Although some people are of the opinion that dental implants are better than real teeth, dentists prefer to try and keep your natural teeth in place for as long as possible. When a tooth does give up the ghost, however, whether because it's been knocked out or because it's so extensively damaged by cavities, a dental implant may be one of the best options. And they can work for either one tooth or for many teeth that would otherwise need to be replaced with dentures. Here are three reasons why dental implants are preferable to dentures.
1. Better for your jaw
Dental implants are more comfortable than dentures, are easier to get used to, and aren't as likely to unexpectedly move around while you're trying to eat. They also provide benefits to your mouth; unlike dentures, which are glued to the gums, dental implants are anchored in your jawbone so they have better support and are less likely to pinch your gums when you try to use them. In addition, their installation in the jawbone helps prevent the bone around the tooth roots from deteriorating like it otherwise might do after your natural teeth are gone.
2. Better performance
In addition to being more comfortable, the increased stability of dental implants makes them better at what they do. The fact that they're supported by your jawbone means they make speaking and eating easier. Conventional dentures may limit what you can and can't eat, but dental implants are more powerful chewing tools. They're also long-lasting and durable, meaning they can continue performing well for long periods of time with fewer visits to the dentist.
3. More natural
Dental implants are much less likely to make you feel like you have "false teeth" than conventional dentures are. They can't be removed like dentures can, and they look and feel more natural, making them much easier to get used to and making it practically impossible for someone else to tell that they're not "real." In addition, the fact that they reduce bone loss in the jaw helps prevent a collapsed-looking smile such as you might otherwise develop from reduced bone mass. Your smile will continue to look and feel normal and natural and you'll be able to eat and speak more naturally.
These three points show how dental implants, a modern and highly advanced option for tooth replacement, are far and away better than their predecessors. If you have more questions, talk to a dentist like Kenneth Schweizer DDS PA.
