Dental implants are like artificial tooth roots made of titanium that a dentist puts into your jawbone. They act as strong anchors for replacement teeth.
When you lose a tooth due to injury or decay, a dental implant can be used to support a new artificial tooth. The process involves carefully placing the implant in your jawbone.
The implant is then allowed to fuse with the bone over time, and once the fusion is strong, a replacement tooth is attached to the implant. This would then give you a natural-looking and stable tooth. Read more here.
Do Dental Implants Have Long-Term Benefits?
Many patients who visit our clinic for dental implants in Singapore frequently ask; do dental implants have long-term benefits?
The answer is yes; dental implants do have several long-term benefits. Provided that you’re a good candidate and take care of your dental implants as directed, you should enjoy these long-term benefits of dental implants;
- Improved Oral Health: Dental implants play a crucial role in maintaining your overall oral health in the long run. Unlike traditional bridges or dentures, implants do not need the neighboring teeth for support. This means adjacent healthy teeth won’t be altered or compromised during the process, preserving their integrity and strength. With implants, you can maintain a healthy and complete set of teeth, reducing the risk of gum disease, bone loss, and other dental issues.
- Enhanced Bite and Chewing Efficiency: Dental implants function just like natural teeth. This allows you to not only chew your food comfortably but also efficiently. Since they are firmly anchored in your jawbone, you won’t experience the slipping or discomfort often associated with traditional dentures. This improved chewing ability ensures that you can enjoy a well-balanced diet. With a well-balanced diet, you can be assured of better nutrition and overall health.
- Long-Lasting and Durable: Dental implants are built to last for many years. This is what makes them a cost-effective solution in the long term. With proper care and regular dental check-ups, they can last you a lifetime. Unlike other tooth replacement options that may need frequent repairs or replacements, implants provide a stable and permanent solution, reducing the need for additional dental procedures and expenses.
- Preserves Jawbone Integrity: When you lose a tooth, the underlying jawbone may start to deteriorate due to lack of stimulation. Dental implants mimic natural tooth roots, stimulating the jawbone and preventing bone loss. Since they preserve bone density, implants help maintain the structure and shape of your face, preventing the “sunken” appearance that can occur with missing teeth.
- Enhanced Speech: Missing teeth can lead to speech problems and difficulties pronouncing certain words. Dental implants provide a stable and secure foundation for your replacement teeth. This will allow you to speak clearly and confidently. Unlike removable dentures that may cause slurring or mumbling, implants feel natural and won’t interfere with your speech.
- Boosts Self-Confidence: Dental implants can significantly enhance your self-esteem and confidence. With a complete and beautiful smile, you’ll feel more comfortable in social situations, and your improved oral health will give you the assurance to express yourself freely without worrying about your teeth. This newfound confidence can positively impact various aspects of your life, from personal relationships to professional opportunities.
- Convenience and Ease of Maintenance: Dental implants eliminate the need for messy adhesives or the inconvenience of removing dentures for cleaning. You can care for your implants just like your natural teeth – regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups are all required to maintain their longevity and appearance. With implants, you can enjoy a hassle-free and straightforward oral care routine.
- Prevents Shifting of Teeth: When you have a gap from a missing tooth, neighboring teeth may start to shift or tilt into that space, causing alignment issues and bite problems. Dental implants fill the gap and prevent adjacent teeth from moving, maintaining proper dental alignment. This ensures that your teeth work harmoniously together, reducing the risk of additional dental complications in the future.
Who is most qualified for Dental Implants?
To begin with, if you’re missing one or more teeth and want a long-lasting, natural-looking solution, dental implants may be perfect for you. The ideal candidate for dental implants is someone who has good oral health. Also, you should have sufficient bone density in your jaw to support the implant. Here is a more detailed summary of what makes someone qualified for dental implants;
- Good Oral Health: The most qualified candidates for dental implants have healthy gums. But most importantly, you should have no signs of gum disease. If there is any existing dental issue, like tooth decay or gum problems, please address and resolve them before getting dental implants. Also, maintain regular dental check-ups and cleanings for a better oral health.
- Sufficient Bone Density: Dental implants need a sturdy foundation, which is provided by the jawbone. Candidates must have enough bone in their jaw to support the implant. If your bone density is inadequate, bone grafting may be required to build up the area before the implant procedure.
- No Uncontrolled Health Conditions: You may still be a candidate for dental implants even if you live with chronic health conditions like diabetes or heart disease. However, your overall health must be under control. Please discuss any medical conditions with your dentist or oral surgeon before proceeding with the surgery.
- Non-Smokers: Smoking can affect the healing process after your dental implant surgery. Therefore, non-smokers are generally better candidates. Smoking can increase the risk of implant failure and complications during recovery.
- Commitment to Oral Hygiene: Dental implants require consistent and thorough oral hygiene. So, you must be willing to maintain proper dental care and attend regular dental check-ups to ensure the longevity and success of the implants.
- No Teeth Grinding: People who suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding) may not be suitable candidates for dental implants. The excessive force on the implants due to grinding can lead to failure. In such cases, the dentist might recommend treatments for teeth grinding before considering implants.
- Having Fully Developed Jaws: Dental implants are usually not recommended for young individuals whose jaws are still growing. Implants can be considered once the jaw growth is complete.
The Bottom Line
Dental implants offer a wide array of long-term benefits beyond simply replacing missing teeth. So, investing in this modern and reliable tooth replacement option can significantly impact your overall well-being.
But, always insist on a facility that guarantees personalized care throughout the process. At the TES Clinic for Face and Jaw, we offer top-notch dental care, including dental implants.
If you’re willing to restore your smile and confidence today – schedule a consultation with our expert team! Call or visit us at;
TES Clinic for Face and Jaw
304 Orchard Road,
Lucky Plaza Suites #05-42,
Orchard Medical Specialists,
Singapore 238863
+65 6737 0552 / +65 9735 9930