Built to Last: Why Dental Implants Are the Gold Standard for Missing Teeth

Let’s get one thing out of the way—losing a tooth isn’t just about looks. It’s about function, confidence, comfort, and long-term health. Whether it’s due to injury, decay, or gum disease, missing even one tooth can throw everything out of balance. Chewing gets tricky, speech can change, and the jawbone? It starts to shrink without that natural stimulation from a tooth root.

So what’s the answer when you want something that actually feels like a real tooth—not just looks like one?

Dental implants.

They’re not a trend or a shortcut. Dental implants are the gold standard in tooth replacement. At Marlton Modern Dentistry in Marlton, NJ, dental implants are helping patients reclaim their smiles, and their lives, one confident bite at a time.

The Basics: What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is more than just a replacement tooth. It’s a three-part system that mimics the entire structure of a natural tooth:

1. Titanium post – placed into the jawbone where it acts like a tooth root
2. Abutment – connects the post to the crown
3. Dental crown – the part that looks and functions like a real tooth

Once the implant is in place and fully healed (thanks to a process called osseointegration), it’s rock solid. It doesn’t wiggle or slide, and it doesn’t rely on surrounding teeth for support. That’s what sets it apart from bridges or dentures.

Why Dental Implants Are a Game-Changer

It’s not just about filling in gaps—it’s about restoring your mouth to full strength. Let’s walk through some of the ways dental implants outperform other options.

Long-Term Strength and Stability

Once fully healed, implants are fused to your bone. That means no slipping, no adhesives, and no awkward clicking sounds. You can bite into an apple, laugh out loud, and speak clearly without second-guessing your smile.

Bone Health Preservation

When a natural tooth is lost, the jawbone underneath begins to deteriorate. Implants are the only tooth replacement option that stimulate the bone—just like a real tooth root—keeping your jawline intact and strong.

A Natural Look and Feel

Dental implants are custom-made to match the shape, size, and color of your surrounding teeth. No one will know it’s not real… and honestly, you might forget too.

No Extra Maintenance

Unlike removable dentures, implants don’t need to be taken out, soaked overnight, or carefully clipped in. Brush, floss, and visit the dentist—just like always.

The Dental Implant Process: What to Expect

Getting a dental implant isn’t an overnight fix—but it’s well worth the journey. Here’s how the process typically goes at Marlton Modern Dentistry:

Step 1: Consultation and Planning

Your journey starts with a thorough exam, including 3D imaging to assess bone quality and map out the implant site. If your jawbone needs a little extra support, bone grafting may be recommended first.

Step 2: Implant Placement

The titanium implant is surgically placed into your jawbone. Don’t worry—it sounds scarier than it is. Most patients say it’s easier than a tooth extraction. Healing takes several weeks, allowing the implant to bond with the bone.

Step 3: Abutment Placement

Once the implant is fully integrated, the abutment is added to connect the implant to your crown.

Step 4: Final Restoration

Your custom crown is attached, designed to blend seamlessly with your smile. At this point, the implant looks, feels, and functions like the real deal.

Who’s a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Great question—because not everyone is a perfect fit right out of the gate. But that doesn’t mean they’re off the table. Here’s what typically makes someone a strong candidate:

• One or more missing teeth
• Good overall health
• Healthy gums with no active gum disease
• Adequate bone density in the jaw

Even if you’re not quite there yet, procedures like bone grafting or sinus lifts can help you become implant-ready. The team at Marlton Modern Dentistry will walk you through all your options.

Real Benefits, Backed by Research

Dental implants are more than a cosmetic fix—they’re a long-term investment in your health. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) and the Journal of Dental Research, implants have a success rate of over 95%. That’s a serious track record.

Here’s why the pros are on board:

1. Durability

Most dental implants last 15–25 years or more with proper care—far longer than bridges or dentures.

2. Improved Oral Health

Unlike traditional bridges, implants don’t require grinding down nearby teeth for support. That means less damage to healthy structures and better long-term outcomes.

3. Better Functionality

Dental implants restore 90% or more of normal chewing function, allowing patients to enjoy a full diet without restrictions.

4. Mental and Emotional Confidence

Let’s not underestimate the emotional side of things. Missing teeth can affect self-esteem and mental health. Restoring your smile with implants often brings renewed confidence in both personal and professional life.

Taking Care of Your Implant: Easy and Worth It

Once your implant is in place, maintaining it is straightforward. Just treat it like a natural tooth:

• Brush twice daily
• Floss around the implant
• Visit your dentist every 6 months
• Don’t use your teeth to open packages (you know who you are)

Smoking can reduce the success of implants, so if you're looking for a sign to quit—that might be it.

Why Marlton Modern Dentistry?

Getting dental implants is a team effort—and having the right experts matters. At Marlton Modern Dentistry, every step of the process is handled with precision and care. Dr. Rockwell and the team focus on your comfort, health, and long-term success.

They don’t rush. They don’t guess. They take the time to make sure your dental implant is placed properly, looks beautiful, and lasts as long as it’s supposed to.

Reclaim Your Confidence with Dental Implants

Dental implants do more than just fill a gap—they restore your freedom. To eat what you want. To smile without hesitation. To live without worrying about your teeth.

If you're ready to find out if dental implants are right for you, contact Marlton Modern Dentistry at 856-702-0777 to schedule your consultation and explore your options.