There’s something deeply personal about your smile; it’s how you connect, express joy, and show the world who you are. So when tooth loss enters the picture, it can feel like more than just a physical change; it can touch your confidence, comfort, and even your sense of self. At our Encino dental practice, we meet patients every day who are ready to reclaim that part of themselves, and more and more often, they’re turning to dental implants as the solution.
You may be wondering why you should choose dental implants instead of traditional dentures. Dental implants offer something many patients crave: permanence, peace of mind, and a return to normal life without the worry of slipping dentures, messy adhesives, or food restrictions. They're designed to look, feel, and function just like natural teeth, helping patients speak confidently and eat their favorite foods again.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the top 5 reasons Encino patients choose dental implants over dentures and why this life-changing option might be the right choice for you.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed into your jawbone; it replaces your tooth’s roots and is used as the base for a dental restoration.
The three phases of the dental implant process include the following:
- Implant — We will precisely place the dental implant into your jaw. Over the next few months, it will fuse with your jawbone in a process known as osseointegration.
- Abutment — Once your jaw heals, we’ll add an abutment, or connector, to your implant. The abutment will hold your restoration in place.
- Restoration — Depending on how many teeth you’re missing, we’ll complete the implant process with a custom dental crown, bridge, or denture.
Top 5 Reasons Our Patients Choose Implants Over Traditional Dentures
Choosing the best way to replace your missing teeth is a big decision. Many patients think traditional dentures are their only option, while others are unsure how dental implants work and whether they are eligible for this treatment option. We encourage you to contact our dental office for an implant consultation; during this visit, we’ll discuss all the pros and cons of implants and traditional dentures and help you make an informed decision.
Here are the most significant reasons our patients choose implants over traditional dentures:
Natural Look and Feel — Dental implants mimic your tooth’s roots; they are surgically placed into your jawbone, and once they heal, we’ll add a dental crown, bridge, or denture to complete the process. Part of your treatment plan includes matching your new teeth to the color, shape, and size of your remaining natural teeth. They look and feel so natural that you won’t even have implants.
No Slipping or Clicking — Unlike traditional dentures, dental implants hold your prosthetic teeth firmly in place. They won’t slip or move when you speak or eat, and you won’t have to worry about messy dental adhesives. You also won’t have to endure the clicking sounds when your dentures don’t fit properly. These issues often lead to numerous dental visits.
Long-Term Durability — Dental implants can last for decades or even a lifetime if you properly care for them. They are considered a permanent tooth replacement option, unlike traditional dentures, which can require frequent relining and repair and must be replaced after a few years. Implants can also withstand the same wear and tear as your natural teeth.
Jawbone Preservation — Dental implants do more than improve your smile’s aesthetic beauty; they also offer essential health benefits. When you have missing teeth, your jawbone shrinks over time. Dental implants stimulate your jawbone and keep it healthy. They also help you maintain your facial structure and keep it from looking sunken. Traditional dentures can’t do that.
No Limitations — You can eat all your favorite foods when you choose dental implants instead of traditional dentures. You won’t have to worry about biting into an apple or enjoying a piece of crusty bread or a juicy steak. Imagine eating whatever you want without worrying about whether your teeth can tolerate the force.
Caring for Your New Smile
Once you’ve filled the gaps in your smile, caring for your new implants is essential to keep them looking and feeling their best.
Fortunately, caring for your implants is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Make sure to follow these tips:
- Brush your teeth — You should brush your teeth twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. This will keep your implants clean and fresh.
- Floss your teeth — Even though your implants can’t get cavities, that doesn’t mean plaque buildup won’t be a problem. This can cause gum disease, so be sure to floss around your implants each day.
- Rinse with mouthwash — After you brush and floss, consider rinsing your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash. This will help eliminate bacteria and keep your gums healthy and happy.
- Avoid smoking — You know that smoking is harmful to your health, but it can also cause issues with dental implants. Smoking can reduce the blood flow to your gums and interfere with healing. Consider quitting before your procedure.
- Consider a mouthguard — Clenching or grinding your teeth can put too much pressure on your dental implants. Talk to our dental team about a custom mouthguard to protect your implants.
- Make regular dental visits — Routine checkups and cleanings are important to your oral health journey. Be sure to schedule a dental exam every six months. This allows us to monitor your implants.
- Eat healthy foods — You should eat a diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients to keep your gums and bones healthy. This can help with implant stability.
Considering Dental Implants in Encino?
If you think dental implants might be a good tooth replacement option for your smile, we’d love to speak with you! At Signature Smiles of LA, we can customize a treatment plan suited to your smile goals, timeline, and budget.
To learn more about the dental implant procedure and how to achieve the smile of your dreams, contact our dental office at (310) 861-2348.
We hope to hear from you soon.