Living with missing teeth is more than a cosmetic concern; it is a matter of long-term oral and overall health. At Devon Dental Centre, we believe that choosing the right tooth replacement is one of the most significant health decisions you can make.
While options like bridges and dentures have their place, dental implants represent a fundamental advancement in dental technology, offering a level of function, comfort, and durability that other solutions cannot match. We are committed to providing our patients in Devon with comprehensive care, and we consider dental implants to be the premier investment for restoring a complete, healthy smile.
The True Cost of Missing Teeth
Before exploring the solution, it is crucial to understand the problem. A gap in your smile is not merely an empty space. When a tooth is lost, the underlying jawbone, which was stimulated by the tooth root, begins to deteriorate through a process called resorption. This can lead to a sunken facial appearance, making you look older than you are.
Furthermore, adjacent teeth may shift into the gap, causing misalignment, bite issues, and difficulty cleaning, which increases the risk of further tooth decay and gum disease. Replacing a missing tooth is essential for preserving the structural integrity of your jaw and the alignment of your remaining teeth.
The Unmatched Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are small, biocompatible titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. Once integrated with the bone, they provide a permanent foundation for a crown, bridge, or even a full denture. This unique structure is the source of their unparalleled advantages.
1. Restoration of Full Function and Comfort
Unlike removable dentures that can slip or cause sore spots, dental implants are fixed in place. They fuse with your jawbone, becoming a part of you. This allows you to eat, speak, and smile with absolute confidence. You can enjoy all your favorite foods—from crisp apples to a juicy steak—without hesitation, restoring not just your smile but also your quality of life.
2. Preservation of Jawbone and Facial Structure
As the only tooth replacement option that replaces the root, dental implants provide the necessary stimulation to the jawbone to prevent resorption. This maintains your facial contours and prevents the bone loss that typically follows tooth loss. By preserving your natural bone, implants ensure the long-term health of your jaw.
3. Unrivalled Durability and Longevity
While traditional bridges may need replacement every 5-15 years, dental implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. The titanium implant itself is exceptionally durable and biocompatible. The attached crown may eventually need replacement due to normal wear and tear, but the implant foundation remains secure. This longevity makes them a highly cost-effective solution over the long term.
4. Enhanced Oral Health and Hygiene
Dental implants do not require altering the adjacent healthy teeth, as a traditional tooth-supported bridge does. Your natural teeth are left intact, which is better for your overall oral health. Furthermore, implants can be cleaned and flossed just like your natural teeth, promoting excellent hygiene and preventing future dental issues.

Dental Implants vs. Traditional Tooth Replacement Options
We often help patients in Devon compare their options to make an informed decision.
- Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridges: A bridge requires grinding down the healthy teeth on either side of the gap to anchor the prosthetic tooth. This compromises otherwise healthy tooth structure. Implants stand independently, preserving your natural teeth. Bridges also do not prevent bone loss beneath them.
- Dental Implants vs. Dentures: Dentures can be unstable, affect speech, and restrict dietary choices. They also accelerate bone loss in the jaw. Implant-supported dentures offer a secure, stable solution that snaps onto implants, eliminating the worries associated with conventional dentures.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most adults in good general health are candidates for dental implants. Sufficient jawbone density is necessary to support the implant, but if bone loss has occurred, we can often perform bone grafting procedures to create a suitable foundation. The best way to determine your candidacy is to schedule a consultation with our team in Devon.
Investing in Your Smile: A Long-Term Perspective
We acknowledge that the initial cost of a dental implant is higher than that of a bridge or denture. However, it is vital to view this as a long-term investment in your health, comfort, and confidence. When you consider the longevity of implants, the avoidance of future procedures to repair adjacent teeth or replace failed bridges, and the prevention of costly bone grafting later, implants often prove to be the most economically sound choice over a lifetime.
At Devon Dental Centre, we are dedicated to making this life-changing treatment accessible. For more information, feel free to reach us at [email protected] or (780) 987 1046, and let us create a personalized experience just for you.