Losing a tooth is a scary experience for most people – in fact, it can really feel like the end of the world at the time. If it’s a front tooth, it’s easy to feel embarrassed just walking down the street, and having a conversation with a friend without feeling the urge to cover your mouth seems impossible.
And it’s not just your confidence that gets rattled when you lose a tooth, but your ability to chew and enjoy food seems suddenly limited. If it’s a back tooth, diving into your favorite foods can feel downright painful as you struggle to maneuver that piece of steak away from the only place it seems to want to go – the gap between your molars. Who knew one little tooth out of many could be so important?
Throughout my career as a dentist, I’ve seen every missing tooth possible – from back teeth to front teeth, and everything in between. Regardless of which tooth has gone, all my patients have one very important question: “How do I replace it?”
While I always make a point to discuss all tooth replacement options with my patients, such as partial dentures or bridges, there is no doubt that implants are the most effective long-term solution.
Read on to find out why I always recommend implants as the gold standard for replacing missing teeth.
1. Natural Appearance and Function
Dental implants are custom-made to match the unique color and shape of your existing teeth. With crowns made of porcelain or ceramic, implants are able to easily mimic the natural gloss and translucencies of tooth enamel. This is a far cry from the acrylic resin used in partial dentures. And, because they are integrated into your jawbone just like a real tooth, there is a seamless transition from the gums to the crown of the tooth. Other tooth replacement options simply rest on top of the gums to create the illusion that they are emerging from the jaw. Unfortunately, in these cases, bone can resorb over time and leave the patient with an unsightly gap between the prosthetic and the gums.
Not only do implants look exactly like a real tooth, but they function like one too. Since they are anchored directly into your jawbone like the roots of natural teeth, they have the strength to withstand full chewing forces. This is vastly different from the other options that rest on your gums and can slide around, creating sore areas and pressure points.
Once implants are in place, most of my patients tell me that they can’t even tell the difference between the implant and their natural teeth – and that’s saying something.
2. Longevity and Durability
Implants are made from biocompatible materials like titanium and are extremely durable. While bridges and dentures may need to be replaced every 5-10 years (depending on the case), implants are built to truly last. With proper care and maintenance, including good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, they can last 25 years or longer. In some cases, implants can last a lifetime. It is not uncommon for me to see patients that have had implants for over 30 years. Seeing as how implant technology is constantly improving, I would expect to see even better long-term results with more modern implants. When factoring in price, this can make them the more cost-effective choice in the long run, despite the higher initial upfront cost.
3. Bone Health Preservation
When you lose a tooth, the underlying jaw bone that supported that tooth begins to resorb and deteriorate over time due to a lack of stimulation. This can cause changes in facial structure as there is loss of definition in the jawline. The skin may also sag near the resorption, creating a more sunken appearance. This process is unaffected by bridges and partial dentures but is, amazingly, prevented with dental implants.
Implants are unique in that they undergo something called osseointegration. This is an important process in which the jaw bone and the implant actually fuse together. Once this occurs, the implant stimulates the natural bone, maintaining its density and preventing bone loss. This maintenance of the structure of the jaw is crucial for maintaining facial structure and helping you maintain a youthful appearance.
4. Improved Oral Health
Dental implants do not require the alteration of adjacent teeth, as is the case with bridges, which require the shaving down of natural teeth in order to cap the teeth on either side of the space. This means the structural integrity of your surrounding teeth can remain intact when you get implants, preserving their health.
Implants are easy to clean and maintain as they can be brushed and flossed exactly like natural teeth. It is much harder to clean underneath a bridge, which can lead to side effects like gum inflammation and bad breath. This means that the risk of gum disease and tooth decay is much lower with implants.
5. Enhanced Comfort and Convenience
Unlike partial dentures, which can slip or rub against the gums, or bridges that can put pressure on the surrounding teeth, implants are stable and secure. You also won’t have to worry about removing them for cleaning or dealing with any sticky adhesives.
Implants become a permanent part of your mouth and are, by far, the most comfortable replacement option.
6. Boosted Confidence and Quality of Life
Having a complete, healthy smile can significantly boost your self-esteem and confidence. Dental implants not only restore your ability to chew and speak comfortably but also give you the freedom to smile, laugh, and interact socially without feeling self-conscious about missing teeth.
Other Considerations
I should also note that while implants are widely considered the tooth replacement gold standard by most dentists, including myself, they may not be an option for everyone. Adequate jawbone density is needed to support an implant and if it is not present, a bone graft may be required. Because implants require healthy gums to stay anchored properly within the jawbone, patients with any active gum disease will need to ensure that this is treated and under control prior to implant placement. Certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes or osteoporosis, can also affect implant healing and overall long-term success rates.
Final Thoughts
Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even an entire arch of teeth. There are various types of implants available, making them a versatile option for different dental needs.
If you’re considering options for replacing missing teeth, dental implants offer numerous benefits that other solutions just cannot match. From their natural appearance and durability to their ability to preserve jawbone health, implants are the ideal solution for many patients. Consulting with your dentist or oral surgeon is the first step in exploring whether dental implants are the right choice for you.
With the right treatment and care, you can enjoy a beautiful, functional smile for years to come. Remember, investing in your dental health is investing in your overall well-being.
We’d love to hear your thoughts. Have you or someone you know had experience with dental implants? Share your stories in the comments below!
~Dr. Lee