The unseen benefits of a dental implant in San Francisco
Dental implants have changed the face of restorative dentistry in the past few decades. Traditionally, when a tooth was lost, the only options available for replacement were a dental bridge or partial denture. However, thanks to technological advances in dentistry, a dental implant is considered the preferred option to replace missing teeth.
Dental implants are a standalone restoration; they do not require alteration of the adjacent teeth as dental bridges do. They do not require special techniques for oral hygiene; a dental implant is cleaned in the same way as a natural tooth. Dental bridges require special care, and a floss threader to be cleaned properly.
Removable partial or complete dentures present difficulty with chewing and speaking for some patients. They may have to be secured with denture adhesive to prevent slipping or clicking. Dental implants feel and function just as a natural tooth does, enhancing patient comfort and acceptance.
Dental implants are known for their beauty when topped with a porcelain crown. Their stability restores the ability to chew easily, allowing patients to enjoy their favorite foods. They enhance patient confidence when speaking, because they will not slip or click. They help protect oral health because they are easy to clean effectively. However, one of the most important benefits of dental implants is unseen.
A dental implant connects to the bone differently than a tooth root, but accomplishes the same purpose. Implants are made of titanium, the same material most knee and hip replacements are made of. Titanium biochemically joins (fuses) with bone in a process called osseointegration. This fusion creates the same stability as that of something set in concrete, there is no movement whatsoever.
When a tooth is lost and the bone is no longer stimulated, it begins to dissolve (resorb). An implant transfers the stress pressure of biting or chewing directly to the jawbone, just as natural tooth roots do. This stimulation causes the bone to keep regenerating itself, stabilizing the bone and preventing the bone loss that is inherent with missing teeth. When bone is lost, facial sagging, premature ageing, an increased risk of fractures, and loss of function can result.
Dental implants provide benefits on many levels, both below and above the gumline. Dr. Leo Arellano has protected the oral health and facial beauty of many residents of San Francisco with his skill and expertise. Call 415-881-4343 to schedule a consultation today.
