Dental Implants Are The “Gold Standard” of Tooth Replacement Options – Here’s Why!

Choosing a replacement for missing teeth will not only provide a cosmetic boost to your smile but also restore lost functionality. Depending on which tooth you have lost, simple tasks such as chewing and speaking can suddenly become difficult. When you visit Eco Friendly Dentistry in Oak Lawn, Illinois, our friendly staff will help you choose the tooth replacement option that is best for you. One option that many patients choose is dental implants which offer unmatched benefits.

The Health of Your Jaw

One benefit of a dental implant that cannot be matched by other options, including a dental bridge or dentures, is how they positively impact the health of your jawbone. Every tooth in your mouth consists of the visible crown and the root, which resides underneath the gumline. The root of a tooth plays a vital role in the health of your jawbone. The stimulation created, for instance, when you chew, moves from the tooth’s crown down to the roots and into the jawbone. When you lose this stimulation, your jawbone will eventually begin to deteriorate and be re-absorbed into the body.

When you choose a tooth replacement option that merely sits on the gum line, such as a denture or bridge, the stimulation of the missing tooth root is not replaced, resulting in a sunken and aged facial appearance. This is a result of deterioration of the jawbone. A dental implant embedded directly into the jawbone is able to mimic a tooth root. Once implanted, through a process called osseointegration, the jawbone bonds to the implant. This creates a firm anchor and allows the implant to provide the necessary stimulation to preserve your jawbone’s health.

Comparing A Dental Implant to Other Tooth Replacement Options

Because a dental implant is surgically implanted into the jawbone, it is incredibly sturdy and strong. Compare this to a denture that can sometimes be uncomfortable and slide around on the gums when needed the most, such as when trying to chew food. This can result in sticking to a diet consisting of easily chewed foods.

Dental implants are low maintenance, requiring only the same oral hygiene regimen as a natural tooth. As long as you brush your teeth twice a day, rinsing and flossing, in combination with your regular dental visits, your dental implant should last you a lifetime.

Affordability of a Dental Implant

One final benefit of a dental implant is the long-term cost. While a dental implant may seem like the costliest tooth replacement option, the truth is that it is actually the most cost-effective long-term option. A denture or dental bridge will likely need to be replaced after several years of use. A dental implant will never need to be replaced. The prosthesis attached to the implant may require replacement every 10 years or so, but the implant itself should never need to be replaced.

To learn more about dental implants, please call Eco Friendly Dentistry today at 773-429-1400.