Dental implants have become the standard of care for replacing missing teeth, and for good reason. Unlike bridges or dentures, implants address both the visible gap and the underlying bone loss that follows any tooth extraction.
Function That Matches Natural Teeth
An implant transmits chewing force into the jawbone the same way a real tooth root does. That means you can eat anything, including steak, apples, and corn on the cob, without the limitations dentures impose. There's no clicking, no slippage, and no adjusting your speech around a prosthetic.
Preservation of the Jawbone
When a tooth is lost, the bone that used to support it begins to resorb. Over months and years, that bone loss changes the shape of the face. The lower third can take on a sunken appearance that ages a person prematurely. Implants stimulate the bone continuously, preserving its volume and the facial structure that depends on it.
No Damage to Surrounding Teeth
A traditional bridge requires the adjacent healthy teeth to be ground down and capped, sacrificing sound enamel to anchor the replacement. An implant stands on its own. Nothing about your other teeth has to change.
Longevity
Bridges typically need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years. Dentures need relining and eventually full replacement. A well-placed implant, cared for with routine hygiene, can last the rest of your life. The crown on top may eventually need replacement after a couple of decades; the implant itself usually doesn't.
Easier Daily Care
You brush and floss an implant exactly the way you do your other teeth. No nightly soaking, no adhesive, no removable parts to keep track of.
To find out if you're a candidate for dental implants, call Weston Center for Plastic Surgery at (954) 507-4540.
