If you’re missing a single tooth, you might be wondering about the best solution for replacing it. While there are several options, dental implants stand out as one of the most reliable and long-lasting choices. Unlike traditional dental bridges, dental implants offer unique benefits that can make a significant difference in both your oral health and overall well-being.
At Oral Facial Surgery of Delaware, we specialize in helping patients restore their smiles with dental implants. Whether you’ve lost a tooth due to decay, injury, or disease, a dental implant can provide a natural-looking and functional replacement.
Single Tooth Implants in Delaware
A dental implant is a small titanium post that is surgically placed into your jawbone to act as a replacement for the root of a missing tooth. Once the implant is in place, a custom-made crown is attached to the top, giving you a fully functional and aesthetically pleasing replacement tooth. Over time, the titanium implant fuses with the bone in a process called osseointegration, which makes the implant as strong and stable as a natural tooth root.
This method of tooth replacement offers a permanent solution that mimics the look and feel of your natural teeth. Unlike dental bridges, which rely on adjacent teeth for support, dental implants stand alone, which means they don’t require altering healthy teeth.
Why Choose a Dental Implant Over a Dental Bridge?
While dental bridges are a common way to replace a missing tooth, they have several limitations when compared to dental implants. Here are the key reasons why implants often offer superior benefits for replacing a single missing tooth.
First, dental implants help preserve your jawbone. When a tooth is lost, the bone in the jaw where the tooth once was can begin to deteriorate over time. This is because the tooth’s root no longer stimulates the bone. A dental implant, however, mimics the natural tooth root, helping to maintain bone density and prevent bone loss. This benefit can be particularly important in the long term, as bone loss in the jaw can affect the appearance of your face and may lead to further dental problems.
In contrast, dental bridges do not address bone loss. While they restore the appearance of your smile and help with chewing, they don’t prevent the bone loss that can occur after tooth loss. Since dental bridges rely on adjacent teeth for support, they don’t provide the same stimulation to the jawbone as an implant does.
Another important advantage of dental implants is their durability. When properly cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime. The titanium implant itself is incredibly strong and resistant to decay, and the crown attached to the implant is custom-designed to match the natural appearance of your teeth. Over time, a dental bridge may need to be replaced due to wear and tear, and the supporting teeth may require additional treatment, such as root canals or crowns.
Dental implants also offer better functionality. Since they are securely anchored in the jawbone, implants provide the same level of strength and stability as natural teeth. You can eat, speak, and smile with confidence without worrying about your replacement tooth shifting or slipping. In contrast, dental bridges may not be as secure, especially if the supporting teeth experience any changes over time. This can lead to discomfort or even damage to the bridge.
A key difference between dental implants and dental bridges is how they affect your healthy teeth. For a dental bridge to work, the two adjacent teeth must be altered to make space for the crowns that support the bridge. This involves removing some of the healthy enamel from the adjacent teeth, which can weaken them and make them more susceptible to decay. With dental implants, however, there is no need to touch or alter the surrounding teeth. The implant stands alone, meaning your healthy teeth are left untouched.
Finally, dental implants are easier to maintain. With a dental bridge, you need to be careful about cleaning around the bridge and the supporting teeth. Over time, food particles can get trapped under the bridge, increasing the risk of plaque buildup and decay. With a dental implant, you can care for it just like a natural tooth—brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly to ensure it remains healthy. The crown on the implant can also be replaced if it becomes worn, ensuring your smile stays as good as new.
Schedule a Consultation at Oral Facial Surgery of Delaware
If you’re missing a tooth and are considering dental implants, the first step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Conor Campbell. He will assess your oral health, discuss your options, and help you decide if a dental implant is the right solution for you.
At Dr. Campbell’s practice, we are committed to providing high-quality care and restoring your smile with precision and expertise. Call us today at 302-335-6123 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your consultation and learn more about how dental implants can benefit you.