Dental implants are one of the longest lasting methods of replacing missing teeth, and there's a reason for that. Dental implants use the astonishing healing and adaptation abilities of the human body to do what they do. Read on to find out how dental implants work and why they're so different from other tooth replacement methods

Other Replacements

Besides dental implants, the other main methods of replacing one or more missing teeth include dentures and bridges. Both of these methods are long-standing traditions, and there's nothing wrong with getting either one of them. However, they're just not as good a solution as dental implants.

Both dentures and dental implants are designed to sit over your gums and jaw bone. Dental bridges are attached to surrounding teeth, while dentures just take the place of your missing teeth and sit on top of the gums. In either case, they don't use the natural mechanisms of your body to support themselves.

Bones

One of the reasons dental implants are set apart is because they're harnessed using your own bones. When your dentist puts in a dental implant titanium post, that post actually goes all the way down into the bone of the jaw. This is just like the roots of a real tooth, which go just as deep. Once there, the bone begins to rebuild itself and grow around the implant, sealing it in place with new bone cells. Implants are extremely sturdy because they work with the body's natural strengths and healing abilities instead of trying to stand on their own.

In addition, dental implants actually support your bone in return. They fill in for the role your teeth once did of transferring pressure to the bone when you bite down. This encourages the bone to grow and restore itself on a regular basis. Other tooth replacements that don't go into the bone can't do this.

Gums

In addition to your bones, dental implants are also supported by your gums. While gums seem soft and pliable, they're actually an essential part at protecting the roots of your teeth from all kinds of invaders, including bacteria. When a dental implant is put in place, the gums close up around it and heal. Once healed, the gums will provide a seal around the implant, helping to keep it still and secure. While other dental replacements simply sit on top of the gums and don't utilize their abilities, dental implants make the most of what your mouth naturally does.

Dental implants are the best solution for missing teeth. If you're tired of having gaps in your smile, talk to a dentist about getting the long-lasting dental implant replacement. 

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