Emotionally, people crave permanence—in partnerships, in their careers, and in their homes. Yet life is full of change; it’s inevitable. But not all change is bad. Take your teeth as an example. As you grow, you transition from baby teeth to permanent adult ones. But even adult teeth are vulnerable. They can be lost due to injury, decay, or disease. When that happens, the change can feel like a profound personal loss. In these instances, patients need a solution that restores both function and a sense of lasting stability. Dental implants offer exactly that: a long-term, durable replacement that looks, feels, and functions like real teeth.
If you’re considering dental implants, you need an experienced dentist to help. That’s where Dr. Keider comes in. He has helped many patients like you regain confidence in their smiles.
Replacing Permanent Teeth: It’s Not Just About the Crown!
Dental implants are an extraordinary solution for replacing permanent teeth. But what makes them superior to other tooth replacement options like bridges or dentures? It comes down to what a dental implant replaces that the others don’t.
Teeth have multiple components, including the crown and root. The crown is the visible part protruding from the gum line. The root lies below the gums and anchors your tooth into your jawbone. What’s unique about dental implants is that they don’t just replace the crown. They also replace the root—and that’s crucial when you’re looking for the most long-lasting replacement for your permanent teeth.
Even though you can’t see the root, it performs an essential function. The roots anchor each tooth securely into the jawbone, providing the necessary stability for chewing, biting, and speaking. When you chew, the roots stimulate your jawbone, helping maintain its density and strength.
When you lose a tooth, you don’t just lose the crown; you also lose the root that supports it. As a result, your jawbone becomes vulnerable. Without the roots’ stimulation, the jawbone deteriorates, reducing its functionality and altering your facial appearance. As this occurs, you may find it difficult to eat certain foods, speak clearly, or show off your smile.
Replacing a missing tooth promptly is important for both your oral health and smile confidence, but not all solutions are created equal. While bridges and dentures replace the visible crown, they don’t replace your roots. Dental implants do, and that critical difference leads to long-term advantages for your smile.
Dental Implants: A Permanent Answer to Tooth Loss
If you’re looking for a tooth replacement solution designed to last a lifetime, dental implants are the top choice. A dental implant is typically made from titanium, a material renowned for its exceptional longevity, biocompatibility, and durability. One of the most fascinating aspects of titanium is its ability to naturally fuse with your jawbone, becoming a permanent part of your oral structure. In turn, it functions as a natural tooth root and is strong enough to support a single dental crown, a set of dentures, or a bridge.
There are two options for dental implants: mini implants, which are less than 3 mm wide, or traditional implants, which average 5 mm wide. The implant that is best for you depends on your bone density and volume. Patients with healthy, dense bone may be eligible for traditional implants. However, patients with less available bone may be ineligible or require a bone graft. This additional procedure adds more time and money to the overall process.
Mini implants offer a simpler solution. Their slim design makes them ideal for patients with less bone, often eliminating the need for bone grafting altogether. This can lead to a faster, more affordable process. At your consultation, Dr. Keider will determine if mini implants are right for you.
While dental implants are built to last, they share an important trait with natural teeth: they’re not indestructible. If you want your implants to last as long as you need them to, you must take proper care of them. Brushing twice a day and using a water flosser daily can help you maintain excellent oral hygiene and extend the life of your implants.
When Life Changes, Your Smile Doesn’t Have To
Change is part of life, but losing a tooth shouldn’t leave you struggling with discomfort, insecurity, or limitations. Dental implants offer a rare kind of stability in a world where permanence is valued but hard to come by. Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants replace your missing tooth roots, offering long-term benefits for your oral health. By replacing your tooth and preserving your jawbone, you can eat, speak, and smile like you used to!
Ready to learn if dental implants are right for you? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Keider today and take the next step toward lasting oral health.
