Dental implants are a cutting-edge approach to replacing missing teeth, involving a small titanium post (the implant) inserted into the bony socket beneath the gum line and a realistic dental crown visible in the mouth. This system can replace one or more teeth or even a whole upper or lower teeth arch. Patients and medical professionals favor dental implants for their effectiveness and versatility.

What is A Dental Implant?

An implant is a synthetic tooth root surgically inserted into your jawbone to support a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants are an excellent alternative for individuals with one or more missing teeth due to injury, periodontal disease, or other causes. While dental implant services are readily accessible, a preliminary consultation is necessary.

Types of Dental Implants

There are two types of dental implants at 14th Avenue Dentistry: Endosteal (in the bone) and subperiosteal (on the bone). The most commonly used type is the endosteal implant, which involves surgically placing screws, cylinders, or blades into the jawbone to support one or more prosthetic teeth. This type of implant is typically recommended for patients who wear bridges or removable dentures. Subperiosteal dental implants are placed on top of the jawbone with metal framework posts that protrude through the gum to keep the implant in place. These dental implants are typically used for patients who cannot wear traditional dentures and do not have enough bone height to support an endosteal implant.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Some of the benefits of dental implants in Markham, ON, include the following:

They Look like Natural Teeth

Dental implants resemble natural teeth in their ability to form a sturdy connection with the jawbone. This is due to the use of titanium, a metal that can bond with living bone. After a simple dental procedure to insert the implant, it will gradually fuse with the bone over several months. Once fully integrated, the replacement tooth or teeth attached to the implant will feel just like your natural teeth and be virtually indistinguishable in appearance. Unlike removable dentures, which may shift or loosen over time, implant teeth offer complete assurance when eating, speaking, and smiling.

Able to Prevent Bone Loss

After tooth loss, bone loss is an unavoidable consequence. Bone is a living tissue that requires regular stimulation to maintain its health and rebuild itself. Teeth are responsible for providing this stimulation to the jawbone. However, when even one tooth is lost, the bone below it begins to dissolve, resulting in premature aging of the face and increased susceptibility to fractures if left untreated. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement method that can prevent this process by integrating with the jawbone and stabilizing it. No other technique offers this benefit.

It’s the Longest Lasting Tooth Replacement

Dental implants are the most durable solution for tooth replacement due to their ability to fuse with the jawbone, providing a permanent fix for tooth loss. While other tooth replacement options, such as removable dentures and bridgework, may require replacement or adjustments over time, dental implants can last a lifetime with proper maintenance. This makes dental implants a wise investment in the long run, as they offer the best long-term value for tooth replacement.

Easy to Care for

Maintaining implant teeth is no different from caring for your natural teeth. Daily brushing and flossing are essential. Unlike dentures, there is no need for special creams or adhesives or overnight soaking. Additionally, there is no risk of needing fillings or root canals as with natural teeth that support the bridgework. Implants themselves do not decay, but they may be affected by gum disease. Maintaining good oral hygiene and scheduling regular dental cleanings and checkups with our dentist in Markham is the best way to prevent gum disease and ensure that your dental implants last a lifetime as intended.

Safe for Adjacent Natural Teeth

Dental implants do not affect the well-being of neighboring natural teeth, unlike other tooth-replacement methods that can weaken them. Bridgework, for instance, requires the natural teeth adjacent to the gap caused by the missing tooth to support the dental bridge. This can strain those adjacent teeth and make them more vulnerable to decay. Similarly, a partial denture depends on adjacent natural teeth for support and can cause them to become loose over time. On the other hand, dental implants are independent tooth replacements that do not need the help of neighboring natural teeth.