Dental Implants: Why They’re The Best Option for Replacing Missing Teeth

A missing tooth can affect your confidence, your ability to chew, and the health of your other teeth. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers several ways to replace missing teeth, including dentures, bridges, and implants.

Around half a million people undergo dental implant procedures every year in the United States, but why are implants such a popular option?

Dental implant 101

A dental implant is a threaded post (like a screw) made of titanium. A specialist oral surgeon  surgically places the implant into your jawbone to create a replacement tooth root. Over time, the implant fuses with your bone in a process called osseointegration, making it a permanent part of your mouth.

Once the implant is securely in place, you visit us at Halls Family Dentistry, where we attach a custom-made crown (a realistic-looking artificial tooth) to the top. The result? A strong, natural-looking tooth that functions just like the real thing.

Why dental implants are the best option

There are several ways we can replace a missing tooth. However, dental implants offer unique advantages over dentures and bridges that make them the best long-term solution. Here’s why:

1. They look and feel natural

One of the most significant benefits dental implants offer is how realistic they look and feel. Since they anchor into your jawbone just like a natural tooth, they don’t slip, shift, or feel bulky in your mouth. People won’t even know you have an implant because it matches your existing teeth perfectly.

2. They are built to last

Well-cared-for dental implants could last a lifetime — unlike dentures and bridges, which may need replacing every 5–10 years. The titanium post is incredibly strong and resistant to decay, making it the most durable tooth replacement option available. Studies show that dental implants have survival rates of up to 94.8%

3. They prevent bone loss

When you lose a tooth, the section of the jawbone under the gap begins to shrink from lack of stimulation. This can cause facial sagging and make you look older over time. Dental implants stimulate your jawbone like a natural tooth root, preventing bone loss and helping maintain your face’s natural shape.

4. They protect surrounding teeth

With a traditional dental bridge, we must file and reshape the teeth next to the missing one to support the bridge. This weakens those healthy teeth over time. Dental implants don’t use healthy teeth for support. Instead, they stand alone just like a natural tooth, helping preserve the integrity of your other teeth.

5. No slipping or discomfort

Unlike removable dentures, which can shift when you eat or speak, implants stay securely in place. This eliminates the embarrassment of a denture slipping out mid-conversation and the discomfort of an ill-fitting appliance rubbing against your gums.

6. It’s easier to eat with implants

Dentures can make eating certain foods problematic, especially sticky ones or hard foods like apples and nuts. Dental implants are strong and stable like natural teeth, so you can enjoy these foods without restrictions.

7. Simple care and maintenance

Unlike dentures, which need special cleaning solutions and adhesives, you care for implants just like your natural teeth — brushing, flossing, and visiting us for regular checkups.

Are dental implants right for you?

Dental implants provide an excellent solution for most people, but they may not be right for everyone. You’re likely a good candidate if you:

• Have a healthy jawbone (or are willing to undergo a bone graft)
• Do not have severe gum disease
• Do not smoke or plan to quit (smoking can interfere with healing)
• Want a permanent tooth loss solution rather than a temporary fix

Implants can cost more initially than dentures or bridges, but they represent a long-term investment in oral health. Since they last a lifetime and require little maintenance, they can save you money over time compared to other options that need frequent repairs or replacements.

If you’re missing a tooth and searching for a solution that’s natural-looking, durable, and long-lasting, dental implants are the best option. They restore your smile, protect your bone health, and allow you to eat and speak with confidence, all without affecting your other teeth.

Contact us at Halls Family Dentistry to discuss your tooth replacement options. Call to schedule a consultation, or use our online inquiry form to get in touch.