Dental Implants To Improve Your Smile

Dental implants are an option for replacing missing teeth. When one or more teeth need to be extracted or have been lost due to decay or other damage, dental implants provide a fully functional prosthetic.

In addition to providing dental function, dental implants can also improve your smile. How do they accomplish this? What makes dental implants the best tooth replacement option? Learn how in this overview of dental implants. 

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is surgically placed in the bone of the jaw. It replaces the natural root of your tooth, providing the same type of support for an artificial tooth. The implant is made of titanium, a biocompatible material that fuses with the bone to form a solid bond. Once the implant is adequately bonded with the bone, the prosthetic can be added.

To replace a single tooth, an artificial crown will be attached to the implant. To replace multiple teeth, a dental bridge or dentures will be attached to multiple implants placed in the jaw. Dental implants are capable of lasting for up to 30 years or more, and most last a lifetime. 

Cosmetic Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants offer many cosmetic benefits, such as: 

• Replace missing teeth. Dental implants improve your smile by filling in the gaps where teeth are missing, offering a complete row of teeth. Implant supported dentures can replace multiple teeth to completely transform your smile. 

• Replace damaged teeth. Teeth that are noticeably damaged beyond saving with a crown or other restoration, can be replaced with dental implants to improve your smile. 

• Natural appearance. Dental implants are the most natural looking dental prosthetic because they are anchored in your jaw the same way your natural teeth are. 

Health Benefits of Dental Implants

In addition to improving your smile, dental implants also improve your dental and overall health in the following ways: 

• Prevent bone loss. Dental implants prevent the natural loss of bone that occurs in the jaw in the absence of a tooth and root. The jaw bone stays strong and looks natural. 
• Improve gum health. Decaying teeth can cause the development of gum disease, a bacterial infection of the gum tissue. Dental implants replace decayed teeth to prevent gum disease. 
• Restore chewing capabilities. A dental implant provides the same bite and chewing force of a natural tooth, allowing you to effectively chew the foods you enjoy. 
• Improve diet and nutrition. You can also eat healthier foods like crunchy vegetables and fruits when you have fully functional replacement teeth. 

Dental Implants vs Dental Bridges: Which is Better?

Another option for replacing one or more teeth is a dental bridge. There are a few differences between the two. A dental bridge is a row of teeth with crowns on both ends. The crowns fit over the natural teeth, using them as support for the replacement teeth, or pontics. The pontics are attached to the crowns and sit on top of the gums. 

The disadvantages of dental bridges are that they do nothing to preserve the bone structure in the jaw. They also permanently alter the healthy teeth they use for support and may eventually cause irreparable damage that requires those teeth to be replaced as well. They don’t look or function as naturally as dental implants. 

Considering Dental Implants? 

Fullerton Oral Surgery provides dental implant placement for eligible patients. After a brief evaluation we can determine whether or not dental implants are the right tooth replacement option for your dental health and your smile.

Call 714-525-1178 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.