Are Dental Implants Right for Me?

Implant dentistry can provide a functional, long-lasting solution for individuals missing a single tooth or several teeth. Whether you have lost teeth due to decay, trauma, gum disease, or other reasons, dental implants are often a viable option for replacing teeth with results that can look and feel natural.

Not every patient who wants dental implants is automatically a good candidate, but the majority of healthy adults who are missing teeth can receive implants after pre-requisite treatments are performed to provide a healthy, strong foundation in the mouth for implant placement. Candidacy is evaluated across several dimensions, and a thorough examination by our Beverly Hills dental team is an essential starting point.

Benefits of Dental Implants for Replacing Missing Teeth

Dental implants have transformed restorative dentistry by offering a solution that closely mimics the structure and function of natural teeth. Unlike dentures or bridges, implants are anchored directly into the jawbone, making them a long-term investment into your oral health and quality of life.

Restored Function and Comfort

Dental implants restore the full integrity of your biting and chewing ability. Since the implant post integrates with the bone through a process called osseointegration, the artificial tooth is stable under pressure. Patients can eat foods they may have avoided for years, such as raw vegetables, tough meats, and crusty bread, without the discomfort or fear of a prosthetic shifting or slipping out of place. Speech is similarly improved, as missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures frequently cause slurring and whistling. Implants eliminate both problems by filling the gap with a fixed, natural-feeling restoration.

Preservation of Jawbone and Facial Structure

When a tooth is lost, the jawbone beneath it begins to resorb, or shrink, as it no longer receives the stimulation provided by tooth roots. Over time, significant bone loss changes the shape of the face, causing a sunken or aged look around the mouth and cheeks. Dental implants are the only restorative dentistry option that directly addresses this problem. The titanium post acts as a prosthetic root, transmitting forces into the bone that signal the body to maintain bone density in this area. 

Protection of Adjacent Teeth

Traditional fixed bridges require the teeth on either side of a gap to be ground down and crowned in order to support the prosthetic. This permanently alters otherwise healthy tooth structure and can increase those teeth’s vulnerability to decay and nerve damage over time. Implants are entirely self-supporting, so neighboring teeth are left completely intact. An implant also maintains the spacing and alignment of the entire arch, preventing surrounding teeth from loosening.

Durability and Longevity

With proper care, dental implants can last decades and even a lifetime. The implant fixture itself, once fully integrated into the bone, is essentially permanent. The crown placed on top may need to be replaced over time due to normal wear, but the underlying structure remains. This contrasts sharply with traditional bridges, which typically require replacement every seven to ten years. When evaluated over a patient’s lifetime, implants are often more cost-effective than the cumulative expense of replacing other prosthetics.

Oral Hygiene and Maintenance

Implants are maintained just like natural teeth, requiring regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings. There are no adhesives, nightly removal, soaking solutions, or special cleaning devices necessary. 

Psychological and Quality-of-Life Benefits

The impact of tooth loss on self-confidence is well-documented. Missing teeth, particularly in visible areas of the mouth, affect how people smile, speak, and present themselves socially and professionally. Implants look and feel indistinguishable from natural teeth, so patients consistently report improvements in self-esteem, willingness to smile, and overall quality of life following implant restoration. 

How to Determine Candidacy

The first step in finding out if dental implants are right for you is attending a consultation with our top-rated cosmetic dentist, Kevin Sands, DDS. Dr. Sands will perform a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and jaw to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. During your exam, Dr. Sands will be evaluating the following aspects of your dental and oral health:

• Are your gums healthy enough? Healthy gums are important for proper healing and to prevent the spread of gum disease during implantation. If necessary, periodontal treatments can be performed to improve your gum health.
• Do you have adequate jaw bone density to support a dental implant? The titanium implant post must be supported by strong jawbone tissue to provide proper stability and lasting results.

Dr. Sands will also ask several questions about your physical health and medical history. It is important that you are in good overall health and have the capacity for proper healing after oral surgery. Good candidates for dental implants typically go on to enjoy exceptional results from their dental implant restorations. Most patients report that their dental implants look, feel, and function just like natural teeth.

For more information about implant dentistry, we invite you to browse through answers to common questions about dental implants.

Editor’s Note: The original version of this blog was published on June 28, 2016.