The Benefits of Dental Implants

If you want to regain your confidence by filling the missing teeth in your smile, a dental implant procedure may be the best answer. 

Dental implants provide a healthy, robust and permanent solution to completing your smile and preventing natural bone loss in your jaw. 

In this article, we'll discuss the different types of dental implants available, what their main benefits are and what you can expect from your dental appointments if this treatment procedure seems like the best choice for you.

What Are Dental Implants? 

Dental implants are devices inserted into the jaw bone to replace a missing tooth or several teeth. They are designed to look and feel just like natural teeth.

While dentures (removable dental appliances) are considered an affordable option for replacing multiple missing teeth, they can affect one's sensory experience with food and become cumbersome. Dentures also need to be frequently removed and cleaned, often making them tricky and time-consuming to deal with.

Bridgework is another restorative treatment used to complete a smile. However, the bridgework structure is built around existing natural teeth for support, meaning that it’s not always an ideal option for those looking to replace significant gaps where teeth have been lost. Dental implants are a much more robust and desirable option, as the bone strongly supports them and doesn't impact the surrounding teeth.

Let's get into some of the benefits of dental implants. 

What are the Benefits of Dental Implants? 

• You Can Regain Confidence In Your Smile 

The primary benefits of dental implants is that they can help restore a complete smile in our patients and that they both look and feel like natural teeth. 

Dental implants perform and look just like your natural teeth, allowing you to get back to eating, brushing and flossing your teeth as you normally would. 

• They Prevent Jaw Deterioration 

The other upside to dental implants is that they prevent bone loss. The implant is inserted directly into the jaw to act as the root of the missing tooth. 

When you're missing teeth, the jaw bone begins to deteriorate due to the lack of stimulation. Within the first year of missing a tooth, you can lose up to 25% of your natural bone density in the area. It will continue to lose mass over the years if treatment is not sought out.

• Dental Implants Last a Lifetime

The structure implanted into the jawbone is made from surgical-grade titanium that's built to last a lifetime. 

While dental bridges only last about ten years with proper care and dentures have a lifespan of 7–10 years, you can expect your dental implants to remain with you for life with proper care. 

How Many Appointments Do I Need?

If your dentist determines that you're a suitable candidate for dental implants, they’ll discuss the procedure upon consultation. This is an excellent time to let your dentist know your goals for your smile and bite and raise any questions you may have about the process. 

Typically, you'll need about four appointments after your consultation. However, it can depend on your situation and how many implants you require.

The first surgical appointment involves small incisions to the gums and placing the titanium root into the jaw. From here, you must allow time to completely heal to let the implant fuse with the jaw bone. This can take anywhere from 4-6 months. 

The second appointment is when the connector is installed on the implant. This is the piece that will hold the prosthetic tooth that’s modelled after your own teeth.

The next appointment is when the restorative tooth is installed to the connector. The implant looks and behaves just like your real teeth — and it's not going anywhere. 

Your dentist may schedule a follow-up appointment with you to ensure that your dental implant feels comfortable and works well. 

Who Is Eligible For Dental Implants? 

To be eligible for a dental implant procedure, you must be in good general health and be free from gum disease. 

For the procedure to be a success, you must also have enough bone structure available to support the implant. Bone grafting may be required in more extreme cases. 

Contact Kennedy Heights Dental

To see if you're eligible for a dental implant, we recommend booking an appointment with your dentist to discuss your concerns and goals for your smile. They'll be able to determine what's best for your situation. 

Dental implants may be the answer to the smile you've always wanted. 

At Kennedy Heights Dental Centre, we strive to provide our patients with a positive and relaxing experience. If you're ready to experience the best dental care, please contact us at 778.438.2084. or visit us at 11960 88 Ave, Delta, BC V4C 3C8.