Missing teeth not only look bad– they’re bad for your overall oral health. While necessary for proper chewing, teeth also serve the important function of maintaining your face shape and jaw structure. That’s why dentists encourage patients with missing teeth to fill tooth gaps with synthetic teeth as soon as possible. 

There are three common solutions for replacing missing teeth:

• Dentures
• Dental Bridges
• Dental Implants

Of these options, dental implants are the closest you can get to natural teeth. But are dental implants right for you? We’ve put together five reasons why you may want to consider dental implants to replace your missing teeth.

1. Dental Implants Last a Long Time

One of the most impressive aspects of dental implants is their longevity. You can expect your implants to last up to 25 years with proper care and good oral hygiene! 

However, there are a few factors that could impact the life of your dental implants: 

• Bone Density: Dental implants are mounted into the jawbone. Bone density decreases with age, so your implants could become loose prematurely. 

• Smoking: Smoking is terrible for the health of natural teeth and no better for dental implants. Excessive smoking can eventually cause dental implants to fail.
• Implant Location: The back teeth are used more frequently than the front teeth. This means dental implants placed in the back of the mouth will wear out faster than those placed in the front of the mouth.

1. Natural Look and Feel

Unlike dentures or dental bridges, dental implants are mounted directly into the bone, acting as a synthetic tooth root. This provides stability and permanence similar to that of natural teeth. 

While the synthetic tooth crown is screwed onto the implant, it isn’t meant to be regularly removed. Dental implants should be cleaned and maintained just like your natural teeth. And, because the tooth crown is manufactured to match the exact color and shape of your natural teeth, others will never know that your implant is synthetic!

1. Stronger Bite, Improved Chewing

Missing teeth weaken your bite and limit your ability to chew properly. While this may not seem very important initially, uneven chewing can impact jaw development, leading to issues like TMJ. Dental implants restore bite strength, allowing for more even chewing. 

1. Prevent Tooth Crowding

When a tooth is missing, the resulting gap leaves room for the rest of the teeth to shift around. If a missing tooth isn’t replaced, teeth may eventually crowd together, impacting your bite and making it impossible to clean your teeth correctly. Dental implants prevent tooth crowding by filling the gaps left by missing teeth. 

1. Improved Facial Structure

Teeth are crucial for supporting facial structure. When teeth are lost, the face begins to sag and lose definition, and the jawbone begins to deteriorate, resulting in poor functionality and weaker facial muscles. Dental implants act like natural teeth, restoring jaw strength and facial structure. 

Why Dental Implants May Not Be a Good Fit

Clearly, dental implants offer many benefits for dental health. But, there are a few reasons why dental implants may not be your ideal tooth replacement solution. Consider other tooth replacement options if any of the following apply to you:

• You need to replace more than two teeth at a time
• You lack sufficient jawbone density
• You want your teeth replaced quickly (less than six months)
• You don’t wish to undergo invasive dental surgery

Still have questions or concerns about dental implants or other tooth replacement options? Call or contact our dental office today, and we’ll be happy to schedule a consultation to discuss your treatment options in depth.