Have you recently lost one or more teeth? If so, it’s time to schedule a consultation with our dental implant dentist in South Bend, IN. During your appointment, Dr. Gasko will help you explore your tooth replacement options so you can make an informed decision for your smile. Among patients, dental implants remain a popular option due to their longevity, durability, and natural appearance.
Here are the top five reasons people tend to choose the dental implant procedure.
1. Achieve a Beautiful, Natural-Looking Smile
Even the best-fitting dentures have the tendency to slip when you cough, sneeze, or make any other sudden movement. This can be easily corrected by biting down gently and swallowing to shift the dentures back in place. However, a lot of patients would rather avoid this hassle altogether.
One of the main advantages of dental implants is that they look and feel like natural teeth. This is due to the fact that the titanium post replicates the ability of a natural tooth root, which anchors the abutment and crown in place. Together, the implant, abutment, and crown give you the full function and appearance of a natural tooth.
2. Enjoy Dental Implants for a Lifetime
Dental implants are made out of a titanium alloy that’s biocompatible with your jawbone tissue. The result is a long-lasting restoration that can last a lifetime with proper care. This means that you’ll need to practice good oral hygiene at home and continue seeing our dental implant dentist for preventive care.
While the tooth implant can last a lifetime, you’ll need periodic replacements of the porcelain dental crown on top. In general, a porcelain dental crown can last between 10 and 15 years if you maintain good oral health. The healthier your smile, the longer your dental crown is likely to last.
3. Prevent Bone Loss in the Jaw
Dentures sit on top of your gums. As such, they don’t do anything to prevent bone loss in the jaw. To protect the bone density in your jaw after tooth loss, you’ll need to see if you’re a candidate for the dental implant procedure.
Unlike dentures, dental implants exert pressure on the jawbone tissue. This tells the body that the bone tissue is still being used. Otherwise, the body is so resourceful that it will absorb the minerals in the jaw to use elsewhere.
If left untreated, bone loss in the jaw can lead to a condition called facial collapse. Facial collapse can give you a sunken appearance and make it difficult or uncomfortable to continue wearing dentures. For this reason, we recommend seeing if you’re a candidate for dental implant surgery long before this potential outcome becomes a reality.
4. Improve Your Self-Esteem
Do you ever cover your mouth when you laugh or smile with your lips closed? While this may not seem like a big deal, these behaviors can contribute to low self-esteem in the long run. For this reason, we always encourage our patients to speak up if they have an oral health issue they’d like us to correct.
If you have missing teeth, dental implant treatment may be the perfect solution for your smile. Not only are dental implants lifelike, but they also prevent bone loss so you can maintain a youthful appearance for years to come.
Continue Eating Your Favorite Foods
Even the best dentures can slip from time to time. This is because they rest on top of the gums and lack the permanent support of a dental implant. Unlike dentures, dental implants create a strong bond with the jaw to provide a stable and long-lasting foundation for your replacement teeth.
Since dental implants never slip, you’ll be able to continue eating your favorite foods with the utmost of confidence.
Request an Appointment With Dr. Gasko
Dr. Michael Gasko is a dental implant dentist in South Bend, IN. He’s also accepting new patients and would be more than happy to help you restore your smile after tooth loss. To schedule an appointment, please call Select Dental Associates at (574) 213-7478. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.