Are Dental Implants Right for Me?
Dental implants are widely considered the best option for replacing a missing tooth. They are permanent, require no additional care than regular brushing and flossing, and they can last for a lifetime. That being said however, dental implants are not for everyone. Patients should discuss their options with their dentist to come up with the best solution for them.
Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
Most people are good candidates for dental implants. Typically, they are people with good oral hygiene and healthy gums – so if you have an issue with your gums you may need to work with your dentist to address that first before getting implants. Patients should have enough bone density in their jaw to support the implants – but even if they have lost some of their bone density, dental implants may be recommended to help them prevent further deterioration.
People who may not be good candidates are those with conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, cancer and those who smoke. But even if you have one of these conditions, you are not automatically ruled out as a candidate for implants. It just means that further assessment may be necessary.
Benefits of dental implants
The benefits of dental implants can be both emotional and physical. On the emotional side, dental implants can significantly boost your confidence – especially if they are filling a gap that is visible when you smile. Additionally, having teeth where they are supposed to be (whether they are your natural teeth or implants) helps you to speak and chew more easily which can also support your emotional health.
On the physical side, dental implants help to protect your jawbone and remaining natural teeth. When you have teeth that are missing, you jawbone can start to deteriorate and loss bone density over time. Furthermore, teeth on either side of the gap can begin to shift out of place. Dental implants help to prevent this.
Drawbacks of dental implants
The biggest drawback of dental implants is the cost as this is one of the more expensive dental treatments available. If you are fortunate enough to have dental coverage, you may get a percentage of this cost covered.
Even with the cost however, you may find getting dental implants to be the best choice considering that implants can last you a lifetime – as opposed to other options like bridges with typically only last about 10-15 years.
If you are considering dental implants and want to know if they are right for you, call us today to schedule and appointment with one of our dentists.
Call us today to schedule and appointment with one of our dentists.