If you are missing one or more teeth, you’re not alone. Research shows that more than 120 million adults are missing at least one tooth and 36 million of those are missing all of their teeth. This is a condition known as edentulism. The average adult loses at least one permanent tooth during their lifetime.
Why you would need Dental Implants?
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants are one of the most common options. A dental implant is a titanium post that acts as a tooth root. The dentist will cut open your gum, drill a hole in your jawbone, and place the post in the hole. Over the next 2 to 3 months, your jawbone will heal and bond with the post through a process known as osseointegration. Once the jawbone has completely healed, your dentist will place an abutment on top of the implant, which is what the prosthetic tooth will be attached to. When you smile, people will only see the new tooth or teeth- they will not see the hardware underneath. Implants can also be used to support several teeth, such as in the case of implant-supported bridges, as well as an entire arch, such as in the case of implant-supported dentures. The bridges and dentures can be permanently placed, or they can be removable. Dental implants have been used for more than 50 years and have quickly become a popular choice for tooth replacement. In fact, one study suggests that by the year 2026, dental implants will become 5.7% to 23% more prevalent than they are now. This same study indicates that the prevalence of implants has increased significantly since 1999.
Health Benefits of Dental Implants
Below are five health benefits associated with dental implants.
- Stimulate bone, preventing changes in facial shape
- Reduce the risk of gum disease
- Restore normal chewing ability, so you can eat healthily
- Improve mental health
- Oral hygiene becomes a priority
Stimulate bone, preventing changes in facial shape
When you are missing teeth, bone loss can occur over time that can result in alterations in jaw structure. This can lead to changes in your facial shape. Dental implants are inserted into the jawbone, which helps to prevent bone loss, stimulates bone growth, and prevents changes in your facial shape.
Reduce risk of gum disease
In addition to bone loss, missing a tooth can cause receding gums, creating an open pocket for bacteria to thrive. Tooth replacement options such as dentures and bridges create hard-to-reach areas, which allow bacteria to build up. These factors can all lead to infection and, ultimately, gum disease.
Restore normal chewing ability, so you can eat healthy
Even if you are only missing one tooth, it can be hard to chew certain foods such as proteins, fruits, and veggies. These foods are packed with nutrients and removing them from your diet because you can chew them puts your overall health at risk because you’re not getting the nutrients you need. When your diet consists of poor choices including soft, processed foods, you may gain weight. The excess weight can lead to other issues, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. However, dental implants restore your normal chewing ability, so you don’t have to give up nutritious foods- which supports your overall health and wellness.
Improve mental health
When you are missing teeth, your self-confidence takes a hit. You may feel embarrassed about the way you look so you don’t smile and you don’t engage with others. However, dental implants can improve your confidence and mental health because they look, function, feel, and fit like natural teeth. When you have dental implants, you can speak, eat, laugh, and engage with others normally. Dentures and bridges may click or slip around, which can also be embarrassing. When you can get back to the way you were before you lost your teeth, your confidence and peace of mind are restored.
Oral hygiene becomes a priority
Dental implants can be expensive, so when you make this investment, you’re much more likely to take care of them. Therefore, you make it a priority to practice appropriate, thorough oral hygiene.
Are dental implants too costly?
On average, dental implants cost $1,500 to $6,000. The cost depends on a variety of factors including where you are located, the type of implant you choose, and the materials used. The location of the tooth (front or back) also influences the price as well. Most of the time, a front tooth will cost more than a back tooth. Additionally, the price per implant decreases slightly when multiple implants are required because you only have to pay for scans or x-rays one time.
Dental implants are a popular tooth replacement option for missing teeth. Statistics from the American Academy of Implant Dentistry reveals that approximately 3 million people in the United States have dental implants and 500,000 more are placed every year.
If you do not qualify for traditional dental implants, you may want to consider mini dental implants, which are slightly cheaper- at $500 to $1,500 each.
Dental implants are a great solution for adults of all ages- whether you are missing teeth due to genetics, or have lost teeth due to injury, infection, decay, or extraction. This missing tooth solution can give you back your natural smile. In addition, dental implants provide several health benefits as well.
Conclusion
If you are missing teeth, it’s important to understand that you’re not alone. However, it’s also important to understand that you don’t have to live without teeth. There are plenty of tooth replacement options available to you. Dental implants are among the most common because they look, function, feel, and fit like natural teeth. There are so many health benefits associated with them as well.
At Ammons Dental, we specialize in a wide variety of tooth replacement options, including dental implants and other implant-supported options. We can help you determine if implants are right for you. Schedule your consultation with us today. We will meet with you and answer your questions and address your concerns. We will show you what your options are. At our practice, you are more than a patient, you become part of our family. We have four convenient locations: Downtown Charleston, James Island, Summerville, and Camden.
