Did you know that adults between the ages of 20 to 64 have an average of 24.92 remaining teeth? This is compared to the full 32 set of teeth humans should have by their late teens.
If you are missing one or more teeth because of disease, tooth decay, or injury, you aren’t alone. Luckily, there is a valuable solution out there that can last you years to come; dental implants.
Learn more about how dental implants work to provide you with an amazing, long-lasting smile.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are high-tech replacement teeth options that mimic the original structure of a tooth or teeth. The implants will look and feel like real teeth. If well maintained, they can last one’s entire life.
Dental Implant Candidates
Dental implants in Brentwood are great options for those with one or more missing teeth. It also works for those with decayed or broken teeth that cannot be repaired in other ways. Those with dentures, partial dentures or bridges may benefit from dental implants if their original solution is becoming uncomfortable. Most patients can receive dental implants from a dentist in Los Angeles even if they were told in the past that they could not. Patients told that dental implants weren’t the right option for them probably have health conditions or insufficient bone. However, with advancements in technology, including bone reconstruction, this is no longer the case.
Benefits of Dental Implants
When you visit a dentist in West LA, you will be told the advantages of dental implants and if they are right for your situation. To get you ahead of the game, here are some of the best benefits of dental implants:
Most patients note that they can’t tell the difference between their natural teeth and implants. You’ll be able to eat, brush, and floss normally after receiving implants.
They Last
Dental implants can last you a lifetime if they are properly taken care of. This is compared to dental bridges that only last for about 10 years.
Dental implants in LA are made with titanium that will integrate with your jawbone. This non-toxic material won’t be rejected by the body. This is why dental implants are such a powerful replacement for a long-lasting smile.
Prevent Bone Loss
Dental implants can replace a tooth or multiple teeth to prevent bone loss. When an open space where a tooth once was is left untouched, the jaw bone deteriorates because there is no stimulation.
Within the first year without a replacement tooth, the bone area can lose 25% of volume. Over the years, this bone loss will continue.
In contrast, dentures aren’t a great option for preventing bone loss either. When dentures become loose, they can actually cause the bone loss process to speed up.
An implant will replace the tooth and the root so that there is stimulation for natural bone growth. Tooth roots help keep the jaw stimulated.
Keeps Adjacent Teeth Stable
A gap from a missing tooth or teeth can cause the adjacent teeth to shift towards it. When this happens, teeth are pulled out of their normal position and your bite is affected.
This can lead to the inability to chew and a change in your appearance. When your other teeth begin to interfere with the gap, getting a tooth replacement down the line is more difficult.
When you have a poor bite, you may also experience headaches and pain.
Avoid Gum Disease
When you have a gap in your teeth, food and bacteria can build up easier. A gap is harder to clean leaving you more prone to gum disease.
Since dental implants act like regular teeth, there will no longer be a gap and you can brush and floss like normal.
Prevents Face Sagging
Chances are, you care about your appearance. You aren’t shallow for doing so, just human.
If you want to prevent facial sagging and premature aging, you need to replace those missing teeth. As a result of bone loss, you will experience unwanted effects unless you opt for dental implants.
Because of the gap, you begin to lose bone which causes the lower parts of your face to collapse. Over time, the distance between your nose and chin will shorten.
Along with sagging, you will experience other changes like thinning lips, wrinkles around the mouth, and a pointy chin. These responses to bone mass deterioration will make someone look older than they really are.
Dental Implant Placement and Restoration
Now that you know the benefits of dental implants, you may be wondering what the process entails. First, the dental implant placement begins.
This is the most complicated part of the process that a dentist will complete by placing the implant under the gum to replace the root. This is the foundation the entire implant will rely on.
After the root structure is in place, the surgeon will implant posts in the gap areas then close the gums. Before restoration, the implant area will need to heal.
The second phase, dental restoration, involves exposing the posts then installing a connecting abutment. Once this is complete, a second healing phase is necessary.
Once healed, the patient can finish with the final process of implantation where the components are put in place. The placement and restoration process can take about a year to complete altogether.
Do You Need Dental Implants?
If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implants are your best option. Without proper replacement within a year, you can experience physical changes that occur because of a loss of bone mass.
We know you want to look like your best self, and we want that for you!
If you still aren’t sure if dental implants are right for you, schedule an appointment with us now for more professional dental advice.