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The Benefits of Dental Implants

Medically Reviewed by Evan Frisbee, DMD on April 26, 2022

Dental implants are a safe, practical option for missing teeth. They look and feel like natural teeth and can improve your overall quality of life.

The procedure is easy and effective. Dental implant surgery is a standard procedure that trained experts do regularly. Most of the time, you’ll be able to stay awake for the whole thing. While you may have some discomfort right after the surgery, you probably won’t have much pain at all.

They can improve how you look. Dental implants look, feel, and fit like authentic teeth. When people look at you, it’ll be hard to tell that you have implants.

When your doctor mounts replacement teeth on your implants, you may notice that your smile comes back. You won’t have to worry about gaps in your smile from missing teeth. You can smile freely knowing that your implants won’t slip or fall out.

They keep your jawbone healthy. Dental implants protect healthy bone, which may prevent bone loss. This helps keep your facial structure intact.

When your doctor places an implant on your jaw, your bone often grows around it. This helps the implant fuse well and is one reason why the success rate of dental implants is very high.

They’re easy to take care of. You can care for dental implants the same way you care for regular teeth. You don’t need any special techniques.

With dental implants, you brush twice a day and floss at least once a day. You don’t have to use adhesives like you do with dentures. You also don’t have to worry about cavities because implants don’t get cavities.

If you take care of them, dental implants can last for years.

To get the best results from your dental implants, use good oral hygiene, drink lots of water, eat a balanced diet, and avoid smoking.

They help you talk better. How you talk depends a lot on your teeth. Your teeth help you speak clearly and pronounce words the right way. If you have missing teeth or loose dentures, you may have trouble talking the way you’d like to.

Dental implants support your normal speech. Since they’re stabilized in your jaw and feel natural, you’ll sound more natural.

They make eating easier. You can eat what you like with dental implants. They’re stable and strong. They improve your bite and help you control your chewing.

Since they work so well, you don’t have to avoid foods that can be difficult to chew, like apples or corn on the cob. This means you have more options for getting enough protein, vitamins, and minerals, which can help you be healthier overall.

What Makes Dental Implants a Better Option Than Bridges and Dentures?

Dental implants look and feel more natural than bridges and dentures. They’re usually more comfortable, and you don’t need to worry about loose dentures or messy adhesives.

The implants fuse to your bone, so they’re a sturdier foundation for replacement teeth than dentures and bridges.

If you need a single tooth replacement, a dental implant can be placed without grounding down the teeth next to it, which you may have to do with a bridge. It’s also better than a bridge at preserving your bone. With bridges, some of your tooth may weaken. But with an implant, it keeps the bone healthy.

When you have a bridge, your gum may recede around it. The metal base of the bridge may also become exposed. Also, with a bridge, the cement that holds it in place may wash away. That can lead to decay from bacteria.

With dental implants, you’re free to smile, laugh, talk, and express yourself, just as you would with your natural teeth.

Show Sources

SOURCES:

American Academy of Implant Dentistry: “Dental Implants: The Top 5 Life-Changing Benefits You Will Notice,” “What You Need to Know About Dental Implants,” “Who Can Benefit?”

American Academy of Periodontology: “Single Tooth Dental Implants.”

Cleveland Clinic: “Dental Implants.”

Rutgers Health: “Dental Implants.”

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