Patients with one or more missing teeth have to deal with damage not just to their oral health, but their self-confidence as well. People with missing teeth are perceived in US society as being poor, uneducated, or unhealthy. Additionally, a recent employment poll revealed that those with missing teeth were much less likely to be hired than people with a full smile, and those who had jobs received significantly less money compared with others in similar roles. If the social stigma attached to tooth loss isn’t enough to spur patients to replace missing teeth, the oral health risks should be. Patients with one or more missing teeth often experience uneven dental wear due to the excess force placed on surrounding teeth, gaps and misalignment as teeth shift to fill in the empty space, changes in facial shape, and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) caused by excess strain to the jaw. One of the most detrimental effects of missing teeth is the loss of gum and bone tissue, but most tooth replacement options don’t protect patients from tissue loss because they only replace the visible portion of teeth. Dental implants are the only restoration that replaces the entire tooth from the roots up preserving gum and bone tissue.
Why Patients Prefer Implant Tooth Replacement
For many years, dental implants were not a successful treatment option for many patients, but advances in the field of implantology allow more patients than ever to safely and effectively receive an implant supported dental prosthetic. Some of the reasons patients and dentists prefer dental implants include:
- Preserve and increase gum tissue and jawbone density
- Retain more natural, youthful facial shape
- Single tooth replacement doesn’t affect surrounding teeth like the more traditional crown and bridge
- Full and partial implant retained dentures restore up to 70% of chewing ability compared with removable dentures
- Implant retained prosthetics do not need to be removed for cleaning or sleep
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
Many of the medical reasons patients chose not to undergo implant treatment are now correctable with preparatory procedures, different types of implants, and other innovative implant techniques and technologies. When it comes down to it, the decision to receive one or more dental implants is mostly a matter of personal choice. Some of the things patients should consider before choosing implants include:
- Do I have the time to commit to the healing and implant fusion process?
- Am I willing and able to invest more of my budget out of pocket for a lifetime of more stable smiles?
- What are my other options, and why are these solutions not right for me?
- Am I healthy enough to undergo minor surgeries, and capable of healing following a procedure?
Find out more About Spring Lake Dental Implants
If you’re missing one or more teeth, don’t wait one more day. Contact Dooley Dental to schedule a dental implant consultation. We’re happy to answer questions, provide recommendations, and help you achieve and maintain optimal oral health.
