10 reasons to have dental implants

If you have any missing, broken or decayed teeth you may be wondering if dental implants are the right choice for you. The good news is that implants look and feel like your own teeth and can even last a lifetime. Still not convinced?

Top dentist Dr Peter Sanders of Dental Confidence clinic in Southampton shares ten reasons why dental implants are the best available solution to tooth loss.

1. They look natural
Dental implants are simply the closest replacement to natural teeth. The implants are placed within the bone of the jaw and integrate with the bone to create a secure root form. As the crown (or prosthetic tooth) sits in the same position to the gum line as a tooth, most people are unable to tell the difference between natural teeth and an implant. At Dental Confidence, Dr Sanders and his team strive to achieve the best results in terms of the colour of the implant crowns to guarantee the restoration looks natural.

2. They act like a normal tooth
You are able to eat the foods that you enjoy with dental implants as they function like a normal tooth. As the implant consists of a small titanium screw, which is inserted into a tiny hole in the jaw bone, it naturally fuses with the bone to create a strong artificial root.

3. No damage is done to other teeth
Dental implants replace a single tooth without any unnecessary damage to other teeth. Conventional bridges can reduce the two healthy teeth adjacent to a gap to support the structure. Unlike a traditional bridge, an implant has no effect on adjacent teeth and can be cleaned and flossed just like a natural tooth.

4. Dental implants are cost-effective
According to the British Dental Health Foundation: “over the longer term, implants are usually a more cost-effective and satisfactory option.” A bridge tends to last around ten years but an implant is a permanent solution that will not decay or cause any complications to surrounding teeth. This makes it cost-effective in the long run.

5. They last a lifetime
The longevity of a dental implant is generally very high with an average success rate of 95% after ten years. Dental implants provide a highly predictable solution to replace missing teeth. If you care for your dental implants as you would with natural teeth – by attending regular dental appointments and maintaining a healthy lifestyle – they should last a lifetime.

6. You can eat whatever you like
Wearing dentures or having loose or missing teeth may mean that you are limited in terms of what you eat, which means avoiding any foods that are crunchy or chewy. The strength and stability of the implant, however, means that you no longer have to avoid a tough steak or a crunchy apple!

7. You can confidently smile
It is easy to feel unhappy with your smile if you are embarrassed about your teeth. Restoring your missing teeth will allow you to smile confidently again.

8. People won’t know you have implants
Patients have given feedback that when they meet people for the first time, they are completely unaware that they have implants. The invisibility and reliability of implants mean that patients no longer feel self-conscious about their smile.

9. Dental implants prevent ageing
The reduction in jawbone tissue that bridges or dentures cause, can often result in the ageing of the patient’s face. Implants, however, prevent this bone loss and help retain the natural shape of the jaw.

10. Implants restore self-esteem
Dental implants are invisible, discreet, reliable and aesthetically natural, meaning they will inevitably enhance your self-confidence, increase self-esteem and improve appearance.


If you would like to discuss your options for dental implants, do not hesitate to book an appointment with Dr Sanders now.