At Rebol Family Dentistry, we offer our patients the best restorative dentistry solutions available. Many patients visit our office to learn more about tooth replacement options after tooth loss. Our Asheville, NC dentist office offers dental implants, the premier tooth replacement option.
Dental implants can restore the look, feel, and function of your missing teeth. Dental implants are the only permanent tooth replacement solution with a high patient satisfaction rating. This is because they offer long-term benefits you won’t find in any other restorative solution.
Learn more about the benefits of implant dentistry below.
Dental Implants Services in Asheville, NC
Dr. Rebol is an experienced implant dentist in Asheville, NC. Dr. Rebol has helped many patients restore their smiles following tooth loss with dental implants. Dental implants involve a surgical procedure in which a titanium post is inserted into your soft tissues and allowed to fuse together with your jawbone.
Once fully healed, this titanium post will give your dental restoration tooth-root functionality. Because the restoration fuses together with your jawbone, you can enjoy several benefits that you wouldn’t be able to enjoy with other options. Some of these benefits include no dietary restrictions, no added oral hygiene hassles, and a cosmetically discreet finished result.
Following the surgical portion of your implant procedure, you will need to wait several months for the post to have enough time to properly fuse with your jawbone. When the post has healed, an abutment will be attached to it to connect the post to a restored dental crown. The dental crown sits atop the abutment for a completely restored finished product.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are one of the most effective solutions for replacing missing teeth. They offer several benefits over other tooth replacement options like dentures or bridges. Whether you’ve lost a tooth due to decay, injury, or gum disease, dental implants can restore your smile and improve your overall oral health. Here are some of the main benefits of dental implants.
1. A Natural Look and Feel
One of the biggest benefits of dental implants is that they look and feel just like natural teeth. The implant is made of titanium and is surgically placed into the jawbone, acting as a replacement tooth root. Once the implant has healed and fused with the bone, a crown is attached to it, custom-made to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth.
This creates a seamless appearance, making it nearly impossible to tell the difference between the implant and your natural teeth. Because the implant is secured in the bone, it also feels sturdy and functions like a natural tooth when eating or speaking.
2. Improved Comfort
Unlike removable dentures, dental implants are permanent and fixed, making them much more comfortable. Dentures can slip or cause discomfort, especially when eating or talking, but implants stay secure and feel like part of your natural teeth. This added comfort allows people with dental implants to enjoy daily activities without worrying about their teeth shifting or causing irritation.
3. Enhanced Oral Health
Dental implants improve oral health by preserving the jawbone and preventing bone loss. When you lose a tooth, the bone that once supported it deteriorates. This can lead to further tooth loss, changes in facial structure, and difficulty chewing. Dental implants prevent this by stimulating the jawbone, just like natural tooth roots do, which helps maintain the strength and density of the bone.
Additionally, unlike traditional bridges that require neighboring teeth to be filed down, dental implants don’t impact the surrounding teeth. They are independent and don’t rely on other teeth for support, which means your healthy teeth remain intact, further protecting your overall oral health.
4. Improved Speech
Missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures can affect your speech, sometimes causing slurred or mumbled speech. Because dental implants are fixed in place, they allow you to speak more clearly and confidently. You won’t have to worry about your teeth slipping or moving when talking, which is a common issue with dentures.
5. Better Chewing and Eating
One of the main complaints people have with missing teeth or dentures is difficulty chewing food. Dental implants function like natural teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods without pain or discomfort. The stability of implants makes it easier to chew and bite into tougher foods like apples or steak. This can improve your diet and nutrition, as you won’t have to avoid certain foods that are hard to eat with missing teeth or dentures.
6. Durability
Dental implants are incredibly durable and long-lasting. With proper care, they can last a lifetime. The titanium used in the implant is biocompatible, meaning the body won’t reject it and is resistant to decay. The crown attached to the implant is also made from durable materials, such as porcelain or ceramic, which can withstand everyday wear and tear. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups will keep your dental implant in great shape for many years.
7. Convenience
One of the major benefits of dental implants is the convenience they provide. Dentures require regular removal for cleaning and maintenance, while dental implants can be cared for just like natural teeth. There’s no need to remove them for cleaning or worry about them slipping out of place. Brushing and flossing around the implant with natural teeth makes oral hygiene straightforward.
8. Boosted Self-Confidence
Missing teeth can significantly impact a person’s self-esteem and confidence. Dental implants restore your smile and give you the confidence to speak, eat, and socialize without feeling self-conscious. They look natural and blend in with your other teeth, so you don’t have to worry about people noticing you have a replacement tooth. This boost in confidence can improve your quality of life and make you feel more comfortable in social situations.
9. Improved Facial Appearance
Losing teeth can cause changes in your facial structure as the bone that supports the teeth deteriorates. This can lead to a sunken or aged appearance, especially around the cheeks and jawline. Dental implants help maintain the shape of your face by preventing bone loss and supporting your natural facial structure. This keeps your face looking fuller and more youthful.
10. Cost-Effective in the Long Run
While dental implants may have a higher upfront cost compared to other tooth replacement options, they are often more cost-effective in the long run. Dentures and bridges may need to be replaced or repaired over time, adding to the overall cost. On the other hand, dental implants are designed to last for many years and, in many cases, a lifetime. Once placed, they don’t require the same level of maintenance or replacement, making them a more durable and cost-effective solution.
Are Dental Implants Painful?
We understand the surgical component of the dental implant process intimidates some patients. Our doctors will ensure you are calm and comfortable before, during, and after the procedure. To assist with this, we encourage patients to consider their sedation dentistry options to help manage dental fear or anxiety surrounding the procedure.
Dental Bridges Vs. Dental Implants
When missing one or more teeth, your two main tooth replacement options are dental bridges and implants. Understanding the differences between these two options is essential to making the best decision for you and your smile. Dental bridges are a cheaper and faster solution to tooth replacement.
However, bridges do not last as long as dental implants do. Additionally, dental bridges require dietary restrictions and lifestyle adaptations to maintain your restoration. This is why many patients prefer dental implants to dental bridges. All the hardware is external and exposed with bridges, making your restoration more vulnerable to damage. Our doctors will consult with you on all your options and discuss the short and long-term benefits each option offers.
- Dental Implant FAQs
- Parts of a Dental Implant
- Dental Implant Process
- Dental Implants vs Dentures
- Cost of Dental Implants
Schedule An Appointment
Are you interested in learning more about your tooth replacement options? We hope you will consider visiting our Asheville, NC dentist office. Schedule an appointment with our restorative dentists online now. We look forward to seeing you soon and helping you restore your smile following tooth loss.