Dental Implants

Dental implants are high-tech replacement teeth, mimicking the entire tooth structure. Titanium “roots” are inserted snugly into the bone and are used to support crowns, bridges, or dentures. They act, feel, and look like actual teeth and may last a lifetime if cared for properly.

Dr. Eric Yao has positioned hundreds of dental implants and will gladly spend some time going over the procedure’s details and answering all of your questions. We regularly use implant dentistry to replace multiple and single missing teeth.

Implant technology has become the cutting-edge tooth replacement option because of its benefits over past treatments. Plus, with modernized dentistry innovations, the majority of patients will benefit from them – even the ones who were previously told they couldn’t.

Advantages and Benefits of Implants

• Implants behave just like natural teeth

One of the main benefits of a dental implant is that it will restore complete chewing power. The majority of dentist Shoreline patients cannot differentiate between their real teeth and a dental implant tooth. They may eat with it like normal, and they may also floss and brush like normal.

• Implants may last a lifetime

A dental bridge might just last about ten years or so, but implants may last a lifetime. The dental implant is designed of titanium and integrates with the patient’s jawbone. It is bio-compatible, which means that it is non-toxic and not rejected by a patient’s body. Overall, it makes a powerful tooth replacement.

• Implants prevent loss of bone

Bone loss happens in the jaw once there aren’t any tooth roots (or dental implants) keeping a jawbone stimulated. Where there isn’t any tooth, your jawbone inside the empty space deteriorates because of a lack of stimulation. If no dental implant is positioned in the first year of tooth loss, that bone space loses 25 percent of its volume, and bone loss proceeds over time. Dentures may even accelerate bone loss since they frequently become loose and rub against your bony ridge, slowly wearing it away. Because the dental implant replaces the root in addition to the tooth, and chewing gets restored to normal, it will provide the necessary stimulation for the natural growth of bone.

• Implants keep nearby teeth stable

The gap from missing teeth may cause nearby teeth to shift crookedly towards the gap. It pulls the teeth out of position and may impact your bite, your capability of chewing, and your appearance. It may cause interference, making tooth replacement challenging later on. Also, a poor bite may cause problems with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and might result in headaches and pain.

• Implants may help to keep your gums disease-free

Sagging of the face may be an undesired effect of bone loss that results from missing teeth. It’s where the bottom third of the face begins collapsing, slowly closing the distance between the top of your nose and your chin. Changes may involve excessive wrinkling around your mouth, thinning lips, as well as a more pointy chin, which makes the individual appear much older than her or his real age. Once the tooth roots are left un-replaced, like traditional dentures, the face may start sagging as bone mass deteriorates. Implants may keep that from happening.

Dentures vs. Dental Implants

Implants offer a better experience as compared with dentures. Even dentures that fit the person well originally start slipping and becoming painful after a while, because of an increase in bone loss. It is hard to keep any denture continuously stable because of wear on the bony ridges that they clamp onto. The most annoying aspect of dentures, as well as the unhealthiest, is their poor chewing capability. A lot of people are forced to limit their diets because they don’t have the ability to chew specific foods using their dentures.

If you’re determining between an implant-supported restoration or traditional dentures, here are things you should consider:

  • Dentures must frequently be kept in your mouth through the use of a dental adhesive. Sometimes this requires re-glues after eating meals. A dental implant-supported denture does not require adhesive.
  • For cleaning, dentures must be removed. Except for removable dental implant-retained dentures, an implant-supported restoration may be cared for by flossing and brushing.
  • Dentures cover the tip of the mouth. With dental implants, there isn’t anything covering the top of your mouth to interfere with your sense of taste or additional regular activities. Also, implant-supported dentures may be constructed without a palate.
  • Dentures may slip out when speaking or eating. Implant-supported dentures and implants are anchored securely and will not slip out.
  • It is difficult to chew food with dentures, and you cannot eat many of the foods you need or like. Dentures may move when chewing, which can be frustrating, and also makes it hard to chew! As a matter of fact, dentures usually have only 10 percent or less of complete chewing power. Implants have complete chewing power, and dentures or implant-supported bridges also significantly increase chewing power.
  • Dentures might click when eating. With implant-supported dentures or implants, there isn’t any irritating clicking noise.
  • Dentures do not offer the stimulation necessary to prevent bone loss. Your jawbone must have the stimulation of high-pressure chewing in order to keep its volume. Dental implants ensure that no jawbone gets lost.
  • Progressive bone loss caused by wearing dentures may cause collapse of the face. Over time, bone loss may cause the collapse of the bottom third of the face, which creates excess wrinkles, sagging jowls and skin, a sunken-in appearance, and thinning lips. It may significantly age someone’s appearance. Dental implants prevent the loss of bone.

Dental Bridges vs. Dental Implants

Dental bridges consist of false teeth supported by capped nearby teeth. They’re used to replace one or even two missing teeth. Bridges require two frequently healthy teeth to be altered – not the best method of replacing missing teeth, as compared with dental implants. Bridges usually have short lives, 5 - 10 years, as compared with dental implants, which may last a lifetime. Therefore, while bridges can occasionally be initially less expensive, in the long term, an implant may cost less.

Free Implant Consultation

Come and meet with Shoreline dentist Dr. Eric Yao and hear more information on the different solutions for missing teeth and details about the implant procedure.

  • Consult with the dentist
  • Learn more information on the various treatment solutions
  • Discover if you are an implant candidate
  • Get all of your questions answered concerning implants
  • Written plan of treatment

To book an appointment with the best Shoreline dentist, Dr. Eric Yao, call 206-487-7800 or click online here to make a request for an appointment.