Last year, no one would have predicted the complex confluence of factors that we’re facing now, including the pandemic and the resultant economic uncertainty. These are the times that make all decisions more complicated, including deciding what to do about a lost tooth.
But if you are looking for the tooth replacement option best suited for times of uncertainty, you are looking for dental implants. Here’s why.
Long-Lasting or Permanent
One of the best things about dental implants is that they are very long-lasting. The implant itself is essentially permanent, and the crown or bridge on top of the implant will last 10-30 years, with repair, adjustment, or replacement about once a decade.
Compare that to a traditional partial denture, which might need adjusting about every six months for optimal function and rarely lasts more than ten years. Bridges usually don’t need adjustment, but they don’t last as long as implants, either.
Looking at an uncertain future where dental access could be irregular, it’s best to have a long-term restoration in your mouth.
Eat a Full Range of Foods
Another great benefit of dental implants is that they let you eat a full range of foods. So far, disruptions in the supply chain have been just annoying, not serious. And it’s likely they won’t ever be serious. But you don’t want to be limited to soft or easy-to-chew foods if they might not always be available–or desirable.
No Special Care Required
Just as you don’t want to be limited to certain foods, you don’t want to be reliant on additional cleaning products. Nor do you want to have to worry about taking special care of your replacement tooth when you already have so many other things to worry about.
That’s why dental implants are great–you just brush and floss normally. And make your regular dental checkups when you can.
Don’t Compromise Your Natural Teeth
Many tooth replacements are supported by your natural teeth. A dental bridge is bonded to your natural teeth,and a removable bridge also loops around your teeth for support. With a dental bridge, this increases the force on your natural teeth. It can lead to excessive wear or even failure of the supporting teeth. A removable denture can cause food and bacteria to collect around the supporting teeth, increasing the risk of cavities.
But a dental implant supports itself. That means it doesn’t compromise your natural teeth. That means that your natural teeth can stay healthy and remain in place longer.
Adaptable
Another benefit of dental implants is that they can easily be adapted and expanded if you lose more teeth in the future. New implants can be placed and linked to your current implants with an expanded dental bridge.
Your investment today isn’t lost, but continues to be valuable in helping to build restorations for future teeth.
Looking to Replace a Tooth in Irvine?
If you have lost one or more teeth and are looking for a quality replacement option, let us help you understand the benefits and limitations of each choice.
Please call (949) 551-5902 today for an appointment with an Orange County implant dentist at Rice Dentistry in Irvine.
