Dental technologies, like all technologies, evolve and improve over time. While it used to be that the only options for patients with missing teeth were dentures and bridges, now dental implants make it easier than ever to enjoy strong, durable, and attractive replacement teeth. Our Saint Louis dental office wants to help you understand what dental implants can do for you, so read on to learn more about how dental implants are unique.
Traditional dentures and bridges sit on top of the gum line. Dentures are attached to the gum tissue with adhesive, and bridges are held in place by small wires that attach them to adjacent teeth.
Dental implants, on the other hand, are held in place because they are actually rooted into the jawbone. The titanium root of the dental implant is actually surgically placed in the jaw, so that the titanium root serves as the tooth root. The titanium of the root bonds with natural bone, forming a superior foundation for the dental restoration that is placed on top.
Consequently, patients with dental implants don’t have to worry about their replacement teeth feeling loose or shifting around. Dental implants feel just like natural teeth, and they’ll allow you to eat your favorite foods without worry.
The dental implant placement process is lengthier than the processes for dentures and bridges. Because the dental implant is embedded in the bone, the bone and gum tissue must heal before your final dental restoration can be placed on top. However, once the implant is placed it could last for 10 or 15 years without needing to be replaced.
Our Saint Louis dental implant dentists can give you more information and help you determine which tooth replacement option is right for. Give is a call or schedule your personal consultation online to get started!