No one wants to flash a smile that shows gaps or missing teeth. But unfortunately, missing teeth are far more common than you might realize. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research suggests that 2.2% of adults 20 to 64 years have no remaining teeth. Further, most adults between the ages of 20 to 64 only have 25.5 teeth left. So rest assured, if you have a few missing teeth, you are far from alone. 

But, if you are missing teeth, there is a good chance you don’t feel like smiling as much as you used to when you had all those pearly whites. And we get it. Missing teeth can be embarrassing, and not just when you smile. Eating and communicating can make it hard when you don’t have all your teeth. So, what are your options? Thankfully, there are plenty, and dental implants might be just the ticket to get you smiling again.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are an increasingly popular and effective way to replace missing teeth. They are designed to function just like your natural teeth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile confidently. Here’s how they work:

At the core of a dental implant is a titanium post, which acts like the root of a natural tooth. This post is surgically implanted into the jawbone where your tooth is missing. Over time, the jawbone grows around this post, anchoring it securely in place—a process known as osseointegration.

Attached to the top of this post is a piece called the abutment. It serves as a connector between the post and the final component of the implant—the crown. The crown is a custom-made replacement that looks just like a natural tooth. It’s crafted to match the color and shape of your surrounding teeth, so it blends in seamlessly.

These three parts—the post, abutment, and crown—create a super strong and long-lasting tooth replacement with a 97% success rate. Dental implants are preferred by many patients because, unlike bridges, they do not require support from neighboring teeth and provide a solution that feels and looks natural.

Advantages of Dental Implants 

If you are considering tooth replacement options, there are several to choose from. One of the most popular options for replacing a tooth is dentures. However, dentures need to be replaced every seven to ten years. Plus, over time, they can slip and cause embarrassing—and even painful—situations. 

Dental bridges are also an option. This involves creating a bridge between two existing teeth. This bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth, known as pontics, anchored by crowns fitted onto the adjacent natural teeth. While effective, bridges require the alteration of these neighboring teeth to serve as supports, which can be a downside.

So, this brings us back to dental implants. Dental implants are an excellent choice if you are missing teeth and want a tooth replacement option. Here’s why:

• The only solution for missing teeth that can last your entire lifetime
• Function like natural teeth, improving eating and speaking
• Prevent jawbone loss by stimulating bone growth
• Look like real teeth
• More comfortable fit, with no slipping or shifting
• Preserve the health of surrounding teeth by not relying on them for support

We know you want to understand the cost of full-mouth dental implants, especially if you need to replace all your teeth. Dental implants do come with a higher upfront cost than other replacement options. However, they are indeed the most comfortable and long-lasting option available. 

Dentures vs. Dental Implants

We talked earlier about the downside of dentures. But we do want to be clear that dentures are an option. About 19% of the U.S. population wears dentures. They are particularly suited for individuals who may not qualify for dental implants due to insufficient bone density or other health conditions. Dentures can be full or partial, making them adaptable depending on how many teeth a person has lost.

While dentures are less expensive upfront than dental implants, they generally require more maintenance, including regular adjustments and replacements every several years. On the other hand, dental implants offer a more permanent solution and don’t typically need the adjustments that dentures do. Implants also provide better support for chewing and speech and do not require the use of adhesives.

Each option has pros and cons, and the right choice can depend heavily on individual circumstances, such as overall health, oral hygiene, tooth loss, and budget. We encourage you to talk to your dentist in Milford, Ohio, to discuss your options.

Request a smile consultation today with CinciSmiles.

If you are missing teeth and have been searching online for “dental implants near me,” you have come to the right place. The team at CinciSmiles offers a wide variety of dental services, including dental implants, and would be happy to discuss your tooth replacement options.

To get started, request a smile consultation today.