Tooth implants are a highly effective tooth replacement option for patients who have missing teeth. And though only 6% of Americans have dental implants today, it is estimated that the number will grow to 23% by 2026. This number continues to grow because patients have experienced the many benefits that tooth implants can bring to their quality of life. Those who get implants can experience improved overall health, have fewer limitations in what they can eat, and can benefit from an improved facial appearance. But patients should also know about some further technical benefits of implants.

More benefits to tooth implants you might not be aware of. 

We can’t articulate enough the various benefits that patients can experience with their new tooth implants.

1. Stability

We’ve discussed stability before, but it is worth further elaboration. Dental implants are the most durable tooth replacement option that you can invest in. While bridges can effectively restore the function of your lost teeth and provide more stability than dentures, they cannot preserve your jawbone (we’ll dive into that shortly). 

Dental implants are surgically implanted into your jawbone. Within just a few months, the titanium from your implant will fuse with the bone in your jaw (a process called osseointegration) to stabilize your prosthetic tooth. This means no wobbly dentures, and you’ll be able to eat and speak just like you could when you had your natural teeth.

2. Long-lasting

For most patients, their new dental implants last a lifetime. According to the National Library of Medicine, dental implants have a success rate of 90% to 95%. Most dental implant failures are due to misalignment of the implant, poorly taken impressions, peri-implantitis, failed osseointegration, or nerve damage. But with the right dentist who is trained correctly in titanium implants and the surgical implant process, combined with a proper oral care routine, most patients who get dental implants never need replacement or a follow-on surgical procedure. 

To ensure your dental implants last your lifetime, you should do the following:

• Practice good oral care at home, including brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once daily, and rinsing with an ADA-approved mouthwash.
• Visit your dentist every six months for a professional dental cleaning and oral examination.
• Stick to a diet consisting of tooth-friendly foods such as cheese, milk, yogurt, nuts, lean protein, fatty fish, leafy greens, and crunchy vegetables.

3. No Jawbone Shrinkage

As part of the healing process from your dental implant surgery, your jawbone will accept the implant as a new tooth root, binding to it and preventing future jawbone loss. This effectively transmits the force from chewing, smiling, and biting daily into your jawbone. As a result, your bone will not deteriorate further, so you will not have to worry about bone loss. Your face won’t have that shrunken or sagging look that often accompanies those with untreated tooth loss. With dental implants as part of your smile makeover, you’ll regain a more youthful appearance.

4. Safe

Patients often ask us if it is safe to get dental implants. Most dental implants are constructed from titanium or zirconium oxide, though some dentists use other materials, including gold alloys, cobalt-based alloys, titanium alloys, or ceramic materials. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), these materials are well-known and classified as safe for tooth implant use. Though there are risks associated with any procedure, by and large, getting dental implants is a safe procedure if your dentist approves you as a candidate.

5. Feel Natural

Dentures and bridges can be highly effective tooth replacement options for many patients. However, tooth implants are well-regarded across the dental industry and among patients as the next best thing compared with natural teeth. When your implant procedure is successful, your implants should look, feel, and function just like your missing teeth did when they were healthy. To top it off, no one will know you got implants but you and your dentist. 

Your Edwardsville dental practice can help you with your tooth implant procedure.

If you are ready to replace those missing teeth and experience the benefits of dental implants, now is the time to reach out to your Edwardsville dental practice. Hite Family Dentistry has the experience you need for restorative dentistry treatments, including tooth implants. Our mission is to help our patients love their smiles again. So if you are ready to regain your smile and a more youthful appearance, now is the time to request an appointment. In just six to nine months, you’ll experience all the benefits your titanium implants can offer.