5 Reasons to Choose Dental Implants to Replace Missing Teeth

As a child, losing a tooth was a sign of growing up, something many kids looked forward to  — especially if that loss came with a visit from the Tooth Fairy. But as an adult, tooth loss is a completely different experience, one that can be especially upsetting.

Fortunately, there are several options for replacing missing teeth, including state-of-the-art dental implants. In fact, dental implants are a very popular choice for many of the 120 million Americans who are missing at least one tooth. 

A leading dentist in La Grange, Illinois, James M. Maragos, DDS, uses the most advanced dental implant techniques and technology to help patients restore their smiles after tooth loss. If you’re missing one or more teeth, here are five reasons why dental implants could be a good choice for you.

1. They’re more like natural teeth

Implants are made up of three parts: a titanium post, which is placed into your jawbone, an abutment, which is attached to the top of the post, and a crown, which is secured to the abutment. This design mimics a natural tooth, with the post acting as an artificial root and the crown replacing the visible part of your tooth.

This design means that an implant functions just like a natural tooth. Furthermore, implants are more comfortable than dentures, which rest on top of your gums. And, implants look just like natural teeth, so you’ll always feel confident about flashing your beautiful smile.

2. They’re more secure than dentures

Implanted into your jawbone, the implant post keeps the entire implant very secure — much more secure than dentures. With an implant, you don’t need to worry about a denture popping out during a meal or slipping while you’re talking with someone.

The added security of an implant also means you don’t have to worry about slippage that can lead to sore spots on your lips or gums. Sore spots can lead to serious infections, but again, the security of an implant eliminates that risk, too.

3. They’re very easy to care for

While dentures and bridges require a different cleaning routine to maintain them, implants can be maintained with regular brushing and flossing — just like the rest of your teeth. Of course, regular dental checkups are still important to ensure your gums stay healthy and to check for other problems.

4. There are no dietary restrictions

With dentures and bridges, certain foods can pose problems. Foods that are extra sticky can easily become entangled in bridgework, sometimes causing damage that requires a new restoration to be made. 

Other foods, such as corn on the cob or fresh apples or carrots, can make your dentures pop out — right in the middle of a meal. Since implants are more like your natural teeth, you can eat whatever foods you like. 

5. They could help prevent future tooth loss

Your tooth roots do more than hold your teeth in place. As you chew, you put pressure on your tooth roots. This pressure, in turn, stimulates your jawbone to continue repairing and replacing itself. This cycle helps keep your jaw tissue healthy and strong. 

When you lose a tooth, you lose the stimulation in that part of your jaw. Without the stimulation, this signals your body to stop regenerating bone in that area of your jaw. As a result, the jawbone in the gap area can start to thin out and weaken. As a result, the teeth on either side of the gap can begin to lose support, which could lead to additional tooth loss.

Implants help prevent additional tooth loss by providing the simulation your jawbone needs to continue replenishing itself. By acting as a tooth root, the implant post helps your jaw tissue stay strong, so it can continue to support your teeth and help prevent tooth loss in the future.

Protect your oral health

Replacing missing teeth is important for your oral and overall health. Dental implants offer plenty of benefits that make them a really good solution for just about anyone, whether you’re missing one tooth or more.

To learn more about dental implants and their benefits, call 708-352-7358 or book an appointment online with the practice of James M. Maragos, DDS today.