Whether you’re missing a single tooth or a full arch of teeth, you want a way to restore your smile. You care about the cosmetic results of your replacement tooth, certainly, but you also want it to feel and function like your natural teeth. On top of that, you probably want a replacement tooth that can last.
Dental implants deliver all of that — but they’re not the preferred choice for some because they require surgery to get placed in your mouth. At our office in Downtown, Los Angeles, Silva A. Arejian, DDS, can help you decide on the right replacement tooth or teeth for you. As an expert in dental implants and other replacement tooth options, she’s here to help you get your best full smile.
Here are some instances when she recommends dental implants.
When you want teeth that feel natural
You have three replacement teeth options:
Dentures are removable, while bridges get anchored into your mouth by attaching to the teeth on either side of the gap in your smile.
Generally, people say that bridges feel more like the rest of their teeth than dentures. But nothing compares with the comfort and convenience of dental implants. With this option, Dr. Arejian anchors the replacement tooth in your mouth by implanting (hence the name) a metal post in your jawbone. This serves as the root of your replacement tooth. With this sturdy foundation, the tooth feels and functions just like your natural teeth.
When you want long-lasting replacement teeth
While bridges are preferred to dentures because they won’t move around in your mouth while you eat or talk, they don’t last forever. In fact, bridges need to be replaced every 5-15 years.
Dental implants, on the other hand, can last your lifetime. Even if something happens to the replacement tooth itself, Dr. Arejian can just attach a new tooth to the post in your jawbone. Dental implants give you a way to ensure you never have to worry about that gap in your smile again.
When you want to protect the rest of your smile
If you’re missing teeth, it gives your other teeth the opportunity to shift into that open space. This makes dentures especially problematic, particularly when they’re not worn at night.
With dental implants, you get a full set of teeth just where they should be, securely rooted into your jaw. This ensures that your teeth won’t shift out of place over time, preserving your smile.
Do dental implants sound like a fit for you? If you want to learn more about them or are ready to get your implant(s), call our office or schedule your appointment online today.