Dental implants are the perfect teeth replacement option if you have missing teeth. They form a permanent, durable, reliable and extremely natural looking solution for people who have lost some or all of their teeth. They are a much better solution than traditional dentures or removable bridges, but implants are more expensive than all other teeth replacement options.

Why do you need dental implants?
You may think that if you have a missing tooth or two, you can just let it be. But the fact is, each tooth has its own unique function. You need all your teeth in perfect working condition so that you are able to perform everyday activities like talking, chewing etc.

Dental implants are a much more sophisticated, durable and reliable option as compared to the traditional dentures or removable bridges. Implants are artificial teeth that are custom-made according to the specific need of each individual patient.

Each implant has an anchor that roots it to the jawbone. This metal post or anchor is made from titanium which is compatible to the dental structure and can therefore successfully integrate with the bone and the surrounding tissue. The structure is implanted into the jaw bone through a surgical procedure. Once implanted, the gum and the bone must heal, and the root must osseo-integrate (integrate with the bone). Osteoblasts grow on and into the rough surface of the implanted titanium. After the healing process is completed, the surrounding bone and tissues grow over the implant and the artificial tooth is fixed on the root.

The titanium root forms a structural and functional connection between the living bone and the dental implant. There are variations of the implant procedure: implant-supported bridges and implant-supported dentures.

What are the benefits of dental implants?
The main advantages of dental implants are that they are durable, permanent and they provide support to other teeth.

Dental implants are durable
Dental implants can last you a lifetime with just regular brushing, flossing a bi-annual visit to the dentist. Dental implants may even exceed the strength of natural teeth.

Dental implants cause no damage to the neighboring teeth
One of the reasons why dental implants are a superior option when compared to relatively less expensive procedures such as bridges, crowns etc., is that for other procedures, healthy adjacent teeth will have to be modified. To fix dental implants, none of the surrounding teeth need to be modified and therefore there is no damage whatsoever to existing teeth.

Dental implants are permanent
The dental implant is fixed to the jaw bone and becomes a permanent fixture. It is a better option than traditional dentures which you may have to take out of the mouth every now and then, clean them outside your mouth and also suffer problems such as excess salivation, soreness, slipping off the mouth etc. Dental implants, on the other hand, will never fall off your mouth. You may bite into hard objects, eat, chew and laugh heartily without fearing what is going to happen to your teeth.

Dental implants provide support to neighboring teeth
This is perhaps an unexpected side benefit of dental implants. They provide strength and support to the surrounding teeth.

To know more about how dental implants can bring back your smile, get in touch with Santa Monica dentist.