If you’ve lost a tooth, you may have already heard about dental implants.
Although there are alternative tooth replacement options, such as bridges and dentures, dental implants are the best choice because they’re the most durable and long-lasting.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small titanium cylinder that is surgically placed into the jawbone to replace the missing tooth root. Once the gums and bone have healed from the implant placement, an abutment and crown is fixed to the implant.
The great thing about dental implants is that they look and feel like real teeth. You can eat, smile, and talk, just like you would with real teeth. No one will be able to tell the difference.
Are Dental Implants Safe?
Dental implants are very safe. For the majority of patients in good health, implants are extremely successful when performed by a qualified professional.
How long do dental implants last?
With proper care and oral hygiene, dental implants can last a lifetime. Regular dental checkups are essential. Check-ups will not only make sure that the dental implant is healthy, but also that the surrounding teeth and gums are in good condition.
Advantages over Dentures or Bridges
Conventional dentures are not fixed to the bone and are much less stable. Implants not only look more natural, but feel more like normal teeth, allowing you to eat like you used to.
Also, because they don’t directly rely on neighboring teeth for support, implants don’t compromise the health of your natural teeth. In fact, bridges are expected to last only seven to ten years and even less if teeth need root canals, whereas implants can last a lifetime.
Dental Implant Facts
- According to the American Dental Association, an estimated 70% of Americans between the ages of 35 – 45 have at least one missing tooth, and a quarter of the population over the age of 75 has lost all of their teeth.
- Dental implants are the only option for replacing missing teeth that provide the same feel, look, and functionality of natural teeth.
- Contemporary dental implants have been used for decades and have been improved upon to make them safer, easier to place, longer lasting, and more affordable.
- Teeth restored with dental implants can’t get cavities, but they still need to be brushed and flossed to keep surrounding teeth and gums healthy
- Dental implants actually help strengthen the jaw bone by stimulating bone growth and preventing bone loss.
Benefits of dental implants
Healthier and More Attractive: When teeth are missing, the surrounding jawbone begins to shrink. This bone loss can cause facial sagging. Dental implants can prevent deterioration of the jawbone caused by loss of teeth, so your face retains its natural shape.
More Comfortable: Because dental implants are securely anchored, there is no slipping or movement, like there is with dentures. This eliminates some of the key worries of dentures, including poor fit, gum irritation, and pain from sensitive nerves.
More Confidence: With dental implants, you will never need to cover your mouth when laughing, smiling, or speaking. You can eat your favorite foods without pain or fear of embarrassment. You will look better, feel better, and live more confidently.
Making the Final Choice
Dental implants are the obvious choice for tooth replacement. The only factor that keeps most people from getting implants is the cost.
The good news is that we offer different payment options to make implants affordable for many of our patients. Our Patient Coordinator has many years of experience in arranging funding for even the most extensive and sophisticated treatment.
For some, a long-term payment plan through Care Credit is a good option. Others forego a new automobile or a family vacation in lieu of a longer lasting benefit.
Finally, in many cases, a treatment program can be broken into several phases, accomplishing the more serious needs first. It is not unusual to design a plan that is delivered and paid for over a period of several years.
Questions?
Give us a call to find out more about our payment plans and options. You can call us at [phone] or email us at [email].