Until recently, there weren’t many options for tooth replacement if you lost a permanent tooth. Bridges and dentures used to be the only way to restore your smile to its normal appearance, but they require a lot of maintenance and don’t provide the same functionality as natural teeth.
Dental implants are a long-lasting, modern solution for tooth loss that preserve your oral health and maintain the feel and function of normal teeth. Dr. Raymond Ribitch is a leading implant and cosmetic dentist in Mt. Pleasant, MI who has many years of experience and advanced training helping patients restore their smile and confidence.
1. Implants last a lifetime
Because they are surgically implanted in the jawbone, dental implants can last for the rest of your life with proper care. The false tooth attached to the implant, called the crown, may need to be replaced due to normal wear and tear, but the piece inserted into the jaw lasts many years. Make sure you visit your dentist for regular check-ups to make sure your implant is still functioning correctly.
2. Dental implants keep your jawbone healthy
While replacing missing teeth may seem like only a cosmetic concern, having a gap in the jawbone can actually cause the bone to recede. This could potentially risk the neighboring teeth or the jawbone structure itself, and could cause a sunken appearance to the face or more complicated dental problems.
Dental implants serve as the root of the missing tooth, which keeps the surrounding tissues in the right place. This keeps your surrounding teeth healthy while preserving the health and structure of your jawbone.
3. Implants protect healthy teeth
In addition to keeping the jawbone healthy, dental implants help the teeth surrounding the missing tooth. Dental bridges, which are an older method of tooth replacement, involve grinding the surrounding teeth to serve as an anchor for the bridge. Implants are placed directly in the gap and do not need to be anchored by other teeth. This means that the only teeth that are affected are the ones that need to be replaced.
4. Implants feel and function like natural teeth
Dental implants allow you to eat and brush your teeth just as you would with your natural teeth. Other tooth replacement options such as bridges and removable dentures require specialized cleaning and are less comfortable than implants. Unlike bridges, dental implants can be cleaned just like your natural teeth and do not require any additional care.
Implants are a long-term investment in your oral health. Dr. Ribitch, is focused on the long term maintenance of a comfortable, functional smile that provides confidence and the best possible quality of life. Schedule your comprehensive consultation online to start restoring your smile and confidence today.