Why Dental Implants are Popular for Tooth Replacement

At Springs Dental, Dr. Daniel Pulsipher and his team have been providing patients with missing teeth using dental restorations. Murrieta, CA patients often desire restorations such as dental implants because of their longevity and natural function.

What are the benefits of a dental implant?

There are several advantages to dental implants, which make them a popular choice for many of the patients who visit Springs Dental in Murrieta. Dental implants:

Can last a lifetime. With proper care, many patients will enjoy their dental implants for the rest of their lives.
Function and feel like natural teeth. Because the implant is stabilized in the jawbone, it functions just as the rest of the teeth do without additional care or attention.
Protect against bone atrophy. Dental implants keep the bone structure of the jaw in place, fighting against the natural bone loss process that can occur after losing teeth.
Supports and stabilizes dental restorations. Dental implants can be restored using a crown, bridge, or denture.
Are versatile and are used in many different tooth loss situations. This includes replacing one, several, or all the teeth in the dental arch.
Prevent premature aging of the jaw and chin area. Shrinking of the bone can cause a “sunken” appearance to the chin and jaw area, contributing to an aged appearance.
Look completely natural within the smile. Dental implants are covered with porcelain restorations made to match the patient’s smile, ensuring a natural look when completed.

Dental implant vs. other restorations

Other dental restorations are readily available for patients faced with tooth loss. This includes dental bridges and dentures. Dental bridges are porcelain restorations that use a false tooth in the middle of dental crowns. The crowns are placed over the adjacent teeth to hold the dental bridge. This restoration is best for patients who are missing one or more teeth in a row and have supporting teeth on each side. Alternatively, some patients may choose dentures. Partial dentures and full dentures are readily available and are removable appliances that are economical for patients missing teeth. Additionally, patients may use dental implants to support a full denture, creating an implant-retained denture for those missing all the teeth in the dental arch. During a consultation appointment, Dr. Daniel Pulsipher will determine if a patient is a good fit for these alternatives and use them as other considerations when patients are making a choice right for their needs.

What is the dental implant process like?

To obtain dental implants, patients undergo an oral surgery procedure to place the implant directly into the jaw’s bone. One or more implants may be placed during the same treatment. The gum tissue is sutured, and the process of bone growth called osseointegration begins. This is what gives the dental implant the proper foundation and stability it is known for. Once the dental implants are firmly in place, patients work with their dentist to place the dental restoration on the abutment above the gum line. This may be a crown, bridge, or denture. These restorations are made with porcelain to match the patient’s existing smile, allowing implants to be a reliable and natural-looking restoration for patients. The entire process can take several weeks and months but allow for a fixed, permanent solution to missing teeth.

How do I learn more about dental implants?

Murrieta, CA area patients considering dental implants are welcome to talk to the team at Springs Dental to determine if they are an appropriate candidate. Appointments can be made by calling (951) 461-2310 and requesting a visit at 39755 Murietta Hot Springs Road, Suite A110. The office accepts new and existing patients and families on the hunt for the right tooth replacement option for their smiles!