Are Dental Implants Right for You?

The only way to know if dental implants are right for your individual situation is to talk to your dental professional. However, if you’re considering replacing missing or damaged teeth with dental implants, here is what you should consider.

The Reason for Tooth Loss May Have an Impact on Your Decision to Get Dental Implants

People lose teeth all the time for a variety of reasons. If you have lost one or more teeth due to tooth decay, gum disease, injury, or another reason, dental implants might be a good option.

Unlike bridges or dentures that lie on top of your gums, your dental professional surgically inserts dental implants into your jawbone. They act like the roots of your natural teeth and stabilize the artificial teeth (crowns) that your dentist attaches.

This requires you to have adequate bone height and density. Without sufficient jawbone, your dental professional may have to conduct a bone graft. This adds more bone to the area where your dentist will place the implants. The longer you have been missing teeth the more likely your jawbone has deteriorated in that area.

Which bone grafting procedure your dental professional uses depends on the type, number, and location of your dental implants. However, experts suggest that bone grafting for dental implants has a high success rate. It generally takes four to nine months after bone grafting before your jawbone is ready to accept dental implants.

Dental Implants Require You to Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

One of the most important aspects of choosing dental implants is your ability to care for them. People who have issues such as smoking, pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, or major jawbone loss may find that dental implants are not the right choice for them.

Additionally, you must be willing to maintain good oral hygiene standards. As with any kind of dental treatment, dental implants are only as successful as the care you provide. Even though the artificial tooth won’t decay, daily brushing and flossing as well as regular visits to your dental professional are essential. Your gums are still susceptible to disease.

Experts suggest that two of the most harmful oral habits that affect the ability for successful dental implants are smoking and bruxing (tooth grinding).

Dental Implants Generally Cost More – But Look and Last Longer

The primary benefits of dental implants over other dental prosthetics are their comfort, appearance, convenience, and durability. They more closely resemble your natural teeth than other tooth loss remedies. Naturally, this results in an overall higher initial cost.

However, as we mentioned in last week’s post, most people who have gotten dental implants see them as a worthwhile investment. After all, can you really put a price on your smile?