pic

Why Dental Implants Are Your Best Choice for Replacing Missing Teeth

Feb 17, 2023
Why Dental Implants Are Your Best Choice for Replacing Missing Teeth
Having missing teeth can significantly impact your self-confidence, but it doesn’t stop there. Even one missing tooth can dramatically compromise your appearance and oral health. Fortunately, implants are almost as good as the “real” thing.

We often associate missing teeth with our appearance alone. However, every single tooth in your mouth has an important role. That means that even one missing tooth can cause issues that go far beyond your smile.

Robert A. Scherrer, DMD, at Advanced Dental Care of Ridgewood in Ridgewood, New Jersey, has more than 35 years of experience in cosmetic and general dentistry. He’s also a top-rated dentist in his state. Dr. Scherrer and his team offer numerous tooth replacement options, but they consider implants the best choice for replacing missing teeth.

Have you lost one or more teeth? Here’s why dental implants provide such amazing results.

How dental implants work

What sets dental implants apart from other tooth replacement options is one essential component: a small metal post.

When people talk about dental implants, they often focus on the tooth-like restoration above the gum line. However, a dental implant is actually a metal post in your jaw bone that functions like a natural tooth root. This structure supports the restoration you can see, like a dental crown, denture, or fixed bridge.

Since a dental implant gets placed in your jawbone, the initial process is a bit more involved than other options for replacing teeth. First, Dr. Scherrer assesses your oral health, dental history, and X-rays to determine whether you’re a good candidate. 

After Dr. Scherrer confirms an implant is right for you, he can place it during a quick outpatient procedure. After this appointment, it can take several months for your jawbone to heal, fusing around the implant. However, once this occurs, an implant can last indefinitely.

The advantages of dental implants

Getting a dental implant may seem like more work on the front end than other options, but they provide unmatched results. After all, a dental implant basically replaces a missing tooth and its root, making them the next best thing to your natural teeth. And that adds up to numerous benefits.

To start, your teeth function as a unit, and each one provides support and stability for the other. As a result, losing a single tooth can cause a ripple effect throughout your entire mouth. That’s because when a space opens up, your remaining teeth naturally shift to fill it. The result? A variety of issues, such as:

  • Excessive or uneven wear on your remaining teeth
  • Improper alignment
  • Increased risk of gum disease and additional tooth loss
  • Difficulty or pain while chewing or speaking
  • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, such as jaw pain and chronic headaches

Worse yet, missing teeth can also lead to bone loss in your jaw, triggering changes in your appearance from more wrinkles to a sunken look. Bone loss also increases your chances of losing more teeth and needing more complex procedures to correct it, such as bone grafting.

On top of protecting your appearance and your oral health, a dental implant also offers a secure solution that looks, feels, and functions like a real tooth.

At the end of the day, it’s crucial to replace missing teeth, even if implants aren’t right for you. However, nothing can beat this solution if you’re looking for the best option available.

Have you lost some or all of your teeth? See if implants are right for you by calling 201-622-7385 or booking an appointment online with Advanced Dental Care of Ridgewood today.