If you have lost one or more teeth, you are probably considering tooth replacement options. Dental implants are definitely the best option for many reasons. They look great, allow you to chew as well as with natural teeth, and they can last a lifetime.
But we’d like to focus on one major benefit of dental implants, their low maintenance. Dental implants don’t require a lot of special maintenance, which means that they are great for people who don’t like coming to the dentist very often.
Regular Maintenance Is Easy
The daily maintenance for a dental implant is easy.
With a partial denture, you have to remove it after every meal for cleaning. If you eat with it in, which may not be possible. And you have to remove it every night for cleaning. It requires thorough cleaning and soaking is typically recommended overnight. But with dental implants, none of that is necessary. You just have to brush and floss your teeth normally. The dental implant is completely fixed in your mouth, so it doesn’t have to be removed for cleaning. You will brush the dental implant normally, and floss it. The flossing might be a little more complicated, but after a few tries, you will become used to it and you’ll enjoy the ease of cleaning your implant.
In addition, with dental implants you should make your regular checkups every six months, just as you should for maintaining your regular teeth.
Repairs Are Infrequent
With dentures, frequent repairs and replacements are often necessary. Removable dentures get lost on a regular basis. And people break them during cleaning or knock them on the floor and stepped on or any of a hundred other misplacements. Partial dentures can also break during wear, and they can lose their fit over time.
But with dental implants, it’s rarely necessary to repair or replace the implant or its restoration (such as a crown or bridge). Individual cases vary, but this 30-year study of dental implants can give you an idea of what you might expect. In this study, there was no need to replace any of the dental implants. One bridge needed to be replaced, and repairs were necessary about every seven years with adjustments required about every eight years.
Long-Term Benefits and Oral Health Advantages
Natural Appearance and Functionality
Dental implants closely resemble natural teeth, enhancing your smile while providing a stable fit. Anchored securely to the jawbone, they do not slip or shift like dentures, allowing for clear speech and easy eating. Implants restore chewing and speaking abilities, enabling you to enjoy a variety of foods and communicate effectively without discomfort.
Secure Attachment
Dental implants mimic the function of natural tooth roots, offering a secure fit that prevents them from falling out and allowing you to maintain your diet. They are versatile, capable of replacing a single tooth, multiple teeth, or an entire mouth, which provides flexibility in treatment options.
Long-lasting and Low Maintenance
Made from durable materials like titanium, dental implants can last a lifetime. They require no special cleaning beyond regular oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing, making them low maintenance compared to traditional dentures.
Preservation of Oral Health
Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing the bone loss that typically occurs with missing teeth. This preservation is crucial for maintaining facial structure and supporting surrounding natural teeth, promoting overall oral health and integrity of your facial appearance.
Psychological and Confidence Boost
Restoring your smile with dental implants enhances self-confidence and mental well-being. A complete set of teeth positively impacts social interactions, alleviating feelings of depression or anxiety associated with tooth loss.
High Success Rate
Dental implants have a success rate of 90 to 100 percent, making them a reliable choice for tooth replacement. They do not require alteration to adjacent teeth, preserving natural tooth structure while maintaining jawbone density and preventing bone loss.
Incorporating dental implants into your oral care routine offers long-term benefits for maintenance and oral health. Their advantages in preserving bone and natural tooth structure contribute to a healthier oral environment and maintain facial aesthetics, underscoring why dental implants are often preferred over other tooth replacement options.
Are You Looking for an Easy-to-Care-for Replacement?
Are you looking for a tooth replacement option that is easy to care for? Dental implants may be right for you. To learn more about dental implant options in Anchorage, please call (907) 349-0022 today for an appointment with an implant dentist at Excellence in Dentistry.