowing that your new smile will feel as natural as it looks! To learn your eligibility for dental implants, schedule an appointment with a dentist in Washington today!
About the Author
Dr. David N. Vaughan earned his DMD degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. His office provides expertly-crafted implant restorations for those seeking dental implants. After your implant has healed, you can come back to his office to get your custom-made implant-retained crown created. To learn more about his practice or restorations, you can contact him through his website.