A popular option for the replacement of missing and damaged teeth, implants provide patients with artificial teeth that look and feel like their natural counterparts. They attach to the jawbone using biocompatible titanium-based implants, which help the artificial teeth to remain stable as the patient chews, speaks, and smiles. In fact, because they have a solid base within the jawbone, they can last throughout the patient's life, given the proper care.
Dental implants benefit the patient's natural bone and tooth structures as well. Independently supported, they reduce the burden on adjacent teeth and gums as compared to bridgework, crowns, and dentures. Furthermore, the integration of the implant with the jawbone helps to preserve the bone and guard against the bone loss that can occur when teeth are lost. In fact, statistics show that the dental implant is the only tooth replacement option available that stimulates natural bone growth.
Patients with dental implants also enjoy a variety of lifestyle benefits. When combined with preserved bone structure, the absence of gaps in the teeth lets a patient's face appear fuller and more vibrant. Similarly, the stability of implants lets the patient speak naturally and eat almost anything that he or she might desire, without the discomfort of loose dentures.