Replacing missing teeth with dental implants will benefit your oral health and quality of life. Compared to more traditional, often removable options, dental implants improve the longevity of restorations. Dr. Weinstock is a leading local implant dentist with advanced training and years of experience placing all types of implants. In his Philadelphia, PA, area dental office, he helps patients with missing teeth discover the benefits of dental implants.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants are meant to be a permanent dental restoration that can last a lifetime if cared for properly. Long-term studies (over 30 years) show an 80 to 90 percent success rate for patients with missing teeth. Six-year studies show a success rate of greater than 90 percent for patients missing one or several teeth. This compares favorably with other areas of the body that receive implant replacement (such as the hips or knees).
Teeth implants have been around for years, but recent advances have made them even better. Dental implants are now the next best solution to natural teeth. Dentists can make custom restorations that look like natural teeth. Even the type of implants and techniques used to place them allow patients with less bone to receive dental implants. Almost anyone can qualify for some form of dental implant restoration!
The Benefits of Dental Implants in Philadelphia, PA
Dental implants provide patients with various long-term oral and overall health benefits. Patients with dental implants enjoy restored function to the bite, improved speech, and average chewing ability. Dental implants also help prevent damage to the remaining natural teeth, additional tooth loss, and bone loss in the jaw.
When left untreated, missing teeth can cause the jaw to lose structural stability. This leads to bone loss, which will cause the patient to look older than they are. Changes in the fit and structure of the bite can also impact comfort and function. These changes will lead to additional complex dental problems.
Dental implants can help reverse these problems. An implant-supported dental restoration replaces the tooth root and crown portion of the tooth. Additional benefits of dental implants include:
- Prevents jaw bone loss
- Promotes bone regeneration
- Restores normal chewing function
- Natural look and feel
- Comfortable feel
- Improves speech
- Protects surrounding teeth
Advantages of Implant-Secured Restorations Over Removable Restorations
Single dental implants and implant-supported bridges and dentures offer many advantages compared to traditional options:
- Permanent Support: When you receive a removable restoration, your false teeth lay on the gums. Dental implants fuse with the jawbone beneath the gum tissue. Replacing the tooth’s root supports surrounding natural tissue. Dental implants also increase your bite function. You do not need to restrict yourself to eating only soft foods when you receive implants.
- Lasting Results: Dental implants are permanent. The implants will stay in place once they fuse with your natural jawbone. Your implants will stay as long as you care for your oral health. Implants also ensure that restorations last longer than if they used crown-capped teeth or adhesive.
- Full Speech Function: Patients with traditional bridges or dentures may find it difficult to pronounce certain words. Often, it is hard for patients with missing teeth to pronounce “ch” or “th” sounds. Because implants replace teeth and tooth roots, patients can pronounce more words as they are used to their new restorations.
- Improved Aesthetics: Because implants act as new tooth roots, they fill gaps in the mouth. While traditional bridges and dentures can use natural-looking false teeth, they do not support the teeth and gums. Implant support ensures that restorations do not slip around the mouth. Dental implants stabilize restorations so they look like natural teeth.
If you have lived with missing teeth for many years, you may wonder if you are a candidate for implants. Over time, as the jaw bone loses support from teeth, the natural bone can recede. Dental implants need this jaw bone. During the implant process, the implant posts integrate with the jaw bone. This process ensures the implants are stable and functional, like a natural tooth.
We will recommend bone grafting treatment for patients with missing jaw bone tissue. Bone grafting places healthy tissue where it is needed in the mouth. Dental implants can benefit patients with lost jaw bone tissue if they receive this treatment before their restorative procedure.
Solutions for Slipping Dentures
Are you lacking in social or professional life due to concerns over a slipped denture?
Patients with a denture that does not fit right, or those with a dental bridge, can benefit from dental implants. This life-changing tooth loss treatment offers a more permanent and secure solution.
Dental implants are more stable and durable than any other teeth replacement solution. An implant-secured bridge or denture will also minimize irritation of the gums and soft tissues in the mouth. This will help support more stable long-term oral health.
- Implant-secured dentures: Our dentist can secure a full or partial denture in the jaw using several strategically placed implants. The number of titanium posts will depend on the health and structure of your jaw. Our dentist can secure a typical complete denture with four to eight implants.
- Implant-secured bridge: Dental implants can anchor a dental bridge. Implant bridges restore natural function and improve chewing ability. Typically, a bridge will need two to three dental implants. It will depend on the number of missing teeth in a row.
Dr. Weinstock will meet with you to evaluate the condition of your oral health and discuss your concerns. Through a comprehensive exam and consultation, he will determine if an implant-supported appliance can meet your needs. Dr. Weinstock ensures you receive treatment to improve your dental health and quality of life.
Our team will put together a treatment plan to meet your needs. Our state-of-the-art dentist office in Bala Cynwyd, PA, offers complete dental implant treatment services.
Schedule A Dental Appointment
Learn more about the benefits of dental implants in our Philadelphia, PA, dental office. Call Dr. Weinstock for implant care at (215) 857-8054. You can also request a dental consultation with Dr. Weinstock online.