Despite considerable improvement in dental care, people still suffer tooth loss for varied reasons. It could be related to tooth decay, an accident, or sometimes, a treatment gone wrong. For decades, dentures were considered to be the only option for replacing lost teeth. Thankfully, we have a better solution in dental implants now. For the uninitiated, dental implants are tooth roots that are placed in the jaw bone of the missing teeth surgically. As the jaw heels, the implants are secured in place, following which an abutment is used to fix replacement teeth.
So, should you consider dental implants as an option? In this post, we take a look at the pros and cons of dental implants and other facts worth knowing.
The benefits
Unlike dentures, implants don’t move around your mouth. This is the closest replacement you can find for missing natural teeth. Also, dental implants are permanent, and as long as you follow the basic care recommended by the dentist, implants can last a lifetime. Expectedly, implants improve appearance and speech considerably when compared to dentures. You will be able to eat and talk more comfortably, which in-turn can improve your confidence and self-esteem. Unlike crowns and other treatments, implants don’t require reducing adjoining teeth, which is also a big advantage.
On the flip side
Not everyone is an ideal candidate for dental implants. One must have enough jaw bone to hold the dental implants in place, and more importantly, they must be able to go through an oral surgery. Also, implants are expensive, especially if you compare the costs with dentures.
‘Am I the ideal candidate for dental implants?’
Your dentist is the best person to explain the same. However, most healthy individuals can consider dental implants without any worry. Care and precautions must be followed, and proper oral hygiene must be maintained. People with conditions like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and those who smoke heavily may not be suited for dental implants.
Things to know
Keep in mind that dental implants require a surgery, and for the jaw bone to heal, it can anywhere between six to eight weeks. Following that, an abutment will be attached to the implant, and replacement teeth will be modeled and fixed. In other words, getting dental implants takes time, which is something to consider. Also, the cost of this treatment is not covered by insurance, unless you have a policy that’s different.
Check online now for clinics near you and talk to your dentist about dental implants!