Every year, we celebrate dental implant awareness month in September. Dental implants help patients smile again as they fit, look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Unlike other teeth replacement options such as bridges and dentures, implants prevent bone loss, last for many years if well maintained, and can be taken care of just like natural teeth.
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a surgical fixture where a metal, screw-like post, is placed into your jawbone. It acts as an artificial tooth root and fuses with your bone for a few months. It serves as a strong foundation for replacement teeth (permanent or removable), which are made to resemble your natural teeth. Dental Implant Awareness Month is sponsored by the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and aims at creating awareness about dental implants and their health benefits as a tooth replacement option.
Advantages of Dental Implants
Most people with missing teeth face various challenges, which are almost always solved by getting implants. Apart from health problems, some have low self-esteem and become withdrawn as missing teeth are considered unattractive. Dental implants’ benefits include improved self-esteem, oral health, speech, and easier eating. With good care, they are extremely durable and considered much more convenient when compared to dentures.
Why Should You Choose Dental Implants?
Apart from looking and functioning like natural teeth, dental implants can also help prevent jaw deterioration. When you have missing teeth, your body denies that area of the jaw with the nutrients it needs to sustain the tooth. As a result, the jawbone begins to break down. This is why people who decide to go with dentures often require multiple visits for adjustments and a new set of dentures after several years. Implants can help eliminate this problem entirely.
If you’d like to know more about dental implants or consult a dentist, talk to us, and we’ll walk you through the process and answer all of your questions.