Why Dental Implants Are the Gold Standard for Replacing Missing Teeth

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants have earned the reputation as the “gold standard” — and for good reason. Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth.

If you’re one of the approximately 120 million Americans missing a tooth and considering a dental implant, please give us a call. Niki Cochran, DDS, and the CLE Smiles by Dr. Niki team offer dental implants in the Cleveland, Ohio, area. 

In the meantime, here’s what makes dental implants the gold standard for tooth replacement.

What makes dental implants different?

Dental implants are prosthetic teeth that contain three parts: a small titanium post that is surgically inserted into your jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots, a dental crown, and an abutment to connect the post to the crown. 

Osseointegration,  the process in which an implant post fuses with your bone, creates a stable foundation for any custom crown, bridge, or denture to attach to your implant.

Because implants integrate with your bone, they prevent jawbone shrinkage (jawbone atrophy) that often occurs with missing teeth, not only preserving the natural shape of your face but also maintaining the strength and integrity of your jawbone.

Benefits of dental implants

Dental implants aren’t the only option for replacing a missing tooth (or teeth), but they do come with their own advantages. You might consider dental implants instead of other options because:

They look and feel natural

Dental implants simulate both the appearance and function of natural teeth, which allows you the confidence to eat, speak, and smile with ease.

They offer long-lasting results

Proper care of your dental implants means they’ll last much longer than traditional bridges or dentures. The visible portion of the implant, called the crown, may eventually need to be replaced or repaired, but the implant post itself is designed to be permanent. 

They don’t impact your surrounding teeth

Bridges need the support of adjacent teeth; however, implants stand alone and don’t compromise the health of your natural teeth.

They improve the health of your jawbone

Because implants stimulate your jawbone just like a natural tooth root does, they help prevent bone loss as well as keep your facial structure intact.

They’re easy to care for

Implants can be brushed and flossed just like your natural teeth—no special tools or adhesives needed.

They don’t slide out of place

Unlike dentures, your implants won’t slip or slide, so you can eat the foods you love without worrying about dentures sliding out of place. 

They’re versatile

Here at CLE Smiles by Dr. Niki, our team can use dental implants to replace a single tooth or several.

If you want to replace a full row of teeth, Dr. Niki may recommend the All-on-4 ® system. With this system, you can replace all of your upper or lower teeth with just four implant posts, which can support the rest of your teeth.

Your implants can also be part of a larger smile makeover plan. 

Who is a good candidate for dental implants?

Most non-smoking adults in good general and oral health are candidates for dental implants. (Smoking leads to a 140% increased risk of implant failure.) You’ll need enough healthy jawbone to support the implant, and you must be committed to good oral hygiene practices. 

If you’ve been missing teeth for a while and have experienced bone loss, additional procedures like bone grafting may be needed before getting implants.

Even if dental implants aren’t right for you, Dr. Niki can walk you through your other tooth replacement options, including removable dentures, partial dentures, and bridges.

Ready to restore your smile?

If you’re tired of the inconvenience of dentures or the short lifespan of bridges, it’s time to consider the lasting benefits of dental implants. 

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Niki to find out if dental implants are right for you. Call our Lakewood, Ohio, office at 216-616-1385 or simply click here to request an appointment online.