Dental Implants: A Look At The Benefits

Dental implants have steadily grown in popularity as a more effective substitute for dentures and other forms of tooth replacement. They differ because they provide an actual replacement for the root of the tooth, rather than giving the patient something that simply acts as a substitute for the missing tooth itself. That artificial root is then drilled into the jawbone, which then provides the basis for a permanent tooth replacement far superior than any other form of denture on the market. Of course, some people are put off by the increased price of the procedure, which is perfectly understandable. If you’re on the fence, here is a look at some of the benefits.

Appearance
This is one of the main benefits of dental implants. Let’s face it, few people look good when they are visibly missing teeth. Even if you are anything but, you have a tendency to look like a wild savage when you smile and there is an enormous gap where a gleaming white tooth should be. Getting a replacement can return your appearance to normalcy. Then again, so can any temporary or removable denture piece, so why spend the extra money. Well, it may not be worth it to you. You have to make that decision on your own. It’s somewhat akin to losing a hand and deciding between a functional replacement or a wooden hook.

Speech
You may not realize it, but it can be difficult to talk when you have a mouthful of dentures. Even when put in with the best fixing gels, they have a tendency to do some minute sliding the moment you open your mouth. This can lead to an odd pattern of speech as you attempt to focus on both getting your message across and keeping your dentures in place. With dental implants, you’ll experience no such problems and your speech should come across as normally as it would if you have all of your original enamel in place.

Eating
Of course, one of the more functional benefits of dental implants is the ability to return to a normal diet. When you have missing teeth, you are basically held to one of two choices. Either you must chew your food very carefully on the side of your mouth with teeth still intact, or you must choose foods that are soft enough that they can be gummed. The situation with dentures is only slightly better and many people have to take months or longer to get used to eating while wearing them. With the implants, there is little distinction between the artificial tooth and your real ones. They are incredibly sturdy and, after they have had a chance to heal, should be able to withstand anything within reason.