After tooth loss, the parts of the mouth where the now-missing tooth or teeth used to be must be treated to protect against infection, dental misalignment, and jawbone deterioration. Patients have several long-term tooth replacement solutions to choose from, including dentures, dental bridges, and the most durable and effective option, dental implants.
We’re looking at dental implants to give you a clearer idea of these medical marvels and the myriad reasons they’re so effective.
What Are Dental Implants and How Do They Work?
Dental implants are small titanium pegs surgically placed into the empty “sockets” left in a person’s jawbone after tooth loss. Once a dentist or oral surgeon has placed an implant into the jawbone, over a handful of months, the implant can fuse permanently with the bone in a process called "osseointegration." Once osseointegration is complete, the implant is securely in place and can act as a replacement tooth root. This creates a sturdy and stable anchoring point for long-term restorations like dental crowns.
More than any other element, this solution for tooth loss at the root sets dental implants apart from other long-term tooth replacement solutions.
Why Are Dental Implants More Highly Regarded Than Other Tooth Replacement Options?
Dental implants share many of the benefits that other tooth replacement solutions offer. They distinguish themselves by combining the significant benefits of other solutions (and more!) in a single, incredibly durable option.
Since implants are permanently anchored in the jaw, they feel and function like natural tooth roots. As a result, the dental restorations they support, like crowns, can function exactly as natural teeth would. This means the ability to bite and chew with confidence and without restriction, which aids overall health by promoting proper digestion and nutrient absorption.
Additionally, implants can profoundly improve speech function (unlike dentures, which are not fixed in place and are prone to slippage) and often boost self-confidence, which can be invaluable in social and professional settings.
Finally, dental implants are incredibly long-lasting. With proper care, they usually last well over a decade without requiring re-treatment—and can even last a lifetime!
Precisely Placing Dental Implants in Missoula, MT
If you’re in Missoula and want to learn more about the many benefits of dental implants and whether they’re an appropriate long-term tooth solution for you, contact dentist Dr. Jonathan Nelson and our friendly and knowledgeable team here at Nelson Dentistry to schedule a consultation!