Decades ago, the idea of dental implants seemed out of reach and impossible. Nowadays, this innovative technology is being implemented by specialists in dental implants in West Kelowna and across Canada.
Dental implants are considered the state-of-art tooth replacement solution due to their increased advantages over previous treatments.
With this modern technology, more patients can benefit from the implants, especially those who were unable to undergo the earlier treatments.
Whether you want to fix your smile or replace a tooth, dental implants could very well be the right solution for your tooth replacement needs.
What are Dental Implants and Why They’re Important
A dental implant is a high-tech synthetic tooth that replaces the damaged or missing tooth and imitates the original tooth structure.
To support a crown, bridge, or denture, a titanium root gets inserted into the jaw bone. This allows the implant to look, feel and act like a real tooth and can last a lifetime if maintained properly.
These implants are commonly used as a solution to tooth loss, which can occur because of bad oral hygiene, tooth decay, and gum disease.
Dental implants are necessary if you have a missing tooth and do not want dentures or bridges. It’s important to replace a tooth because not having a tooth restored will affect the rest of the teeth and cause them to move or shift around, which will impact the way you bite.
These implants are important in maintaining the overall function of your mouth since they help keep a healthy bite, prevent bone deterioration, and keep other teeth in place.
Dental implants can also serve aesthetic purposes. People who may feel self-conscious about their smile commonly opt to get implants to improve their smile and raise their self-confidence.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants possess several benefits other than serving aesthetic purposes.
One of the biggest benefits of getting dental implants is that they behave like natural teeth. They give the patients full chewing power and allows them to perform regular activities like eating and flossing.
Most people cannot feel the difference between a real tooth and an implant.
Another advantage is that once the implant is inserted, it lasts a lifetime if maintained properly – unlike bridges which last a maximum of 10 years. The implant is biocompatible, which means that it’s not toxic and that the body will not reject it.
If there is a tooth missing, the jaw bone begins to deteriorate, which causes the bone area to lose some of its volume. Over the years, bone loss will continue to increase unless the tooth is replaced with an implant.
Getting dentures to prevent bone loss may not be ideal for everyone. Dentures can get loose and start rubbing against the bony ridge, slowly wearing it away.
Missing teeth will also result in premature facial sagging. Receiving dental implants will significantly reduce wrinkles around the mouth, the thinning of lips and give the patient a more pointed chin. Without the implants, the patient will look older than their true age.
Finally, dental implants prevent gum disease by closing the gap that occurs when a tooth is lost. All the food and bacteria that would otherwise be trapped in the gap will no longer be able to cause gum disease and impact the oral health of the patient.
Warning Signs That You Need Dental Implants
Many people don’t realize the consequences of neglecting their oral health, especially if they’ve had a tooth removed and have kept a gap in its place.
There are a few common signs that can help indicate whether you’re in need of a dental implant, some of which are highlighted below.
The most important thing to look out for is if you’re missing one, or even several teeth. Getting dental implants would fill in the gap, preventing gum disease, and will serve as a regular tooth, restoring full power and function to your bite.
Loose dentures or partials are tedious to deal with since there is a constant worry that the appliance will fall out of your mouth while you’re trying to eat or talk.
With the help of dental implants, you will no longer need to worry about loose dentures, and you can enjoy your day worry-free.
If a tooth is infected and cannot be saved by any means other than extraction, then acquiring an implant after the tooth is removed could likely be the best course of action, since it’s incredibly durable and looks like a natural tooth.
Take the Next Step with Westside Dental in West Kelowna
Considering getting dental implants in West Kelowna or surrounding communities?
Whether you want to replace a missing tooth or fix your smile, our dentists at Westside Dental are here to help!
At your appointment, we will start by talking about the goals you’d like to achieve and we can also address any and all of your concerns. An examination of your teeth is conducted and our specialists in dental implants in West Kelowna will begin to design a plan to successfully meet your goals and needs.
Contact us today and learn more about how we can get you on the road to a perfect and healthy smile.