Dental Implants: When They’re The Best Option for Replacing Missing Teeth

Thanks to their advanced design features, dental implants have become a popular restorative solution for men and women who lose one or more teeth due to decay, infection, or trauma. Permanently implanted into your jawbone, implants are designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth, an appealing consideration for many people.

That said, dental implants aren’t always recommended for replacing missing teeth. Here, Amy Morris, DDS, and our team at Morris Dental Associates review the significant benefits of dental implants — as well as reasons why they may not always be the ideal choice.

Dental implants: A great solution for missing teeth

Dental implants are favored by a lot of patients, largely because their design mimics that of natural teeth. A dental implant consists of an implantable post or “artificial root” portion attached to an “artificial tooth,” or crown.

The post is embedded in your jaw, and over a period of weeks, the bone fuses with the post, providing a durable attachment able to withstand the rigors of biting and chewing — just like your natural teeth. As a result, dental implants are very secure, eliminating the risk of slippage and sore spots that can happen with dentures.

Implants can also help reduce the risk of future tooth loss by stimulating your jaw bone, supporting the natural bone replacement cycle that keeps your jaw strong and firm. Dentures and bridges rest on the gums, and don’t provide this invaluable bone remodeling stimulation.

When dental implants aren’t the best option

Still, despite their significant oral health benefits, dental implants aren’t always the ideal option for every patient and every situation. Sometimes, dentures or bridges are more suitable.

Remember: Dental implants are embedded in your jaw bone, and if your jaw bone is very thin, it may not be able to support the implant over time. Bone grafting is available, but it’s not always practical or possible, depending on your health issues and other considerations.

There are other reasons that might make dentures or bridges better options, too. Dental implants might not be a good choice for people who:

• Have an autoimmune disorder
• Live with compromised immunity
• Have poorly controlled diabetes
• Have a history of radiation therapy
• Take certain prescription drugs

All of these issues can interfere with proper healing and, in some cases, affect your oral health in the future, increasing the risk of implant failure down the road.

Habits that make implants a poor choice

Implants typically aren’t a good choice for people who smoke, either. Smoking interferes with healing and it also increases the risk of gum disease. Data show that people who smoke have a 140% higher risk of implant failure compared to nonsmokers. 

If you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth (bruxism), especially when you sleep, your implants may weaken under the repeated strain. In this instance, dentures or bridges might be better for you.

Finally, implants require a lifetime commitment to optimal oral hygiene habits, including twice-daily brushing, daily flossing, and twice-yearly dental exams to prevent gum disease and infections. If you don’t feel you’re willing to commit to this routine, then dentures or bridges might be a better choice.

The right restorative solution for your oral health 

No matter which treatment option is better for your needs, one fact is clear: It’s important to replace missing teeth as soon as possible to prevent future problems, like jaw pain, tooth wear, and even future tooth loss. 

At Morris Dental Associates, we offer a variety of restorative dental options, so you can feel confident your treatment will be squarely focused on your individual oral health needs.

Conveniently located in Abilene, Texas, Morris Dental Associates is proud to serve patients in Abilene, Sweetwater, Brownwood, Eastland, and the surrounding areas. To schedule your visit with our team, request an appointment online or over the phone today.