Missing teeth can ruin a smile and leave you feeling less than your best. But tooth loss doesn’t just have cosmetic repercussions; it can also affect your overall well-being.

Dental implants offer a permanent, natural-looking solution to replace missing teeth. They are durable, easy to care for and have many advantages over traditional tooth replacement options like dental bridges and dentures. Let’s get into it.

Why Replacing Missing Teeth Matters

There are several important reasons to replace missing teeth. While missing teeth can affect a person’s confidence, it’s not just an unwillingness to smile that can become a problem. Without teeth, the jawbone can shrink and become weak, leading to a change in facial appearance because the jawbone can’t support the structure. Symptoms of this include a sunken appearance or a shorter face.

Missing teeth can also cause adjacent teeth to move, leading to a crooked smile, bite problems and jaw pain. It can also affect speech, particularly if you have multiple missing teeth, and cause excessive wear on other teeth. Missing teeth can also lead to digestive issues because food can’t be chewed properly.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a metal post attached to the bone in the jaw to replace the root of a missing tooth. They serve as artificial tooth roots, providing a stable foundation for replacement teeth. As they are normally made of super-strong titanium, they can be used to support a variety of tooth replacement options such as crowns or dentures.

A dental implant procedure begins with the surgical insertion of the post into the jawbone which is left for several months as the dental implant fuses to the bone. Once fused, an abutment is placed on top to hold the tooth replacement. Your dentist will then custom make a replacement tooth, such as a dental crown, and attach it to the abutment. Once complete, you have a permanent solution to your missing teeth, as dental implants can last a lifetime if cared for properly.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are a permanent, natural-looking tooth replacement option that can restore a confident smile. Here are some of the other advantages of dental implants.

• Dental implants offer the look, feel and function of natural teeth.
• They prevent the remaining teeth from moving and creating more dental problems.
• Dental implants are durable and can last a lifetime with good oral health practices.
• Dental implants facilitate tooth replacement that helps prevent bone loss, which can change facial structure.
• Unlike bridges, adjacent teeth don’t need to be modified for a dental implant to be fitted.
• They are not susceptible to tooth decay like natural teeth are.
• They can be fitted to patients with a history of gum disease if they commit to good oral health habits to maintain dental health.
• If a patient has healthy gums, dental implants offer a permanent solution after tooth extraction.
• Dental implants are more comfortable and easier to care for than dentures.

Alternatives to Dental Implants

There are two main alternatives to dental implants—bridges and false teeth, otherwise known as partial dentures. However, these two options don’t offer the same longevity, natural-looking appearance or functionality of dental implants.

While dental implants last a lifetime with the correct care, dental bridges and dentures last only 10-15 years. Dental implants also protect jawbone health, but dental bridges don’t prevent bone loss and dentures can accelerate it.

Dental implants can be used to replace multiple teeth, while bridges rely on healthy neighbouring teeth. And, when it comes to eating, implants function like natural teeth, whereas dental bridges are not as durable and dentures can often cause some discomfort. Dental bridges and dentures are also harder to maintain than dental implants.

Cost of Dental Implants & Affordability

Dental implants can cost several thousand dollars, making them slightly more expensive than the alternatives. Although conventional dentures are initially more affordable, they often require more maintenance and frequent replacement.

It’s important to consult your dentist for a quote that’s specific to your circumstances, as dental implants represent a durable, long-term solution to missing teeth.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Healthy gums are essential to support dental implants, so any gum disease must be treated before they can be fitted. Patients must also be committed to good oral hygiene habits to prevent implant failure.

Another consideration is jawbone density. Low bone density may require bone grafting for the procedure to be successful. Teeth grinding may also exclude patients from having dental implants fitted.

Where to Get Dental Implants in North Sydney

If you’re looking for a smile makeover that will have you looking and feeling your best and prevent future oral health problems, KB Village Dental can help.

We offer a range of cosmetic dentistry services to help you enhance your smile, including dental implants. Don’t cover your mouth because of missing teeth any longer. Call us on (02) 8999 4349 today to see how we can help you look your best.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I get implants for missing teeth?

Dental implants offer improved quality of life, can keep jaw muscles and bones healthy and improve cosmetic appearance, so they are a great solution for replacing missing teeth.

Is there a downside to dental implants?

Dental implants may require more than one surgical procedure, particularly if a natural tooth needs to be removed or bone grafting is required. While fitting dental implants takes longer than alternative tooth replacement options, the result is permanent compared to alternatives such as removable dentures.

Is it good to replace all teeth with implants?

Whether using dental implants in a full mouth restoration is a good idea depends on your general health, your needs and your budget. You should speak to your dentist about whether or not this is a good option for you.