Things to Know About Dental Implants

Until just recently there weren’t many options to replace lost permanent teeth. Bridges and dentures were the only viable methods used to restore your smile. While serviceable, both methods require daily maintenance and upkeep without the full functionality and feel as real teeth. Thanks to advances in dentistry, dental implants have become a great alternative for patients who are looking for a longer lasting, more functional solution to their dental health needs, while maintaining the feel of real teeth. Dr. Jose Gil is an implant and cosmetic dentist in Allentown, PA with many years of experience helping patients restore their smiles and confidence.

1. Implants can last a lifetime

Implants are surgically inserted in the jawbone and can last for the rest of your life if cared for properly. A ceramic false tooth, called a crown, is attached to the implant during the procedure. The crown can last for many years with proper care but may need to be replaced due to normal wear and tear after the 10-year mark. The implant itself can last for the rest of your life with a daily dental hygiene regimen and regular check-ups.

2. Implants are good for jawbone health

A lot of patients have understandable concerns about the cosmetic appearance of missing teeth, however, while replacing missing teeth may seem like only a cosmetic concern, there are problems below the surface. Leaving a gap in the jawbone, if unaddressed, can cause the jawbone to recede. This could invite risk to the adjacent teeth or even the jawbone structure itself, causing a sunken appearance to the jawline or more dental complications. Dental implants take the place of the root of the missing tooth, which helps keep the surrounding tissue in the right place. This helps to preserve the health and structure of both the surrounding teeth and jawbone itself.

3. Implants protect healthy teeth

In addition to helping preserve the health of the jawbone, dental implants are beneficial to the surrounding teeth. Alternative tooth replacement methods, such as dental bridges, involve grinding the surrounding teeth so they can serve as an anchor for the bridge. Dental implants are inserted directly into the gap of the missing tooth they are replacing and have no effect on the surrounding teeth.

4. Implants feel and function like normal teeth

Implants give you the freedom to eat and brush your teeth just as you would with your natural teeth. Alternative replacement methods such as dentures and bridges require specialized cleaning methods and aren’t as comfortable as dental implants are on a long term basis. Dental implants offer the closest resemblance to natural teeth in feel and functionality and do not require special maintenance other than regular brushing, flossing, and dentist check-ups.

Dental Implants in Allentown, PA

Implants are long term investment in your oral health, happiness, and comfort. Hamilton Dental Designs, Dr. Gil’s practice in Allentown, PA, is focused on the long term maintenance of a healthy, comfortable smile that inspires confidence and the best possible dental health. Schedule your free comprehensive consultation online to restore your smile today.