Dental Implants: Why They're The Best Option for Replacing Missing Teeth

About 120 million Americans are missing at least one permanent tooth, and more than 35 million are missing all the teeth in one or both jaws. While a missing tooth may seem like a minor issue, your surrounding teeth can shift without treatment, increasing the risk of oral health problems. 

At Willow Glen Dental Center in San Jose, California, our caring team often uses dental implants to replace missing permanent teeth. Read on to learn about dental implants, who makes a good candidate, and why they are a beneficial treatment option.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are small titanium screws that replace the natural roots of your missing teeth. They’re placed into the empty socket where your tooth used to be, providing a strong foundation for dental restorations, such as crowns, bridges, or implant-retained dentures.

One key benefit of dental implants is their ability to fuse with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This means they’re sturdier than traditional tooth replacement options, like dentures, and ensures they won’t shift or change position.

Who is a good candidate for dental implants?

Most healthy people without gum disease are good candidates for dental implants. However, the best way to determine if you fall into this category is to schedule a consultation with one of our expert dentists. After an oral exam and digital X-rays, they can assess your bone density and overall oral health.

If you have gum disease or insufficient bone volume, we address those issues first. For example, we may recommend scaling and root planing to help your gums heal or a dental bone graft to increase the bone volume in your upper or lower jaw.

3 reasons dental implants are the best tooth replacement option

Many people assume that crowns and bridges are the best tooth replacement options. While it’s true that these restorations can be beneficial, dental implants stand head and shoulders above the rest. There are several reasons for this, including:

1. Dental implants are durable and long-lasting

Crowns and bridges typically must be replaced every 10-15 years, whereas dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care. You can improve your oral health with fewer dental visits and less overall maintenance.

2.  Dental implants look and feel natural

Dental implants can replace a single missing tooth or all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. Once the implants have fully integrated with your bone, they can be covered with a restoration, allowing them to blend seamlessly with your natural smile. Additionally, unlike dentures, implants don’t shift or change position, so you won’t have to worry about irritation to your tongue or gums.

3. Dental implants keep your jaw bones healthy

When you lose a permanent tooth, the bone underneath it is no longer stimulated by biting and chewing, which leads to bone resorption (loss). Dental implants prevent this by restimulating the bone underneath. This helps keep your jaw healthy and reduces the risk of other complications, like gum recession.

Request a dental implant consultation

If you’ve lost one or more permanent teeth, consider dental implants. These restorations can transform your smile and keep your jaws and gums healthy.  Contact Willow Glen Dental Center today to request a consultation. Call the office or send us a message.