Whether you experience tooth loss due to damage or tooth decay, you are not without options to regain the natural look and feel of your missing teeth.  Dental implants have come a long way thanks to research, safe and innovative implantation techniques, and better implant materials. Not only are dental implants better than they have ever been before, they are also far more common. Eligible patients are now more frequently choosing dental implants over dentures thanks to innovations in implants and dental surgery.

Have you recently lost one or more teeth to damage or decay, or has your dentist recently discussed with you the treatment option of dental implants? While we have previously covered the  dental implant process and the  risks of not replacing teeth with dental implants on our  NK Family Dental blog . Today, we’re taking a closer look at five great benefits of dental implants.

Keep reading to learn more!

1. Improving Your Smile

Dental implants can  improve your appearance — especially your smile! Your teeth are connected to your jaw, and are an essential part of your facial structure. When permanent teeth are lost, you also lose bone mass in your jaw. As stated in  an article by Station Dental Implants & Periodontics, “ Your jawbone needs the stimulation it gets when your teeth connect to maintain its mass. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that also replaces that jaw bone stimulation, helping to prevent bone loss.” While dentures and bridgework can replace missing teeth, such restorations sit on the gumline and do not stimulate bone growth.

2. Long-Lasting

Whereas bridges and dentures may need to be replaced over time, dental implants offer a  permanent solution to tooth loss . What happens when you get a bridge or crown? You’ll likely need to get it replaced or repaired with varying frequency. Since dental implants are attached to your jaw like natural teeth, they are a more permanent and durable treatment option. Of course, you will still need to maintain a thorough oral care routine to prevent bacteria growth, which can lead to infection. Taking care of dental implants is no different than taking care of natural teeth. No special cleaning or care products needed here! Simply brush, floss and rinse as usual.

3. Renewed Self-Esteem

Along with improving your smile, dental implants can help you find renewed and  improved self-esteem . Appearances aren’t everything, but they can certainly affect your self-esteem and self-confidence if your smile reveals missing teeth. Because of their natural look, durability and permanence, dental implants help you regain normal oral functions and your signature smile. Dentures may not look quite as natural, and moments of slippage while wearing them can lead to embarrassment and a loss of self-esteem. Dental implants help you look and feel like your natural self again!

4. Stronger Bite

Dental implants are designed to restore your natural oral functions — including a stronger bite and an  improved ability to eat and chew . As opposed to dentures that can be removed or bridges that are placed on top of your teeth or partial teeth, dental implants are secured in your jawbone. The bone will naturally grow around the implants, further securing them and ensuring that bone resorption is greatly reduced. This gives dental implants the function of actual teeth, meaning you can bite, eat and chew without having to worry about slippage from dentures or a dental bridge breaking loose. As an added bonus, implants can also help you speak clearly!

5. They Protect Your Other Teeth

Finally, dental implants keep your remaining teeth  healthy and protected . As previously mentioned, dental implants prevent your jawbone from deteriorating and stimulate bone growth. They also protect your remaining teeth by keeping them supported and in place. Gaps from missing teeth can cause natural teeth to shift and become misaligned. Dental implants stay in place, keep the spaces from lost teeth filled and prevent shifting teeth. Additionally, no other teeth are affected during the implantation process, as opposed to partial dentures or dental bridges when teeth may need grinding down in order to attach the appropriate dental pieces.

At  24/7 Local Dentist in Chicago, our mission is to provide the best dental care and help each of our patients regain confidence in their smile.  Dental implants are a form of  oral surgery , and they are a specialty of our periodontist  Dr. Waeil Elmisalati . To schedule your next dental check-up to discuss dental implants or any other dental needs,  contact us on our website or make a reservation with  ZocDoc ! We look forward to treating you with our high standard of compassionate dental care.