Several years ago I decided to take a trip to the dentist after skipping multiple appointments for over 15 years. I truly had a dental anxiety and had a hard time getting over my fears. Thankfully, my dental visit went smoothly with only four cavities identified. What I did find from this dental visit was that there was a great deal of new information and technology that I had been missing out on. Laser-based technology and digital imaging are just a few examples. With this blog, I want you to understand that you can get over your fears and learn about this new technology like I did, so enjoy the information.
When suffering from tooth loss, you don't have too many treatment options. Your main options are to get dentures or dental implants. Dental implants are the preferred option by dentists because implanting teeth into the jawbone keeps you from incurring bone loss. If you are thinking about getting dental implants instead of dentures, here are the advantages and disadvantages of the surgery.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth that is implanted into your jaw to take the place of your real teeth. The implant is made of a titanium screw that acts as the root. Each root has a connector piece attached, which in turn, attaches to a crown.
Advantages of dental implants
Dental implants have many advantages. These advantages include:
As previously mentioned, an important advantage is the lack of jawbone deterioration. This is because after you lose your teeth, your empty jawbone will begin to deteriorate. If you opt to get dentures, your jawbone will deteriorate over time. Minor jawbone loss isn't noticeable; however, over time it can be. The bone loss can eventually become so severe your face will begin to have the sunken-in appearance. It can also cause difficulties or pain while chewing, and your jaw can break too easily.
Another advantage of dental implants is convenience. There is no need for special cleaner or adhesives. You don't have to worry about taking your teeth out at night and putting them in when you wake up in the morning. All you have to do is resume your normal tooth brushing routine.
The comfort you experience with dental implants is worth the price and the surgery required. You still have many years ahead of you, and there is no reason why you should have to live them uncomfortably. When you wear products such as dentures and bridges, they never feel natural since they are sitting on top of your gums. Some people even find them to be painful. Dental implants are the only option that feels like real teeth.
Just like dental implants feel real, they look real as well. You don't have to worry about the plastic gums that sit over the top of your gums showing when you smile. No one will ever know that you have implants unless you tell them.
Disadvantages to dental implants
There are disadvantages to dental implants just like any other procedure. These include:
The obvious disadvantage to dental implants is the surgery itself. If you are combining real teeth with dental implants, you will have to have an implant surgically placed in every spot. Each tooth is screwed into the jawbone. If you are having your full mouth done, you won't need to have each done separately. The dental implants will consist of a row much like dentures. The difference is that the row will have four screws to hold the row in place permanently.
Depending on your dentist, you may have several follow-up procedures after your surgery. Your dentist will want to monitor your healing progress and ensure that your jawbone is not rejecting the implant.
One of the largest disadvantages to dental implants is the cost. While it is a highly recommended procedure, not everyone can afford it. The average cost of single tooth implants is $4250 per tooth. The cost rises with additional procedures such as bone grafts, extractions, x-rays, and CT scans. A full set can cost up to nearly $100,000; however, the average cost is around $34,000.
If you are missing any of your adult teeth and want them replaced, dental implants have many advantages. If you don't mind the surgery, follow-ups, and the cost, it will be a great choice. The convenience, comfort, and appearance are well worth the downfalls to many people. Click here for more information, or talk to your dentist.
Share21 April 2015
