The Life-Changing Benefits of Dental Implants

If you've lost one or more teeth due to dental injury, severe tooth decay, or other dental issues, you're not alone — millions of people face this challenge every day. For some, it has a significant impact on confidence and quality of life. 

The good news is that you don't have to live with missing teeth or settle for uncomfortable dentures. There's a solution that can help you regain your smile and your self-assurance — dental implants. This restorative dental treatment is transforming lives with an impressive success rate of over 95%. 

If you're ready to discover how dental implants can improve your life, keep reading to learn about their remarkable benefits and where to find the highest-rated restorative dentist in Redwood City.

What Are Dental Implants? 

Dental implants are artificial tooth replacements that offer a permanent solution for missing teeth. They consist of three main parts: the implant fixture, the abutment, and the prosthetic tooth. 

1. The implant fixture is a small titanium post that is surgically placed in the jawbone. It acts as an artificial tooth root. 
2. The abutment is a connector piece that attaches to the top of the implant fixture and extends above the gum line. 
3. The prosthetic tooth — typically a custom-made dental crown — is securely attached to the abutment, completing your new smile. 

Dental implants function much like natural tooth roots, providing a strong and stable foundation for your dental prostheses — allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. 

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants? 

Good candidates for dental implants are individuals who meet a couple of key criteria: First and foremost, you should have sufficient bone density in your jaw to support the implant. This is important because the implant needs to fuse with the bone to provide a stable foundation. Candidates must also have healthy gums, free from periodontal disease, as gum health is essential for the success of the implant. Good overall oral hygiene practices are also important, as is a commitment to maintaining them after the implant procedure. Additionally, non-smokers are typically preferred candidates, as smoking can interfere with healing and increase the risk of implant failure. 

What Is the Success Rate of Dental Implants?

Dental implants boast an impressive success rate, with research showing they are successful in about 95-98% of cases. Factors that affect the success of dental implants include: 

• Careful planning and precise placement of the implant by experienced dentists
• Overall health and commitment to good oral hygiene
• Proper care after the procedure, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups
• Bone quality and quantity, as well as their lifestyle choices — such as not smoking

It's important to note that while the success rate of dental implants is high, it can vary depending on the implant's location in the mouth and individual patient factors. For instance, implants placed in the lower front jaw have the highest success rates, while those in the upper back jaw may have slightly lower rates due to lower bone density in that area. 

Three Advantages of Dental Implants

Dental implants are more than just a cosmetic solution for completing a smile — they can significantly improve your quality of life in ways you might not have considered: 

1. Oral Health Benefits of Dental Implants

When you lose a tooth, the jawbone in that area starts to deteriorate because the tooth's root no longer stimulates it. Dental implants act like natural tooth roots, providing the necessary stimulation to keep the bone healthy and strong. This preservation of bone density helps maintain your facial structure, preventing the sunken appearance that often occurs with long-term tooth loss.

Additionally, implants help distribute biting forces evenly across your jaw, reducing stress on remaining natural teeth and helping to prevent further tooth loss. They also make maintaining good oral hygiene easier than other tooth replacement options. 

2. Lifestyle Impact of Dental Implants

Unlike dentures, which can slip or make clicking sounds, implants function just like natural teeth — allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods without worry. You can bite into apples, chew steak, and savor corn on the cob without fear of embarrassment or discomfort. 

Speech also improves with implants, as they don't move around in your mouth, enabling you to speak with clear pronunciation. Perhaps most importantly, implants give you back your smile, boosting your self-esteem and social confidence. Unlike bridges or dentures that may need frequent replacements, implants offer a long-term, durable solution.

3. Emotional and Social Confidence

Many people with missing teeth feel self-conscious about their smile, which can lead to social anxiety and reduced self-esteem. Implants provide a natural-looking solution that allows you to smile, laugh, and speak without worrying about gaps in your teeth or ill-fitting dentures. This boost in confidence can positively affect your personal relationships, professional life, and overall happiness. 

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants are designed to be a long-lasting restorative treatment for missing teeth, and with proper care, they can last a lifetime. The implant itself, which is the titanium post surgically placed in your jawbone, can last for decades without needing replacement. The crown attached to the implant may need to be replaced after 10 to 15 years due to normal wear and tear, similar to natural teeth. However, the longevity of your dental implants largely depends on how well you take care of them and your lifestyle choices. To ensure you get the most out of your investment in dental implants, you should prioritize your oral health and consider a mouth guard if you grind your teeth. 

Where to Find the Best Dental Implant Dentist in Redwood City

As you consider the life-changing benefits of dental implants, look no further than Redwood City Dentistry for expert care. Led by Dr. Tara Firouzi and Dr. Shahrdad Kazerani. Our practice is the premier choice for restorative dentistry in Redwood City, thanks to our commitment to cutting-edge technology, which ensures the most precise dental implant placements and significantly improves success rates and patient outcomes. 

With nearly two decades of experience and a dedication to staying at the forefront of dental innovations, the team at Redwood City Dentistry is uniquely qualified to guide you through your dental implant journey.