San Francisco, Marin, and Oakland, CA
If you are in search of a tooth replacement option, a dental implant may be the right choice for you. While many patients choose their tooth replacement option solely based on price, the expert San Francisco dentists at Glen Park Dental advise that you weigh all benefits of getting a dental implant, instead of just considering the cost. Here are some advantages of getting a dental implant that may justify the cost.
Provides stimulation to the jawbone
Since a dental implant itself is embedded into the jawbone at the site of the missing tooth, it acts like an actual tooth root by providing stimulation to the jawbone. This is in the same manner as our natural teeth, which helps to maintain healthy levels of jawbone, something that other tooth replacement options simply cannot do. Without a dental implant, the jawbone will slowly diminish over time, leaving you with a greater risk of missing teeth, and teeth that shift out of alignment.
Permanent tooth replacement option
A dental implant, the titanium screw, is permanent. This means that you never have to take it out or have it replaced. The implant crown, which is the visible portion of the implant that resembles an actual tooth, is covered in dental porcelain, which while strong and durable, may need to be replaced at some point in your life. However, taking good care of your dental implant and practicing good oral hygiene can help prolong the results of your procedure for years to come.
Aesthetic
Nothing resembles a natural tooth as much as a dental implant. Dental implants are the closest thing to a real tooth as you can get. While a dental bridge or a partial denture provides you with a replacement tooth, neither look nor feel quite like a natural tooth than that of a dental implant.
Does not involve altering any other teeth
In the case of the placement of a single dental implant, no other teeth will need to be affected by the procedure. Unlike with a dental bridge that involves filing down the adjacent teeth to hold the bridge, a dental implant only involves replacing the actual missing tooth. This can be beneficial in preserving your long-term oral health by sparing your teeth from unnecessary dental work.
Now that we have explored the major benefits of a dental implant, it is important to note that not all patients are candidates for this tooth replacement procedure. While a dental implant is durable and long-lasting, patients who suffer from gum disease may need to undergo additional treatments before receiving a dental implant. If you are unsure whether you fall into this category, speak with your Bay Area dentists at Glen Park Dental to review your candidacy.
Dental Implants in the Bay Area
At Glen Park Dental, we believe replacing a missing tooth is an essential part of maintaining good oral health and a balanced bite. While a dental implant comes with a higher upfront cost, we believe that it is a viable tooth replacement option for most patients. If you would like to learn more about dental implants or any of our other tooth replacement options, please call our office at (415) 585-1500 to schedule a consultation. We welcome patients of all ages from Marin, Oakland, and San Francisco, California.