Here at Lincoln Crossings Dental Care, we believe that it’s vital for our patients to have all the facts about their dental health and wellness. We’ve put together some information for you at the behest of Dr. Chris Stryker so that you are confidently positioned to make the best decision on your personal, long-term oral health journey.

You’re Not Alone

We know that the search for the right dental care, especially in the instance of permanent tooth loss, can be alienating. But did you know that 69% of adults aged 35-44 years old have lost one or more of their permanent teeth?

The right option for many of these cases is a lifetime tooth replacement such as dental implants. Dental implants provide a personalized and permanent solution for missing teeth and give you back a natural-looking and lifelong smile. Dental implants also offer the highest long-term success rate of all tooth replacement options.

Dental implant cost can be a predominant factor in patients’ decision-making process. Many types of insurance do not cover the full cost of dental implants. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the choice to get dental implants is often supported by their long-term cost-effectiveness.

While a patient might need to have dentures or dental bridges professionally adjusted and cleaned every five years, dental implants are prized for their high rate of no-hassle efficacy.

What Are Dental Implants and How Do They Work?

Dental implants are small, titanium posts that are surgically placed beneath the line of your gums. This little screw simulates a natural tooth root and will fuse with your jawbone, creating a stable base for the full restoration of your smile.

The crown of the implant attaches to the post. This part of the implant is a facsimile of the original tooth and will match your other teeth in color and shape, to blend in with the rest of your smile as seamlessly as possible.

A dental implant can help with the replacement of a single tooth, or it can be a series of teeth, with the help of a dental bridge that works the same way as the aforementioned implant. There are also full-mouth dental implants available, which would take the place of traditional removable dentures to give you a permanent, fully-replaced, and natural-looking smile.

The innate versatility of dental implants is just one of the reasons why so many dentists prefer this solution when it comes to missing teeth and lifetime tooth replacement.

Lasting Benefits of Dental Implants

There are several strong points in favor of dental implants as a solution for missing teeth. Here are the primary reasons for Dr. Stryker’s strong recommendation in favor of considering dental implants as a viable candidate for lifetime tooth replacement.

Lifelong Efficacy Rate

Dental implants, when properly and professionally done, have a 98% rate of success. This is mainly credited to their unique systematic implementation of a synthetic “tooth root” that helps them act as a natural tooth.

This effect is furthered by the “crown” part of the implant’s anatomy, which constitutes the visual of the tooth. Your dentist will match the construction of the crown to your exact tooth shade, shape, and look, making it virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.

Comfortability, Natural Look, and Self-Confidence

One of the primary reasons that so many people are choosing dental implants over dentures and other solutions is that once you’ve gotten this state-of-the-art treatment, you can pretty much forget that you ever had missing teeth!

Dental implants are designed to look, feel, and require the same care as your natural teeth. Whereas removable dentures can slip and slide, causing awkward speech pattern difficulty and unwanted public embarrassment, dental implants stay firmly rooted in your mouth. This advantage can’t be overstated as far as comfort and look are concerned.

As well as the natural look of dental implants, the behavioral aspect of your comfortable dental solution will demonstrate itself at the dinner table. Since they’re not permanently connected to the rest of your mouth, dentures can slip and cause embarrassment while you’re trying to eat your favorite foods.

This is not the case with dental implants, which operate in the same way as natural teeth. You’re at no more risk with chewy or stringy foods than you would be with your natural teeth.

Convenience

Dental implants are incredibly low-maintenance because they require the same care and attention as your natural set of teeth. Do you have a set schedule for brushing, flossing, and check-ups with your dentist? Then you’re all set!

Unlike dentures, dental implants don’t need to be removed and cleaned daily. They function the same way as natural teeth, and this makes caring for them a breeze. Furthermore, dental implants don’t need that messy adhesive or paste that you have to have with dentures to minimize slipping; you really can just forget they’re even there.

After the initial implantation and series of checkups, you don’t need to spare another thought for your implants. This is where the solution of dental implants shines – it’s a one-time cost and procedure process, and then you’re home free.

Less Risky Than You Might Think

Crowns without the stability of dental implants can compromise the structural integrity of healthy teeth. This happens because crowns are often attached to surrounding teeth, making them uniquely positioned to sabotage the wellness of otherwise healthy teeth.

Dental implants provide their root and fuse with your natural jawbone, which makes them ideal for preserving your long-term oral health. They’re not getting any nutrients or support from surrounding teeth, because they’re designed to be independent entities.

For this same reason, dental implants can improve the structural integrity of your bones after a missing tooth, or teeth. When you lose a tooth, your body sends signals that cause your jawbone to begin a reabsorption process for that part of your mouth; this process over time can cause your face to look caved-in. Dental implants put a placeholder in this spot, encouraging your natural jawline to preserve its shape and structure.

Types of Dental Implant Solutions for Dentures

There are lots of ways to optimize your oral health after tooth loss if you’re considering dental implants. These implants can be single-tooth, multiple-tooth, or full-mouth dental implants.

Implant-Supported Dentures

This type of permanent denture enables the wearer to eliminate pressure points and ulcerations caused by removable dentures. Your dentist will fit you for a set of dentures that can “snap” into the dental implants’ posts, making it possible for you to chew food, enunciate words, and do other normal activities without fear of denture slippage.