Dental Implants: Why They're Your Best Choice for Replacing Missing Teeth

Your top priority may be correcting the cosmetic effects of missing teeth, and that’s certainly a justifiable concern. Dentists also care about how your smile makes you feel. You may have noticed, though, that they also care very much about keeping your gums, jaws, and teeth healthy.

Aishwarya Kumar, DDS, at Aqua Dentistry in San Jose, California, provides the most advanced and effective dental services available to people of all ages. She and her team are also known for their patient-friendly approach to dentistry that keeps you feeling comfortable and respected throughout your visit. 

Always focused on providing the information her patients require to make informed decisions about their oral health, Dr. Kumar explains why dental implants offer the best of both worlds: a smile that’s as healthy as it is beautiful.

How are dental implants different from other options for replacing missing teeth?

Traditional tooth replacement options such as removable bridges and dentures ride on the surface of your gums.

Dental implants contain both a manufactured “root” system and a prosthetic crown, the visible portion of your tooth. The root portion of an implant is made from bio-friendly metal, often titanium, that’s surgically implanted into your jaw and capped later with a realistic-appearing crown.

Once healed, a single implant can hold one or several prosthetic crowns in place which very closely mimic the form and function of your natural teeth. 

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Dental implants offer a wide variety of benefits related to your oral health and smile factor, not the least of which is their ability to integrate with your jawbone.

This provides superior stability and helps stop the natural process of bone remodeling, which occurs when your body reabsorbs bone tissue that’s not in use.

When you have missing teeth or use bridges or dentures that ride on top of your gums, your jaw loses bone density through remodeling, and the structural support it offers your face declines over time. Dental implants help prevent that.

Other benefits of dental implants include: 

• Natural looking
• None of the slippage that’s possible with dentures
• Improved self confidence
• Enhanced structural support for surrounding teeth and gums
• Nearly normal bite force, which is often significantly reduced with dentures
• Long lasting and highly durable

Many individuals also appreciate their easy care, just brush and floss daily and visit Aqua Dentistry every six months for routine oral health exams.

During these visits, Dr. Kumar checks the health of your gums and natural teeth as well as the condition of your dental implants.

How many teeth can you replace with dental implants?

Dr. Kumar creates personalized treatment plans based on your needs and the results of your initial dental exam. She may recommend dental implants to replace a single tooth or several missing teeth. Implants are also a highly effective alternative to full or partial dentures.

For a smile that’s both healthy and beautiful, schedule a visit with Dr. Kumar at Aqua Dentistry today. Call the office or request an appointment online.