Dental Implants
It’s likely that you will lose one of your teeth at some point – one in four people lose all of them by the age of 74 – so it’s likely that you’ll have to think about options for replacing them.
Here are the advantages of dental implants and some reasons why an implant might not be right for you
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a permanent replacement for your tooth, which involves a small screw (usually made of titanium) being drilled into your jaw bone. This fuses with the bone, then a crown is attached that will carry out all the functions of a normal tooth.
What are the Benefits of a Dental Implant?
The greatest advantage of a dental implant is that it looks and functions exactly like a real tooth, to the point that most people won’t even notice that you’ve lost one.
There are no clicking noises and you will have no difficulty with speaking or chewing. You will also be able to care for them in the same way as your other teeth, with regular brushing and dental visits.
Other benefits of a dental implant include:
• The bone surrounding your tooth’s root doesn’t deteriorate as it may be other dental replacement techniques. The implant stimulates the bone, keeping it active so it does not deteriorate.
• The dental implant preserves the natural shape of your smile, as it stops your lips and mouth from sinking inward.
• You will still have a strong bite, as a dental implant will stop the back of your mouth collapsing as it can with other dental replacements.
• The neighbouring teeth are protected and will not move into the space that is created when a tooth is removed without being replaced by a dental implant.
• The implant is designed to last the rest of your life, with studies showing that 95 percent of implants are a successful long term solution.
• It is more cost effective over the long term. Dental implants may cost more to begin with, but you do not need to keep going back to the dentist as often as you might with bridges or dentures. Implants do require active maintenance and routine check-ups.
Why wouldn’t you get an implant?
Dental implants are not a simple procedure and your best option is to keep your original teeth for as long as possible. That means maintaining a high level of dental hygiene and regularly visiting your dentist.
Having a dental implant installed requires surgery. As a result, their are some minor risks. These include:
• Small possibility of bleeding as well as nerve or sinus injuries.
• There is a risk of infection as with any surgery, but a professional dental team works to avoid this
If you do need to replace a tooth the best option is a dental implant. It is without doubt the next best alternative to retaining your own teeth and it far outshines other remedies available.
Contact us today so we can assess if you need a dental implant!