The humble dental implant is a two-part device that mimics a natural tooth more closely than any partial dentures or bridge. Each dental implant attaches to a post that is surgically inserted in the jaw so it bonds with the bone tissue. That means that the implant better withstands the usual biting forces when you’re chewing. There are many potential benefits to dental implants depending on the number of teeth you are missing and how you plan to handle your dental health in the future. Make sure this kind of restoration work is right for you by considering the potential advantages.
Stronger Bites and Better Smiles
Many people first consider dental implants because missing teeth or traditional dentures are interrupting their usual bite strength. Gaps in your bite make it harder to deal with chewy foods that you might love. Dentures fill in the space, but they’re hard to keep in place when chewing or biting with a lot of force. They can also become damaged by some of your favorite crunchy or sticky foods. In contrast, dental implants are usually strong enough to let you eat anything you like since they’re similar to your natural teeth.
Dental implants work better than other types of prosthetic devices to fill in the gaps in your smile as well. They sit in the same place as your missing natural teeth, and the visible crown is easily colored to match the rest of your smile. No one will guess you have dental implants except your dentist. Many people choose dental implants for their aesthetic appeal alone. It’s possible to have the crown resurfaced or replaced if it becomes stained over time, allowing you to whiten the teeth around the implant and get a perfect match once again.
Even your speech patterns may improve once you have dental implants in place, especially if you have more than a few teeth missing. Many people struggle with being understood after having a significant loss of teeth. Dentures tend to exacerbate the problem until you adapt. Implants stay in place and act just like your natural teeth when you speak, restoring your self-confidence and requiring little time to adapt.
Lifetime Dental Implants Cost
Dental implants last for decades, usually the rest of your lifespan, when treated with care. In contrast, other options like bridges and partial dentures need replacement every 10 years or less. Consider the cost of replacing and repairing dental devices when pricing them. Dental implants cost a little more at first than these other options, but they may not need any work for the rest of your life. That results in long-term savings and fewer dental expenses later in life when you may not have the same kind of insurance coverage. The individual tooth implant cost varies depending on the work needed and your dentist's costs, so make sure you ask about the total cost of the procedure. You may find it's more affordable than you might have first thought since dental implant costs have been dropping.
The Quick Results of All On Four Implants
Some types of implants are also as quick as full dentures for restoring a smile in a hurry. All on Four implants are a good option for anyone with most or all of their teeth missing. Full or partial denture plates are held in place by four strategically placed implanted posts. This reduces the amount of surgery needed to install the posts and reduces opportunities for gum irritation or infection. You get the full replacement you need while still enjoying the anchoring effect of implants. Nothing renovates a smile faster than this kind of dental implant procedure, but only your dentist can determine if you’re a good candidate for it.
Simple Installation Procedure
Most patients with a few teeth missing will need little preparation before the implant process begins. If your teeth have been missing for many years or you’ve had issues with gum disease, you may need some additional bone and gum grafting first. Even these procedures are relatively straightforward and take a few weeks of healing before you move on to the next step. Your dentist can clearly explain each step in the process and what to expect so you know when your smile will be restored. There are relatively few complications related to dental implants and your dentist can help you avoid them.
If you’re ready for dental implants near me, make an appointment with your dentist. They can advise you on what options will work best for your smile. Individual gaps in the smile are filled with single implants, but larger gaps may call for a partial denture that is supported by the implants. There’s a solution for every smile and you’ll soon have a strong bite and smooth speech pattern once again.
