San Francisco, Marin, and Oakland, CA
You probably won’t believe this, but dental implants have actually been around for more than 40 years! It hasn’t been until recently, however, that this tooth replacement option has become so popular. For decades, many patients opted for either a dental bridge or a partial denture to replace a missing tooth, while some patients chose not to replace a lost tooth at all.
While bridges and partials are certainly viable tooth replacement options, what’s all the fuss about over a dental implant?
Dental implants are the closest to a natural tooth as you will ever get. The implant itself is a titanium screw that is surgically placed into the jawbone and serves the place of a tooth root, just like your natural tooth once did. Then, a permanent crown is later placed on top of the implant, which looks and functions like a natural tooth.
Dental implants are permanent, so they never have to be taken out of the mouth like a partial denture. Plus, you can eat what you like without worrying about damaging it or that it might slip out of place. With a dental bridge, you can still pretty much eat what you like, but it doesn’t provide stimulation to the jawbone like the implant does, so you risk losing jawbone over time.
Dental implants are easy to maintain. Since they will never decay, they should last a lifetime! Be sure to care for it as you would your other teeth by brushing and flossing every day, as well as visiting the dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings.
A dental implant may seem more expensive, initially, but you should never have to replace the implant itself unlike a partial or a bridge, which usually ends up needing to be replaced every 10 years or so. Keep in mind that dental implants may not be a viable tooth replacement option for some patients, such as those who have extensive periodontitis or other health conditions.
To schedule a consultation, contact Glen Park Dental by calling (415) 585-1500. Glen Park Dental provides comprehensive, compassionate, quality oral health care for patients in the areas of Marin, Oakland, and San Francisco, California.
