For years, dentures and bridges have been traditional solutions for replacing missing teeth. However, living with dentures can make speaking, eating, and smiling challenging due to discomfort and instability. Fortunately, dental implants offer a revolutionary solution for tooth loss, transforming oral health and restoring confidence.

Why Choose Dental Implants?

In the past, replacing a lost tooth or missing teeth often required a bridge, which involved grinding down natural teeth to support the restoration. Dental implants eliminate this need, preserving the natural teeth and remaining teeth for better oral health. Unlike bridges, implants are standalone solutions that don’t rely on adjacent natural teeth for support, making them a superior choice for addressing tooth loss caused by gum disease or injury.

A dental implant consists of a titanium screw placed in the jawbone to securely hold a crown or denture. This advanced technology provides unmatched stability for patients with missing teeth. Implants mimic the structure and function of natural teeth, offering a seamless replacement that enhances both aesthetics and functionality. Whether replacing a single lost tooth or multiple missing teeth, dental implants integrate with the jawbone, ensuring long-term durability and comfort.

The Dental Implant Process

The process for implants is straightforward, involving minimal discomfort and downtime. Most patients report little to no pain during or after the procedure, making implants an accessible option for improving oral health. A dental implant comprises three components:

• Titanium screw: Surgically placed into the jawbone to act as a root for the implant.

• Abutment: Connects the implant to the restoration.

• Crown: Replicates the appearance and function of a natural tooth.

This design ensures that implants closely resemble natural teeth in both look and performance, providing a reliable solution for tooth loss caused by gum disease or other factors.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants offer numerous advantages over traditional dentures and bridges, particularly for patients with missing teeth or a lost tooth. Key benefits include:

• Enhanced stability: Unlike dentures, which rely on adhesives or suction, implants are securely anchored in the jawbone, eliminating slippage and discomfort.

• Preservation of natural teeth: Implants don’t require grinding down remaining teeth, protecting the integrity of natural teeth and supporting long-term oral health.

• Prevention of bone loss: When a lost tooth occurs, the jawbone can deteriorate, leading to sensitivity, looseness of remaining teeth, and a sunken facial appearance due to gum disease or tooth loss.

• Improved aesthetics and function: Dental implants restore the ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently, closely mimicking natural teeth for a seamless appearance.

For patients struggling with dentures, implants provide a game-changing alternative. Options such as implant-retained dentures, All-on-4 implants, and locator-supported implants offer tailored solutions for missing teeth. These advanced implants ensure a secure fit, eliminating the frustrations of traditional dentures caused by gum disease or tooth loss.

Protecting Oral Health

Tooth loss from gum disease or injury can lead to significant oral health challenges, including bone deterioration and issues with remaining teeth. When missing teeth are not replaced, the jawbone loses stimulation, resulting in:

• Loss of bone support: This can cause sensitivity, looseness, and aesthetic concerns for natural teeth and remaining teeth.

• Premature aging: Bone loss from a lost tooth can lead to a sunken appearance in the cheeks, contributing to an aged look.

Dental implants address these issues by preserving bone structure and stimulating the jawbone, similar to natural teeth. Once a dental implant is placed and stabilized, bone loss is minimal, supporting oral health and maintaining facial aesthetics.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you’re dealing with missing teeth, a lost tooth, or the challenges of dentures, implants offer a lasting solution to restore your smile and oral health. Our Spokane Family Dental team specializes in implants, providing personalized care to address tooth loss and gum disease. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation and discover how implants can transform your life with a confident, functional smile.