What Makes Dental Implants Different
Dental implants work differently from any other tooth replacement option because they replace the entire tooth structure, not just the visible crown. A small titanium post enters your jawbone where the natural tooth root once existed. This post fuses with your bone over several months through a process called osseointegration, creating an incredibly strong foundation.
Once the implant integrates fully, Dr. Gregory Spencer attaches a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture to the post. The result looks, feels, and functions just like your natural teeth. You can bite into an apple, chew steak, and smile confidently without worrying about slippage or discomfort.
Traditional bridges and dentures sit on top of your gums or attach to adjacent teeth, which creates limitations that implants simply don’t have. Implants stand independently, preserving your other teeth and preventing the bone loss that typically follows tooth loss.
Preserving Your Jawbone and Facial Structure
Most people don’t realize this until it’s explained to them: your jawbone needs stimulation from tooth roots to maintain its density and volume. When you lose a tooth, the bone in that area begins to deteriorate because it no longer receives the pressure and stimulation from chewing. Over time, this bone loss changes your facial structure, creating a sunken appearance that makes people look older than they are.
Dental implants prevent this deterioration by functioning exactly like natural tooth roots. The implant post stimulates the surrounding bone each time you chew, maintaining bone density and preserving facial contours. This benefit makes implants worth considering, even if you’re primarily focused on cosmetic concerns.
No other tooth replacement option provides this critical advantage. Bridges and dentures might restore your smile’s appearance, but only implants actively protect your long-term oral health and facial structure.
Eating Without Restrictions or Worry
Remember what it felt like to bite into your favorite foods without thinking twice? Dental implants restore that freedom. Because they anchor securely into your jawbone, implants can handle the same biting force as natural teeth—roughly 200 to 250 pounds per square inch for back molars.
This stability means you can enjoy crunchy vegetables, chewy meats, crusty bread, and all the foods that become challenging or impossible with traditional dentures. There’s no slippage, no painful rubbing, and no need to cut everything into tiny pieces before eating. You simply eat normally, which makes dining out and social occasions much more enjoyable.
Patients often tell Dr. Gregory Spencer that regaining the ability to eat their favorite foods ranks among the most meaningful benefits of choosing implants. Food is such a central part of our lives and culture—being able to participate fully in meals with family and friends matters more than many people initially realize.
Speaking Clearly and Confidently
Missing teeth, especially front teeth, can significantly affect your speech. Certain sounds require your tongue to press against your teeth, and gaps change how air flows through your mouth when you talk. Traditional dentures sometimes slip or click during conversation, which creates embarrassing moments and makes people self-conscious about speaking up.
Dental implants eliminate these concerns. Because they stay firmly in place and fill the gaps in your smile, you can speak naturally without adjusting your pronunciation or worrying about denture movement. Your speech patterns return to normal, and conversations become effortless again.
Long-Term Value and Durability
While dental implants require a larger upfront investment than some alternatives, they typically last 25 years or longer—often for the rest of your life with proper care. Compare this to bridges that need replacement every 5 to 15 years, or dentures that require refitting and replacement as your mouth changes shape due to bone loss.
When you calculate the total cost of ownership over decades, implants often prove more economical than supposedly “cheaper” options that need frequent repairs, adjustments, or complete replacements. You’re investing once in a permanent solution rather than paying repeatedly for temporary fixes.
The implant placement process at Spencer Dental uses advanced techniques and high-quality materials that maximize the likelihood of long-term success. Dr. Gregory Spencer’s expertise ensures proper positioning, adequate bone integration, and optimal functionality that stands the test of time.
Caring for Implants Like Natural Teeth
One of the most practical benefits of dental implants Maryville patients appreciate is the straightforward maintenance routine. You brush and floss your implants exactly like you would natural teeth—no special cleaning solutions, no overnight soaking, no adhesive creams or messy removal procedures.
This simplicity makes implants especially appealing to people who don’t want their tooth replacement to dominate their daily routine. You maintain your regular oral hygiene habits, visit Spencer Dental for routine checkups and cleanings, and your implants continue functioning beautifully year after year.
The titanium posts themselves can’t develop cavities, but you must still protect the surrounding gum tissue from infection. Proper oral hygiene and regular professional care keep the soft tissues healthy and ensure your implants remain stable and problem-free.
Solutions for Multiple Missing Teeth
Losing several or all your teeth on one or both arches presents unique challenges that traditional dentures often can’t adequately address. All-on-4 dental implants offer an innovative solution that replaces an entire arch of teeth using just four strategically placed implants.
This technique provides the stability and permanence of implants without requiring an implant for each missing tooth. The result is a full, natural-looking smile that functions like real teeth, all supported by a minimal number of implant posts. It’s an efficient, cost-effective approach for patients who’ve lost most or all of their teeth.
Dr. Gregory Spencer and Dr. Ronald Spencer evaluate each patient’s unique situation to determine the most appropriate implant solution. The team at Spencer Dental takes time to understand your goals, assess your oral health, and create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.
Making Implants Accessible and Affordable
The benefits of dental implants become meaningless if you can’t afford the treatment. Spencer Dental understands this reality and works with patients to find financial solutions that make implant dentistry accessible. Our membership plan provides an alternative for patients without traditional dental insurance, offering predictable costs and comprehensive care benefits.
During your consultation, we discuss all costs upfront, explaining what’s included and helping you understand your investment. Many patients find that spreading payments over time makes implants surprisingly affordable, especially considering their long-term value and durability.
Expert Dental Implants in Maryville
Living with missing teeth affects your confidence, comfort, and overall quality of life. Dental implants offer a proven, permanent solution that restores your smile’s appearance and full functionality. You deserve to eat what you want, speak clearly, and smile without hesitation.
At Spencer Dental, Dr. Gregory Spencer and Dr. Ronald Spencer combine decades of experience with advanced implant techniques to deliver exceptional results. Every patient receives individualized attention and a treatment plan for their unique situation.
Ready to explore how dental implants can transform your life? Contact Spencer Dental today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward reclaiming your complete, confident smile.