The Cost-Effective Way To Replace Missing Teeth

dental implants

Dr. Weber Recommends Dental Implants In Topeka

Dental implants provide a solid foundation for replacement teeth. These restorations look, feel, and perform just like a natural tooth. Implant placements are changing the way our patients live. A person who has lost a tooth can regain the ability to eat with that tooth again

Dental implants appear entirely natural and, when placed, keep facial contours intact by preventing bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing. A dental implant is the healthiest way to replace a missing tooth.

What Are Dental Implants Made Of?

A dental implant is made from titanium. A small post made from titanium is surgically placed into the patient’s jawbone where the original tooth is missing. This post acts as an anchor. Once the post is placed, the abutment is screwed into the implant, and the crown is attached.

How Implants Compare to Traditional Dentures

Dentures have been a solution for tooth replacement for centuries but have a few notable flaws. When we use our teeth to chew, it stimulates the jaw bone and keeps it strong. With tooth loss comes bone loss. Because dentures aren’t effective at providing this stimulation, resulting in oral health problems like bone loss in the jaws, this, in turn, can lead to the dentures not fitting very well, so they can slip and fall out easily and leave the gums feeling sore.

Implants, on the other hand, are artificial teeth that are placed into the jawbone and function the same way as the roots of teeth. Implants significantly reduce the risk of bone loss, and they won’t slip and slide while you’re trying to chew your food or have an engaging conversation. 

Taking care of implants is the same as taking care of natural teeth. True, the price tag can be higher with implants than dentures, but that’s the only advantage removable dentures have as replacement teeth. Implants can replace individual teeth or be used as anchors to support full or partial dentures.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. Anyone missing teeth understands that they sacrifice confidence and the ability to smile and laugh without covering their mouths in shame. The most obvious of benefits is the ability for greater enjoyment of life. But the benefits go far beyond this:

  • Improved appearance and overall self-esteem: Dental implants look and feel like your teeth because they permanently fuse with the bone. They give you back your smile and help you feel confident in yourself.
  • Improved speech: The teeth can slip and slide in the mouth with dentures, causing slurring or mumbling. With dental implants, you speak without the worry that teeth might slip.
  • Improved comfort and convenience: Because they become part of you, there is no more embarrassing inconvenience of removing dentures or needing messy adhesives to keep them in place.
  • Easier eating: Sliding dentures can make chewing especially difficult. Dental implants function like teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods without pain. Teeth are supported by stable and robust implant posts that have fused with your jawbone.
  • Improved oral health: Dental implants don’t require attachment to other teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does. Because nearby teeth don’t support the implant, your original teeth are left intact, improving long-term oral health.
  • Durability: Implants are long-lasting and durable. With proper care, they will last many years. Some implants can last a lifetime.
  • Stopping bone loss: A natural tooth root provides continual stimulation to the bone surrounding it through force whenever you bite down or chew with that tooth. If the tooth is absent, this stimulation is lost, and the bone recedes. By replacing your tooth root with a dental implant post, stimulation is restored to your jawbone, halting further bone loss.
  • Healthy remaining natural teeth: Restoring missing teeth with dental implants protects your remaining teeth by preventing them from moving out of position and maintaining your natural bite.

Caring for a Dental Implant

You should maintain good oral hygiene habits to ensure your implant lasts as long as it should. An implant can’t get a cavity like a regular tooth. However, the surrounding tissue can be vulnerable to infection because it lacks the periodontal ligament between the gum and the implant. We encourage dental implant patients to brush and floss to avoid problems like peri-implantitis.

The Anatomy of a Dental Implant

Three parts make up a dental implant.

  • The implant: a titanium post surgically inserted into the patient’s jaw bone where the missing tooth is.
  • The abutment: a small connector piece that ensures a snug fit
  • Crown: the top part of the tooth, attached to the implant, matches perfectly with your natural teeth.

We’re happy to answer your questions if you want to learn more about this excellent modern solution to an age-old dental problem and determine if dental implant surgery could be part of your treatment plan! You can also learn more about our Topeka practice by checking our business page and getting directions before you head our way.

Come To Us With Your Dental Implant Questions

The dental implant process is very cost-effective and, if properly cared for, will last for many years. Placing a dental implant is straightforward and is a regular treatment here at Topeka ProDental in Topeka, KS.

If you want a dental implant consultation, please call our office at 785-273-2922 or email us.