3 Advantages Of A Dental Implant

A dental implant can be used to replace a missing tooth. Since an implant replaces the root and crown of a tooth, the prosthetic device may be the most natural-looking tooth replacement option. In fact, most dental implants are difficult to discern from the patient's other teeth.

A dental crown is fitted to match the other teeth within a patient's mouth, and the gums are contoured around the crown to ensure that the implant has a completely natural appearance. Still, in addition to an implant's close resemblance to a natural tooth, there are other advantages of having a dental implant installed. Here are a few of them:

Less Dental Migration

When a tooth is lost, the other teeth that are nearby can begin to shift from their proper position. This shifting occurs gradually, but it can still result in severe dental misalignment. As each tooth shifts from its original place, it affords adjacent teeth more room to migrate.

A dental implant becomes a place-keeper for bordering teeth. With no additional room to migrate or move, the teeth are more likely to remain correctly aligned.

Proper Chewing

Many people take their ability to chew for granted. However, when a tooth is lost, it can be difficult to properly masticate food. As a result, some people with missing teeth may not eat certain hard foods. Since many raw fruits and vegetables have a hard consistency, the patient's nutritional needs may suffer.

When a dental implant is used to replace a lost tooth, the patient's ability to chew is restored. The implant becomes stabilized within the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. During this process, the implant and the jawbone fuse together. As a result, the implant is stable enough to withstand the same types of bite pressure that are experienced by the natural teeth in the patient's mouth.

Jawbone Stimulation

The stimulation of the jawbone is important because it incites the production of additional bone cells. Without more bone cells being produced, the jawbone may shrink no longer properly support the teeth that rest within it. As a result, tooth loss may occur. In addition, the face may begin to look hollow and wearied.

A dental implant transfers bite pressure to the bone just like an actual tooth does. Thus, the jawbone receives enough stimulation to support proper density.

To learn more advantages of having a dental implant, consult a dentist in your area.