If you’re missing one or several teeth, you have likely explored various tooth restoration and replacement methods. Dental implants are one of these. But the difference is that dental implants are the only complete and effective long-term treatment.
Despite this obvious benefit, you may have heard some less-than-stellar feedback, such as the cost and the time it takes for the entire procedure, often spanning several months, for thousands of dollars. But that’s not the full picture. Rather, it’s important to remember that dental implants are an investment in your long-term oral health.
How Dental Implants Work: A Refresher
Dental implants are made of titanium posts fused directly with the jawbone. They function as artificial roots and anchor your new teeth in place. This makes dental implants the only fixed and complete tooth replacement option, from root to crown—and exactly why they’re worth the investment.
If you’ve been living with missing teeth for a while now, it’s a good time to explore your options and find out more about the life-changing benefits of dental implants. From restoring the full strength and appearance of your teeth, to long-term use and comfort, see why dental implants are the best choice for you.
Top Benefits of Dental Implants
Did you recently speak with a periodontist in Mississauga who recommended dental implants to replace your missing teeth? Learn about the benefits of dental implants—and why you need to get started today.
1. Long-lasting tooth replacement
The number one benefit of dental implants is permanent restoration. Made from titanium and fused into the jawbone, the implant serves as an artificial tooth root. Dental implants are durable and can last many years. However, the actual lifespan will depending on several factors, including your oral hygiene, diet, lifestyle and location of the implant.
2. Preserve the jawbone and facial shape
Having missing teeth affects the structure of the jawbone and your facial appearance. Without dental implants and replacement teeth, the jawbone can change and close gaps caused by missing teeth. Once this happens, your face can sag and age rapidly, bring your nose and chin closer together, and cause your chin to appear more pointed.
3. Comfort
It’s hard to eat and talk with missing teeth, and even restorations like dentures can become loose and slip out. Dental implants help you avoid this uncomfortable and embarrassing situation by securing your replacement teeth. As a result, you’ll be able to eat, talk, and smile as you normally do without the fear of losing your teeth.
4. Better oral health
Preserve the Bite
Missing teeth aren’t just unsightly. When left untreated, the gaps left by missing teeth can also cause damage to remaining healthy natural teeth. This happens because the adjacent teeth tend to shift to cover the gap and, over time, impacts the bite, the way you chew, and your appearance. Generally, if the gap isn’t filled by an implant within a year, the affected part of the jawbone will deteriorate, losing up to a quarter of its volume.
Prevent Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
Even with dentures or dental bridges, oral health problems may persist. For example, poorly fitting dentures or bridges will create gaps where plaque can accumulate. This can cause gum disease and tooth decay in adjacent teeth. Implants prevent this by replacing the entire tooth structure, so they’re easy to clean fully, just like natural teeth.
Preserve Natural Teeth
Finally, unlike other tooth replacements, dental implants don’t require altering the remaining teeth. Where other treatments require drilling down otherwise healthy teeth, dental implants are designed to support new teeth made to fit precisely in the gap.
5. Lifetime durability
Since dental implants enable your new teeth to look and function just like your natural ones, all you need to do is take care of them properly. With proper installation and good oral health habits, dental implants can last many years without needing a replacement. A periodontist can help you achieve this by fusing the dental implants with the jawbone, just like the natural roots of your remaining teeth. Now, you can enjoy the lifelong benefits of a renewed smile and restored dental function.
6. Improved speech
Having dental implants that anchor your new teeth in place does wonders for how you talk and communicate. For example, with missing teeth, it’s common to develop a lisp and have your regular speech patterns affected. Dental implants help address this by filling in the gaps left by missing teeth, so you can make various consonant sounds that require bringing the teeth together. Similarly, since they’re not prone to falling out, you won’t have to worry about slurring your words.
7. Easier to eat
Since dental implants support new teeth that function like your natural ones, you’ll be able to bite and chew with no problem at all. You’ll be able to eat normally and enjoy all types of foods as you did before. In addition, dental implants are very stable, so you won’t have to worry about damaging them. As long as you take care of your new teeth by brushing and flossing regularly, your dental implants can last many years.
8. Boost your confidence and self-esteem
Now that your smile is complete and healthy, you’ll be able to eat, talk, and laugh confidently. Without missing teeth, you’ll find it easy to smile, take care of your oral health, and never worry again about difficulties with normal oral functions. Enjoy the benefits of a fully restored smile—and no one will be able to tell that you’re wearing a brand new smile.
Ask Our Periodontists in Mississauga
Are you suffering from missing teeth and are tired of poorly fitting dentures or other less effective restorations? Then, it’s time to learn how dental implants can restore your complete smile and full dental function.
At Periodontal Associates, our periodontists recommend dental implants to fill in the gaps left by missing teeth and rehabilitate your smile. When you come to our Mississauga clinic for a consultation, we’ll provide everything you need to know about dental implants and their long-term benefits.
From restoring your ability to eat and talk as normal to preserving the rest of your remaining natural teeth, you can count on our board-certified, experienced periodontists to deliver these benefits and improve your quality of life.
Want to learn more about the benefits of dental implants? Book a consultation with Periodontal Associates in Mississauga. Find out how you can enjoy the benefits of better speech, eating, and oral health.