Dental Implants Worth The Commitment

Choosing to get dental implants, whether just one or several, can be a daunting commitment. Prices are high across the board and insurance generally won’t include coverage. There is also a great deal of downtime following the procedure as well as having to sit through two or more appointments for proper fitting. While not always worth it for everyone, there are still many people who can benefit from undergoing this procedure and will find that the sacrifices made are well worth the rewards.

One of the greatest benefits of implants is their durability and strength. Dental implants can easily last your lifetime, granted you take proper care of them. They still need to be cleaned and kept protected from traumas that could potentially cause chips or cracks. Having this procedure allows you to eat what you like without fear of causing trauma to your mouth or an embarrassing denture slip. You’ll also never have to worry about tooth decay as there is nothing that can rot. Bridges and crowns can still decay throughout your lifetime and are generally much more difficult to care for.

This procedure is not one-size fits all. A qualified dentist will work with you carefully to choose the right materials, brand, size, and type of implant that will best suit your unique aesthetics, taste, and expectations. Because implants are tailored especially for you, your speech, bite, and smile will suit you better than awkward dental work such as dentures or bridges. These can be more difficult to blend in with the existing teeth and one misstep could cause an entire dental bridge to fit uncomfortably. With dental implants, each tooth is being custom fit to the desired area. Your other teeth won’t be affected either, as can be the case with other procedures that require filing or shaving of nearby teeth.

What else makes dental implants worth the cost and effort? Overall, they are far more aesthetically pleasing than its cheaper counterparts. Your smile will shine brighter and your confidence will soar. In comparison, implant alternatives come with several aesthetic concerns. With dentures and bridges, not only are the other teeth affected by placement, but also by constantly removing and re-inserting the product, your gums and facial muscles can weaken causing premature aging. Dentures, both partial and full, are susceptible to food and other debris becoming trapped, sometimes noticeably, under the bridge. They can also move more easily in the mouth and even pop out unexpectedly. An implant helps to maintain your bone structure, keeping the area tighter and firmer for longer, which in turn will make you look younger and fresher.

Unfortunately, not everyone is a good candidate for dental implants. The patient needs to have healthy enough gums as well as enough bone to help anchor the implants. If you lack one or both of these criteria, your dentist may be able to recommend alternatives or ways to improve your oral health for future implantation. Smokers and heavy drinkers may also not be ideal candidates for the procedure. Consult with a professional dentist who has many years of experience in the area for more information.