What are dental implants?
Dental implants have helped many people with missing teeth restore their ability to eat and speak naturally and gain the self-confidence that comes with a complete and stunning smile. This treatment is worth it for so many people already, and they could be just what you’re looking for.
Dental implants are titanium posts that are implanted into the jawbone to serve as a support for replacement teeth. They can be used to support individual crowns and bridges, or they can be used for a full mouth tooth replacement with the All-on-4 system.
The titanium posts play the same role as natural tooth roots in supporting dental crowns. When a tooth is completely extracted, or other factors make using it as a base for a crown impractical, a dental implant allows the patient to receive a tooth restoration anyway.
Dentures vs. Implants
All-on-4 implants provide a replacement for your entire set of teeth. In fact, All-on-4 is sometimes referred to as “permanent dentures.” However, there are some key differences between dentures and implants.
Dental implants are securely implanted in the jawbone to provide a strong, permanent support for a crown or bridge. The crowns, bridges, or entire rows of replacement teeth that are attached to the implants are very secure. They do not move like dentures do, which eliminates the soreness and potential long-term bone loss that removable dentures can cause.
The Dental Implant Process
Every dental implant process starts with a thorough consultation. Various health issues need to be assessed to determine whether dental implants are a suitable solution for you. In some cases, patients may need to receive bone grafts to increase the width or depth of their jawbone before the process can start.
The titanium post of the implant has a screw-like base that is embedded firmly in the jawbone. Titanium is biocompatible and allows for osseointegration, the fusing of the natural bone with the implant. This provides an incredibly strong foundation.
Once the area around the implant has healed, the prosthodontist will attach the crown, bridge, or All-on-4 replacement to the top portion of the post. From there, the patient can live their life and enjoy the benefits that show dental implants are worth it.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants can be used to provide tooth replacements in a wide range of cases, whether the tooth loss was due to decay, infection, tooth root resorption, physical damage, or other causes.
Dental Implants Are Easier to Live With Than Dentures
People who are missing all of their teeth have long relied on dentures to restore their ability to eat and speak. However, dentures have many downsides, including that they:
- need to be taken out and cleaned each night
- can require denture adhesives
- can cause soreness
- can lead to decreased jawbone mass
Dental implants are strong and sturdy. They don’t need to be removed and are essentially like having a full set of natural teeth. They don’t lead to the long-term jawbone issues that dentures can cause. Instead, they bond with the natural bone to provide even greater strength.
Cleaning requirements are also much simpler. You can brush your dental implant tooth replacement just like you would your natural teeth. Plus, there’s no need for special denture cleaning solutions.
Natural Eating and Speaking
Eating is more natural with dental implants. The key reason for this is that the titanium posts provide a strong, sturdy foundation. Patients who receive mouth implants are able to chew with just as much force as with their natural teeth. There’s also no need to worry about implants shifting while eating like dentures often do.
Your dental implants will perform just like natural teeth, making speaking very natural as well. Anyone who has gone a long time without natural teeth will have an adjustment period when they receive their implants, but it will be shorter than the time needed for dentures.
Dental Implants Give You a Confidence Boost
Your dental implants will provide you with a straight, bright, and stunning smile that will have you talking, grinning, and laughing just like anyone with a full set of natural teeth.
You won’t have to worry about the inconvenience of dentures or the embarrassment of missing teeth. Dental implants are worth it when it comes to living your life as fully as possible.
All-on-4 Dental Implants Near Philadelphia
Bentz Dental Implant & Prosthodontic Center is your Philadelphia prosthodontist for all types of dental services and smile restorations. We provide All-on-4 full-arch restorations that can give you the long-term health and aesthetic results you’re looking for. Just contact our office today to book your consultation.