A common objection to dental implants is that they can be expensive. However, they are the best possible option for tooth replacement, and in the long term, they can reduce your overall dental costs and contribute to long-term better health.
Implant dentistry has provided the highest quality, most effective approach to long-term tooth replacement. Implants look and feel natural and never move around in your mouth. They don’t need to be relined or retooled over time like dentures do. In addition, your jawbone naturally bonds to the artificial root portion of an implant, ensuring that the bone continues to grow and does not experience atrophy—an inevitable result of tooth loss, as the body naturally resorbs bone tissue from the tooth socket if it is no longer supporting a tooth root.
Over the long term, having implants means you won’t have to pay for new dentures, which usually need to be reworked in some way about every seven years. Implants don’t require special adhesives or special cleaning solutions. They can also help ensure you continue eating all your favorite foods, including foods important to your overall health that can be more difficult to eat if you have dentures.
Dental implants, unlike traditional dentures, remain stationary in your mouth so you don’t have to worry about them moving or becoming loose when you bite or chew. With dentures, you often have to avoid certain foods, like crunchy fruits and vegetables, because they require more biting power than a denture can easily provide. With implants, however, your teeth will remain in place even if you bite into an apple or a carrot. This is true even if your implants are supporting a denture, because the implant itself holds the denture firmly in place.
Regular dental appointments are still important while you have dental implants. Your dentist will want to evaluate any remaining teeth for decay or other issues. He’ll also check your gums for any signs of inflammation or gum disease, which can endanger the long-term success of your implants.
If you’re interested in getting a personalized consultation regarding your dental implant options, contact our office today!