That’s the number of Americans who have lost at least one tooth. If you are reading this, you may be among them and perhaps pondering dental implants. Hang on! We will explain why you should go for dental implants rather than any other procedure.

Implants, also known as dental implants, replace missing teeth. They are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone, fusing with the bone tissue. The posts then hold a prosthetic tooth or denture made of porcelain or ceramic.

Implants can be fixed with a single implant to restore one tooth or multiple implants to replace more than one. They are an excellent way for patients with missing teeth to regain their smiles.

Here, we have listed five compelling reasons dental implants are the best for fixing teeth.

1) Dental Implants Last Long

Dental implants are great because they will not wear down like natural teeth. They are posts inserted into the jawbone, and a false tooth or bridge is attached. They will easily last for over a decade, meaning there is no need for back-and-forth visits to the dentist.

This method ensures that teeth will not shift, unlike dentures or braces. If maintained well, it can last upwards of 20+ years.

A way to maintain dental implants is to brush and floss regularly. In addition, if the patient has a problem with bacteria in their mouth, it may be necessary to take antibiotics. Not to mention the necessity of regular check-ups at your dentist’s office.

2) Dental Implants Give Holistic Benefits

They have many benefits, including improved aesthetics, jaw bone preservation, and pain relief. Dental implants are also less intrusive than traditional procedures. They also possess a lower risk of complications compared to other alternatives.

Implants are a convenient and safe way to replace missing teeth. They also improve health, rehabilitate oral function, and hold a fixed position to help prevent the bone from shrinking. It is a go-to option for patients allergic to metal or have chronic gum disease, as it is made of titanium.

They also provide added stability for dentures or partials that won’t stay anchored independently. And they look like natural teeth! Voila! Isn’t that what you want exactly?

3) Implants Mimic the Functionalities of Teeth

“Why should I go for dental implants over other procedures?” you may ask.

The Answer: They are the only way to replace missing teeth with something that looks, feels, and functions like natural teeth.

Most of the time, dental implants function identically to natural teeth. The new tooth will have the same feel as a natural tooth, help chewing food and biting down, and will not be sensitive.

Those who like the look of natural teeth can coat the implant with a material that mimics tooth enamel. On the functionality side, implants can withstand pressure without breaking or shifting out of place.

This is because implants are made of titanium, a metal that has the strength to hold up against the forces of chewing. Unlike dentures, which sit atop the gums and can cause sores, dental implants integrate with the bone structure and provide a more natural feeling.

4) Implants Have a Higher Success Rate

Implants are more popular because they have been proven to have a higher success rate than dentures or bridges, and patients can return to enjoying all their favorite foods again. Dental implants were only used as a last resort due to the cost and effort required.

Since dental implants were made available for the masses in the 1990s, they have become famous for people trying to regain their smiles.

Look at this data: An estimated 3 million Americans use dental implants. The success rate of dental implants is astounding. According to this study, the success rate is anywhere between 97.8 to 100%. The main factors affecting the success rates are pre-existing medical conditions, such as diabetes and gum disease.

5) Dental Implants Boost Your Self-esteem

Throughout your life, you might have experienced the loss of a tooth and the resulting mental and physical changes. These changes can include self-esteem issues and avoidance of social activities, affecting interpersonal relationships.

Mental alterations are not the only consequences you experience when losing a tooth. Expected products include missing out on work or school because you are too embarrassed to attend. Implants take these risks out of the equation by effectively restoring your smile.

They are life-changing for patients because they can smile confidently and speak more clearly. Self-esteem improves tremendously after an implant, eliminating social isolation and embarrassment caused by missing teeth.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is caused by a condition that develops in the gum pockets of the teeth. It is a significant risk factor in tooth loss, and if not treated, it can eventually lead to tooth loss. There are no single treatments for periodontal disease that will cure it. You need to follow a preventative regimen to help reduce the rate at which the disease develops and progresses.

It will be more challenging to recover from periodontal disease if you smoke. It could also be difficult to have diabetes or other medical conditions that weaken your immune system.

Early Signs And Symptoms

This condition is characterized by gum inflammation and bone loss around the teeth. The gums are the soft tissue covering the teeth and jaws and help hold the teeth in place. One of the first signs of gum disease is pain when biting down on food. This is called periodontitis.

In other words, if you can’t bite down on a piece of bread or a sandwich without feeling the pain, that’s a sign that your gums are inflamed. And if you feel pain when brushing or flossing, that’s another sign. If this is happening, it’s time to get to the dentist.

If you notice these common signs and symptoms, you may be experiencing periodontal disease. The early signs are often painless, and you may not see that your gums have become red, swollen, and bleeding. But, if you pay close attention to your teeth and gums, you might discover that they are starting to shift around or that your teeth and gums have begun to loosen.

Causes Of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that affects your gums and your teeth. There are several causes for periodontal disease, one of the most common forms of gum disease. Periodontal disease causes include smoking, diabetes, poor oral hygiene, and aging.

Your bone and connective tissue recede from the gum line as you age. This means there’s more room for bacteria and plaque to cause damage. Bacteria can also enter the tooth through dental fillings, crowns, bridges, root canal therapy, and chewing gum.

If you’re a woman, you’re much more likely to develop periodontal disease than men. This is one of the reasons why the U.S. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) states that women should be screened more frequently for gum diseases.

Types Of Periodontal Disease

Six different types of periodontal disease are common. Let’s take a look at them in a bit more detail –

Gingivitis

This type of periodontal disease affects the gums and can be pretty painful. The good news is that if it is caught early enough, there is a chance to fix it.

Periodontitis

This is a more advanced gum disease and is a severe problem. It also affects the nerves in the mouth and can be pretty painful. If left untreated, this periodontal disease can lead to loss of teeth.

Apical Periodontitis

This is another very severe problem that can lead to tooth loss. This type of periodontal disease affects the bone in the root area.

Systemic Periodontitis

This refers to the inflammation of the supporting structures of the teeth. It is a condition that causes the bones to lose their ligamentous support and can lead to tooth loss. This ultimately leads to the loosening and loss of the teeth.

Aggressive Periodontitis

This is characterized by rapidly progressive alveolar bone loss and can cause tooth loss and even damage to the jawbone and teeth. Periodontal disease occurs more frequently among adults, especially Caucasians between 30 and 50.

Necrotizing Periodontal

People suffering from this also suffer from other systemic diseases. All these factors make this a more complicated case to treat.

Treatment

When we talk about periodontal disease, we’re talking about gum disease. The gums line the inside of your mouth and support the teeth. Gum disease affects about 40% of Americans. If you have gingivitis, it can be reversed, but it isn’t easy to treat if it progresses to periodontitis.

The good news about gum disease is that it can be controlled and treated. If you are suffering from periodontal disease, take steps to improve your oral hygiene and seek the help of a dental professional to treat the problem. Your dentist or a periodontist will provide you with a complete examination of your mouth, which will help determine if you need additional treatments.

Prevention

The key to prevention is to prevent periodontal disease from occurring in the first place. By eating a balanced diet containing various foods, limiting the consumption of sugary beverages, brushing and flossing at least twice a day, and having regular dental visits, you can help prevent periodontal disease.