Why You Should Consider Dental Implants
Missing teeth can result in changes to your facial appearance, a decline in your health and quality of life, and increased discomfort or self-consciousness in social settings. When people have missing teeth, they often struggle with biting or chewing food or may feel embarrassed to talk, laugh and smile.
Over the years, multiple procedures and prosthetics have been developed to replicate missing teeth, but none have been more successful than dental implants. Dentures and bridges are common due to their low upfront cost, but dental implants are designed to last a lifetime and provide superior comfort compared to other tooth replacement options. Furthermore, while not the same as a facelift, simply restoring the jaw to its proper size with dental implants will produce a more youthful, smooth and attractive appearance. Additionally, they are easy to care for and allow a patient to regain the ability to chew in that area and can greatly improve a person’s self-esteem. If you have been considering dental implants, call our office today to schedule a consultation.
Best Long-Term Solution:
Without question, dental implants are the best long-term tooth replacement option. For many people, dental implants provide a permanent solution to the problem of missing teeth. In addition to preserving your smile aesthetics, dental implants provide for a stable, strong, and secure foundation for your replacement teeth. Plus, dental implants are designed to last a lifetime – that’s why they’re the ultimate tooth replacement option if you’re looking for a permanent solution! In fact, dental implant treatment is the tooth replacement option with the highest documented success rates. Numerous studies in scientific literature demonstrate that dental implants are 95% to 98% successful for periods of 40 to 50 years. The average lifespan of bridges published by the American Dental Association is just 10.1 years. Removable partial dentures typically last between 3 to 5 years and during that time they often need to be relined (made thicker) as the bone continues to resorb or deteriorate.
Prevent Jaw Collapse:
One of the consequences of tooth loss is jaw collapse. When the root of a tooth is missing, the body no longer knows to keep density in that area of the jaw. As a result, minerals and nutrients stop feeding the area, causing the bone to shrink and allowing facial skin to sink and sag. This can prematurely age the face. Bone loss begins the moment you lose a natural tooth. In the first year following the loss of a tooth, your jawbone can recede almost one-quarter of an inch. Without the support of your teeth and facial bones, your face will begin to look prematurely aged. Jawbone loss after losing a tooth or teeth can reshape your face. It might lead to changes such as:
– sagging skin
– collapsed cheeks
– sunken appearance
– bite misalignment
Facial changes are usually most noticeable if you’re missing many teeth. Dental implants may help prevent these changes by helping keep the structural integrity of your jaw and preventing bone loss. By replacing lost teeth with dental implants, you can maintain a more youthful appearance, a beautiful smile, and the function you previously had with your natural teeth.
Dental Implants Restore Function:
Dental Implants provide numerous advantages over other tooth replacement options. One of the main benefits, especially if you live and Louisiana and like to eat like we do down here, is the ability to restore your natural chewing power. Patients often have difficulty eating with dentures and that is because dentures only restore 20-25% of your natural chewing power. On the other hand, dental implants are permanently secured in your jawbone and act like artificial roots. They are permanently fixed and stable enough to provide over 99% of your natural chewing and biting power. For this reason, implants are the preferred solution for most patients.
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is an advanced titanium fixture, meticulously designed to replace the whole missing tooth including the root. Renowned for their biocompatible nature, dental implants not only integrate seamlessly with your jawbone but also act as a robust foundation for replacement teeth, whether for single or multiple teeth. Dental implants consist of three main components- the post, the abutment and the restoration.
Investing in Dental Implants: Costs & Considerations
The cost of dental implants varies based on factors like the number of teeth being replaced, required implants, and potential additional procedures. A thorough diagnostic examination by a dentist is crucial for an accurate fee assessment and to devise a treatment tailored to your needs. We work with third-party dental financing companies that can help break down the cost so that you can make convenient monthly payments to this investment in your health.
Are You an Ideal Candidate for Dental Implants?
While dental implants are a transformative solution for those missing teeth due to various reasons, the primary criterion is adequate bone availability. Your dentist is best positioned to determine your suitability for dental implants. Have more questions? Call our office today to schedule a consultation with one of our doctors!