Why Dental Implants Are The Best Choice For Tooth Loss
Dr. Mariliza LaCap is a Dentist practicing in Bergenfield, NJ. Dr. LaCap specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and conditions associated with the mouth and overall dental health. Dentists are trained to carry out such treatment as professional cleaning, restorative, prosthodontic, and endodontic procedures,... more
According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, about 70% of American adults ages 35 to 44 years old are missing one or more teeth. If you are one of these millions of Americans, you may have already chosen a restorative dental solution, such as dentures or a bridge, to restore your smile. However, dental implants in Bergenfield offer a variety of benefits that can boost your quality of life in comparison to other tooth replacement options. If you are tired of your dentures slipping or want to regain the ability to eat all your favorite foods, keep reading below.
3 Common Tooth Replacements
First, let’s review three of the most common tooth replacement options used today:
- Dentures – are artificial teeth and gums; typically made from a hard resin and custom-made to fit your mouth.
- Dental bridge – is utilized to “bridge” the gap between one to three consecutive missing teeth. Custom-made crowns that are held in place by attaching to adjacent natural teeth.
- Dental implant – is a small titanium post that is surgically inserted into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth. The titanium implant fuses with the natural bone through a process called osseointegration, to mimic the natural tooth root structure.
5 Benefits of Dental Implants
If you already have dental bridges or dentures in place of missing teeth, you may want to consider upgrading to dental implants. In comparison to other tooth replacement options, dental implants offer a variety of advantages that can enhance your daily life, they include:
- Natural feel – since the post of a dental implant mimics the natural tooth root structure, dental implants feel more like natural teeth compared to bridges or dentures.
- No slippage – dentures can sometimes slip when eating or speaking, the sturdy base of a dental implant means your replacement teeth will never shift in your mouth.
- Chewing power – dental implants provide about the same chewing power as natural teeth, enabling you to enjoy all your favorite foods stress-free.
- Aesthetically appealing – dental implants are custom-made to blend in seamlessly with your natural smile.
- Long-lasting – with proper dental care, dental implants can last anywhere from 25 years to a lifetime. Dentures are usually replaced every 5 to 10 years, while bridges typically last 5 to 15 years.
Are Dental Implants Right for Me?
With a success rate of nearly 98%, dental implants are an excellent tooth replacement option for many men and women. You are a good candidate for dental implants if you are missing one or more teeth and the following are true:
- You brush and floss your teeth daily.
- You have healthy gums.
- You have adequate jawbone depth.
Ultimately, the best tooth replacement option will depend on your smile and personal preferences. Your decision should be made in consultation with a dentist in Bergenfield.
If you are ready to talk, eat and smile with extreme confidence again, consider choosing dental implants for your missing teeth.
About the Author
Dr. Mariliza LaCap has over 19 years of experience helping patients achieve and maintain healthy smiles. She is a proud graduate of the Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery, and has received advanced training in dental implants. Patients who are interested in improving their quality of life with dental implants, can visit the Washington Dental Associates website or call 201-453-4863 to learn more.
