Why Should I Consider Dental Implants?

There are several reasons why you might consider a dental implant.  You may have already lost teeth due to tooth decay or gum disease, or you’ve been told that you have significant gum disease, or periodontitis, and that the loss of one or more of your teeth is imminent. If left untreated, tooth loss will not only affect the appearance of a full smile, but will quickly impact your ability to chew food properly and increase your risk of losing more teeth.

Even once you’ve discussed the need for implants with your dentist, your choices for treatment include single tooth replacement, implant-supported dentures and bridges, or restoring an entire dental arch with implants.

Regardless of the option you receive, there are few alternatives for replacement that come as close to the function and appearance of healthy, natural teeth than dental implants. While other choices such as fixed bridges or complete and partial dentures typically last five to 10 years, implants provide a permanent solution for missing teeth.

The benefits of dental implant technology give you plenty of reasons to consider this option. Primary among these are the ability to enjoy your favorite foods, unhindered, improved confidence in your smile, and the freedom to laugh and participate in the activities you love. This treatment option also assists in maintaining your jawline, as tooth loss can eventually contribute to jaw bone deterioration or resorption.

The role implants play in dentistry has increased and as a result, those who want to recover the functionality of their teeth and improve their smiles have many choices.

Single Tooth Replacement

Dental implants provide many advantages over other single tooth replacement treatments, not the least of which is preserving the health of surrounding teeth. Fixed bridges, the other common option to replace individual teeth, are supported by existing dentition. In order to accommodate this option, the neighboring teeth need to be altered. With implant-retained crowns, you can receive the resiliency of a permanent restoration while maintaining your overall dental health. Additionally, the presence of this sturdy dental replacement allows you to chew food normally and decreases the likelihood of becoming edentulous. 

Implant-Supported Options for Dentures 

For ages, people have struggled to keep their dentures in place. These days are over because there is now a way to make your dentures function more like your genuine teeth - by stabilizing them with dental implants.  Hybrid dentures offer proven treatment success for edentulous patients.

There are many benefits to stabilizing dentures with implants, including:

• Better chewing function to enjoy a wider range of foods
• Improved speech
• Less gum tissue irritation
• No more denture adhesives
• Minimally invasive procedure

With so many positives associated with implant-supported options, the question isn’t why one might consider getting a dental implant -- it’s why not?

If you are looking for more information on implant dentistry and live or work in the San Antonio area, call Gies Family Dental to schedule a consultation today!