Whether you have just one missing tooth or need all your teeth replaced, dental implants are an increasingly popular solution for restoring your smile. And a clear majority of individuals who opt for implants are highly satisfied with the results.

The dental implant specialists at Eagle River Dental often recommend their patients consider replacing missing teeth with implants for several reasons.    

Implants look and feel real.

Dental implants are so natural-looking that only you and your dentist will know they aren’t yours. The replacement teeth (crowns) that are visible above your gum line are crafted from materials that mimic the look and feel of your natural teeth. Each is carefully shaped, sized, and colored to provide superior cosmetic appeal.    

Dental implants won’t shift out of place because they start at the root.

Unlike removable dentures, bridges, and other tooth replacement options that ride on top of your gums, dental implants start with a small titanium root that’s surgically implanted into your jaw. Once the implant has had time to settle, the crown is fixed securely to the manmade root replacement.

This prevents the shifting and unnatural feel often associated with dentures and removable bridges. You won’t have to worry about lisps and other speech problems that can occur with removable options, and you can eat the foods you love without fearing your dentures will slip out of place.

It may sound like a painful process, but it isn’t. We use local anesthetic to prevent discomfort during the procedure, and most of our patients report it’s much less uncomfortable than having a tooth extracted. Any soreness experienced afterward typically resolves quickly with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen.

Dental implants are easy to maintain.

You won’t need special cleaning products or overnight soaks for your dental implants. And you’ll never have to worry about taking your teeth out or putting them back in place every day. Simply brush and floss daily as you normally would, and see your Eagle River oral care expert for routine checkups.

Dental implants help keep your jaw healthy.

Natural tooth roots are securely fixed and supported within the bony structure of your jaw. When you lose a tooth, the bone density in your jaw weakens over time as your body senses this support is no longer necessary and begins to reabsorb bony tissue.

Loss of bone density can become a significant issue when you wear removable dentures because they aren’t designed to interact with your jawbone.

Because it’s made from bio-friendly titanium, your body recognizes the implant as an acceptable replacement for natural tooth roots and rebuilds bony tissue, as necessary, to keep your jaw strong and healthy. This helps maintain the shape and structure of your face and keeps your jaw from shrinking as you age.

Implants are durable and reliable.

Dental implants are built tough, like your natural teeth, and meant to last a long time. It’s important, though, that you continue with routine checkups at Eagle River Dental once your implants are in place. This gives your dentist the opportunity to check your overall oral health as well as the condition of your implant(s).

The crowns used for dental implants won’t form cavities, but they may chip or suffer damage during an accident or injury. And like the teeth you grew on your own, they can also wear over time. As is the case with many other dental conditions, when we spot a problem early, it’s often easy to address.

For more information about why the satisfaction rate for dental implants is so high, schedule a consultation at Eagle River Dental today. Give us a call, or book your visit online.