The Benefits of Dental Implants

People lose their adult teeth for a number of reasons. Whether it was extracted due to decay or knocked out from playing sports, a car accident, or other blunt force, it’s important to get it replaced to avoid future problems. Dental implants offer more benefits than other tooth replacement options. Our dental implant dentist in East Grand Rapids, MI, would also be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about the procedure.

Dental Implants Dentist Grand Rapids MI

Prevents Bone Loss

When you’re missing a tooth, your body will start absorbing the nutrients from that spot in your jaw unless a new tooth comes in. The problem is your body doesn’t naturally replace adult teeth, so once you lose them, they’re gone. However, dental implants can stop this from progressing by acting as a natural tooth root.

The dentist will embed the implant in your jaw and over a number of months it will fuse with your jawbone through a process known as osseointegration. In addition to preventing bone loss, dental implants can also help prevent future tooth loss.

Prevent Tooth Loss

People that lose one tooth are more likely to lose more. Adjacent teeth support and hold each other in place, so when you lose one the other slowly starts to lean into the empty space and if the missing tooth isn’t replaced, the leaning tooth will eventually fall out.

It’s important to note that if you already have crooked teeth and then get a dental implant, it will not correct the alignment of your teeth. You will need orthodontic treatment to correct the alignment and positioning of your teeth.

No Slipping

While dental implants are not the only tooth replacement option, they offer the most benefits. Dentures are a common alternative although they come with a couple of drawbacks, primarily slipping. Dentures, unless they’re supported by dental implants, have a tendency to slip because they sit on top of your gums and aren’t rooted in.

Keep Your Enamel

Another benefit of dental implants is the procedure doesn’t affect the surrounding teeth. Dental bridges, another tooth replacement option, is a prosthetic tooth held in place by crowns on either side of it. To fit the crowns on both adjacent teeth means some of their enamel has to be shaved off.

Better Self-Confidence

There are multiple other benefits that are all closely related so we’ve grouped them into one section. Dental implants are made to look like natural teeth so you can feel confident smiling knowing that you have a full smile.

While you may need to eat soft foods for about a week after the procedure (or when your dentist says you can), they allow you to eat normally and resume a regular diet. Plus, with proper care your dental implants can last for 25 years and maybe longer.

No Unique Maintenance

Also, unlike dentures, dental implants require no special maintenance. Because they mimic the look, feel, and function of natural teeth dental implants just need you to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily.

If you want to take extra care, ask our dentist what kind of mouthwash you should use and how often. You may need to schedule more frequent dentist appointments for the first year or two after getting your implants to make sure everything is healing properly.

Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation

Our dental implant dentist in East Grand Rapids, MI, is accepting new patients and would be more than happy to help you explore your tooth replacement options. To schedule a dental implant consultation, please call Richard Elias III DDS at (616) 458-2048. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.

We are delighted to welcome you to our practice!

New Patients