Many people suffer a loss of a tooth. Whether it’s from tooth decay, gum disease, or injury, millions of Americans have lost at least one adult tooth in their life.

When one suffers from a loss of a tooth or teeth, a dentist may recommend one of three options to fill the gap. You may be given a choice between a removable denture, a fixed dental bridge, or a dental implant. Which option is available to you depends on where the missing tooth (or teeth) is located, your health, the cost, and your preference.

Dentures and bridges were once your only option, but today you also have the implant option for a missing tooth. There are many benefits to choosing dental implants, and if you are given the option, you may want to choose the implant.

• What are dental implants?

Dental implants are a tooth root replacement. The implant will provide a solid foundation for fixed or permanent teeth. Best of all, they can be matched to your natural teeth in terms of color and size. Also, implants are permanent because they fuse with the bone in your jaw.

• What are the benefits of dental implants?

Improved appearance

As we mentioned before, dental implants are made to match your natural teeth. Your natural smile will be able to shine through, and no one will ever know you’ve had a dental implant.

Improved comfort

Dental implants become a part of your mouth, so they stay put, eliminating your dental pain.

Improved speech

If you’ve every suffered through poor-fitting dentures, you understand how they can slip in your mouth when you talk, making it sound like you’re intoxicated. With dental implants, you can rest assured your speech won’t change because the implants stay put.

Enjoy all your favorite foods

With dental implants, you’re able to eat whatever you want, without the fear of losing your dentures. Dental implants allow you to bite naturally, allowing for a more enjoyable eating experience.

Built to last

Dental implants, while they may need some adjustments at times, are made to last. Unlike bridges which only last about 7 years, dental implants will be with you for the rest of your life.

Improved oral health

A bridge may require reducing the teeth that surround the problem area. Dental implants do not. Your natural teeth won't have to be altered, therefore improving your overall oral health. Also, individual implants allow easy cleaning between the implant and your other teeth, which will improve oral hygiene.

Keep your teeth where they belong

Dentures require removal to clean them, as well as messy adhesives to keep them in place. A dental implant won’t ever have to be removed to be cleaned.

Even though dentistry has advanced exponentially in the past few decades; people still lose their teeth. If this happens to you, you’ll want to contact a dentist to talk about your options. If you’re offered the opportunity to fix your teeth with dental implants, you may want to take it! You’ll look great, feel better, and improve your overall oral health.