Want to see more Local Arizona Dentists in your Google searches? Add us as a preferred source!
Losing a tooth (or many) can feel overwhelming, especially considering how many tooth replacement options are available. In recent years, dental implants have become the gold standard to replace missing teeth, and with good reason. Our team at Dental Specialty Associates of Arizona is committed to helping you make fully informed decisions about your care. Here are a few of our favorite reasons to consider dental implants in Phoenix or Gilbert!
1. Dental implants are as close as it gets to your natural teeth.
Options like dental bridges and dentures can be an excellent option in many cases. However, they only replace the top portion of the tooth (the crown) and sit above the gums. Dental implants are the only treatment that replaces both the crown and root of the tooth.
Because they replicate the full tooth structure, dental implants look, feel, and function like healthy natural teeth. They’re anchored to the jawbone, meaning they’ll never slip, shift, or fall out like a full or partial denture. They’re also far less bulky and don’t cover the roof of your mouth, preventing slurring and speech changes that can happen with other options.
This strong foundation also gives dental implants unbeatable chewing and biting function. Where other tooth replacements might limit you to softer foods, dental implants allow you to eat all your favorite foods comfortably, from juicy steak to nuts and fresh salad. You’ll even be able to bite into an apple!
2. They’re the longest-lasting tooth replacement.
It’s always our goal to ensure that your dental work lasts as long as possible, but every treatment has a natural lifespan. For example, a bridge typically lasts anywhere from five to fifteen years before it needs to be replaced. Dentures usually need frequent adjustments and total replacement every five to seven years.
With proper care, dental implants can last decades or even a lifetime. This is one of the main reasons why dentists love implants. While the restoration or prosthesis (crown, bridge, or denture that attaches to the implant post) may need to be replaced sooner, implant posts consistently have very high survival rates, even after 30-40 years.
3. They prevent bone loss.
Your jawbone supports your smile. It also relies on support from the roots of your teeth. When teeth go missing, the jawbone shrinks in a process called resorption. This can create major problems for your long-term oral health, as well as the functioning of your jaw joints and even the shape of your face.
For people who wear traditional dentures, bone loss changes the fit of your dentures over time, allowing them to become loose or leading to painful shifting and rubbing as your prosthesis loses support. Relines can extend the life of your denture, but bone loss is one reason dentures need to be replaced so frequently.
Dental implants provide the same support and stimulation to the jawbone as natural teeth, preventing bone loss. This provides long-term stability for your jawbone, joints, and face shape.
4. Dental implants keep your face looking younger.
If you’ve ever seen Grandma without her dentures, you’re probably aware of how missing teeth can age your face. A complete set of teeth acts like pillars supporting a building, propping up your lips and cheeks, keeping the lower jaw from closing too far, and supporting the shape of the jawbone.
Losing teeth changes the shape of your face in several ways. It can make your cheeks look hollow, lead to sagging skin and frown lines, change the shape of your smile, and allow your jaw to close too far, giving the face a short or sunken look.
Dental implants prevent changes to the shape of the bones in your face and support your facial shape. This can keep you looking younger and more confident for years to come.
5. Implants help save you money in the long run.
As we’ve already seen, dental implants can last years longer than other options. They can’t develop cavities like the teeth that support dental bridges, and their fit won’t change like dentures. In addition to protecting your oral health, this helps to eliminate ongoing costs associated with other tooth replacement options, making implants a great long-term investment.
With dental implants, you won’t need repeated dental work on neighboring teeth, which can increase risks over the long run. You also won’t need to worry about special cleansers, adhesives, or relining and replacing a removable denture, which can add up to thousands in additional expenses.
Despite the long-term savings, we understand that the cost of dental implants in Phoenix and Gilbert can be a concern for many people. Our team is proud to offer flexible dental implant financing options to ensure you can enjoy this life-changing tooth replacement!
We Can Help You Understand Your Tooth Replacement Options!
As you can see, there are plenty of reasons why dentists love implants. However, we also understand that dental implants aren’t right for everyone. Our team at Dental Specialty Associates of Arizona is committed to always providing customized care that’s tailored to your needs, budget, and lifestyle.
If you’re facing the possibility of tooth loss or you’re looking for a more functional, longer-lasting tooth replacement solution, get in touch with our team! We’ll help you schedule a consultation for dental implants in Phoenix or Gilbert so you can learn more about their benefits and find the right solution for your smile.
