Why Dental Implants Are the Best Choice for Tooth Replacement
Losing a tooth can affect more than just your smile; it can impact your ability to eat, speak, and feel confident in your appearance. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers several options for tooth replacement, and one of the most reliable and long-lasting solutions is a dental implant. The Foleck Center is proud to offer dental implantsin Portsmouth, VA, for patients who want help restoring their smiles and regaining full functionality.
If you’re considering tooth replacement, here’s why dental implants are considered the gold standard in modern dental care.
What Is Tooth Replacement?
Tooth replacement refers to the various methods available for restoring missing teeth. Dentures and bridges are the traditional go-to options, but dental implants have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their permanence, durability, and natural appearance. A dental implant is made of three key parts: a titanium post that serves as an artificial tooth root, surgically placed into the jawbone; an abutment or middle screw that extends from the post above the gumline; and a restoration that serves as the visible top to the implant, often a crown.
Unlike dentures and bridges that rest on the gums or rely on the support of neighboring teeth, dental implants are anchored directly into the jawbone, making them more secure and stable. Dental implants also prevent the jawbone from eroding, a key benefit that other tooth replacement options do not offer.
Why Dental Implants Are the Gold Standard for Tooth Replacement
Dental implants are popular with Portsmouth patients for a variety of reasons. For starters, they offer unmatched durability, aesthetic appeal, and functionality. Let’s break down the core reasons why dental implants are considered the gold standard for tooth replacement.
1. Durability and Longevity
One of the key reasons dental implants are regarded as the best tooth replacement option is their incredible durability. Their posts are made from titanium, a material that is both lightweight and strong. Once placed into the jaw, titanium will integrate with the bone itself to create a permanent, stable foundation for your replacement tooth or teeth.
Whereas dentures may need to be replaced every five to 10 years due to wear and tear, dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care. This makes them a more cost-effective solution in the long run.
2. Natural Look and Feel
Another reason why dental implants are a preferable option for tooth replacement is that they look and feel natural. The implant post is hidden beneath the gumline, so it functions just like a natural tooth root. It’s the closest you’ll get to the real thing, allowing you to smile, talk, and eat like normal.
The crown or bridge that is placed on top of a dental implant can also be custom-made to match the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth, ensuring that it blends seamlessly with rest of your smile. In other words, you won’t have to worry about your tooth replacement looking too artificial.
3. Bone Preservation
One of the most significant advantages of dental implants over other tooth replacement options is their ability to preserve the jawbone. When a tooth is lost, the underlying bone can begin to deteriorate over time because there is nothing left to stimulate it. If left unchecked, this can also lead to further tooth loss and stark changes in your face’s overall structure and appearance.
Dental implants prevent this bone loss by mimicking the natural function of a tooth root, stimulating the bone and encouraging growth around their posts. This process is called osseointegration, and it helps maintain the structure and density of your jawbone, along with the appearance of your face and smile.
4. Restored Functionality
Dental implants are also the best tooth replacement option when it comes to restoring full functionality to your mouth. Other solutions like dentures can slip or make it difficult to chew certain foods. Implants don’t have that issue because they’re fixed securely in place.
You’ll be able to eat what you like without discomfort or restrictions, and chew naturally without worrying about biting or grinding your food in a way that might damage your implants.
5. No Need to Alter Surrounding Teeth
Another major advantage of dental implants over traditional tooth replacement options like bridges is that they don’t require altering your other teeth. For example, if you were to get a dental bridge, the adjacent teeth would need to be filed down in order to support it, which may compromise their integrity over time.
With dental implants, there is no need to do anything that would affect your healthy neighboring teeth. Implants are placed directly into the jawbone, making it an independent solution. Not only do they preserve the health of your natural teeth, but they also reduce the risk of future dental problems.
The Dental Implant Process in Portsmouth, VA
If you’re considering dental implants, here’s what you can expect during our process at The Foleck Center.
1. Consultation and Examination
First, we’ll sit down with you and talk about why you want tooth replacement. We’ll conduct a thorough examination of your oral health, including X-rays and 3D imaging to assess your jawbone and determine if you’re a good candidate for the procedure. We’ll also discuss your treatment options, answer any questions you may have, and develop a personalized plan that’s specific to your needs.
2. Implant Placement Surgery
Once we’ve determined that dental implants are the right solution for you, we’ll arrange for a surgical procedure to place one or more of their posts into your jawbone. This is typically done under local anesthesia to avoid any discomfort (and, for more complex cases, we may offer sedation). Surgery typically takes one to two hours, depending on the number of implants being placed.
3. Healing and Integration
After implant posts have been placed, we’ll need to let them heal. This usually takes three to six months for them to fully integrate with your jawbone and create a secure foundation.
4. Final Restoration
Once all posts have healed, we’ll have you come back for placing your final restoration(s). These can be custom crowns, bridges, or dentures, based on your care plan. Restorations are designed to match your natural teeth so you won’t be able to tell the difference.
Why Choose The Foleck Center for Tooth Replacement in Portsmouth, VA?
We’ve been offering the best dental implant options for tooth replacement in Portsmouth, VA, for over 20 years. Our experienced team of dental professionals is dedicated to providing high-quality care with a focus on your comfort and satisfaction. We also make sure to use the latest technology and techniques so that you leave our practice with a beautiful, functional smile that will last a lifetime.
Ready to Schedule a Consultation?
If you’re ready to learn more about dental implants, please contact us to schedule your consultation. Our team is here to help you explore your tooth replacement options and take the first step toward restoring your smile.
