So, you’ve decided to seek treatment for your missing teeth. That’s awesome! Tooth loss is not only one of the five common dental problems among seniors, it’s also something that affects countless young and middle-aged Americans every year.
And while you may already be weighing the benefits of both bridges and dentures, let us remind you there is now also a third option for those who require help with missing teeth: dental implants.
At Metairie Village Dentistry, Dr. Lisa Wyatt and the rest of our staff all want to help you find the best option for your situation. That’s why we’re providing you with a quick guide to dental implants, which can be a fantastic choice for anyone experiencing tooth decay, injury, or other issues that may cause tooth loss.
Though not everyone is aware of the benefits of dental implants, the procedure isn’t exactly new. According to a 2017 study published by the National Journal of Maxillofacial Surgery, dental implants have their roots in osseointegration, which is the “direct structural and functional connection between living bone and the surface of a load-bearing implant.”
Spearheaded by Dr. P. Branemark in the late 1970s, the formation of this procedure eventually led to the use of dental implants as a replacement for missing teeth as well as a treatment that offers a different set of benefits from dentures and bridges.
Dental implants have quite a few advantages that set them apart. For one, they have a 97% success rate, as stated by a medical education booklet about the procedure. Unlike dentures, they are a permanent option because they replace the roots as well as the teeth. For more benefits, continue reading below.
Dental implants often look more natural than dentures because of their permanent nature. They also feel more like your own teeth, so it often doesn’t take as long for people to become used to them.
In the same vein, they’re a much more comfortable option because they are actually a part of your mouth. That makes them feel more natural than dentures.
Dental implants can last a long time with proper oral hygiene. In many cases, they can last the rest of your life, eliminating the constant maintenance that goes along with dentures or the fixes that can become necessary every five to ten years with dental bridges.
If you only require the replacement of a few teeth, dental implants are often much less of a risk to the health of your other teeth than dental bridges. That is because the placement of dental bridges sometimes requires the adjustment or modification of the nearby teeth. Dental implants never require changes to the nearby teeth, making them the best solution in terms of overall oral health.
If you are looking for a solution to your missing teeth that is long-lasting, durable, and natural, look no further than dental implants. Of course, we also recommend discussing the procedure with Dr. Wyatt to ensure that you receive the absolute best solution for your particular needs. Just call our Metairie, Louisiana, office at 504-827-1910 or book an appointment online at your convenience.
