Dental Implants: Why Their Popularity is Rising

Dental implants have certainly grown in popularity as of late, and the reasons for this burst in prevalence are many. An implant is usually referring to an artificial root the dentist puts into the patient’s gumline. This root, typically made with titanium, is designed to act as a replacement for the natural tooth that was there previously. By inserting it down into the bone of the jaw, it allows the replacement tooth to stay there much more easily. Though certainly more expensive than a set of dentures or other easily-removed replacements, the advantages are numerous.

Appearance
There’s no question that the number one reason for the rising popularity of dental implants is the appearance possible from the system. Now, the implants themselves can’t be seen, so it isn’t that. But the titanium root makes it possible for the dentist to apply much better replacement teeth into the mouth, and these are far more convincing than the dentures of old. People go for replacement teeth for one of two reasons, and it is usually a combination of both: appearance and function. Now that we see how this system works on appearance, how does it do in the second category?

Function
This is where dental implants really have their chance to shine. If you’ve ever dealt with dentures or other tooth replacements, you know that they can be a real pain in the neck (or gumline, if you prefer). Falling out, causing you to gag, breaking—these are all problems that most replacement systems share. These problems simply aren’t there with this system. They screw into the titanium root and there they will stay. Permanently. As long as you practice good oral hygiene and get into the dentist for a checkup on a regular basis, they could very well last for the rest of your life.

Speech
If you’ve ever listened to someone try to talk after just getting a new set of dentures, you know what this is about. And why wouldn’t it be like that? Have you ever tried to have a conversation while wearing a boxer’s mouthpiece? It isn’t easy. Dentures aren’t quite that bad, but some of the same effect is certainly present. Dental implants take this difficulty away and allow the patient to practice their usually speech functions without impediment.

Oral Health
When people think of dental implants, they don’t consider the effects it can have on the overall health of the mouth. However, keeping the mouth as close to natural as possible—which is what this system does—can prevent your other teeth from sliding out of position and can help to prevent further gum and bone deterioration.