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5 Facts To Know About Dental Implants

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Dental implants have revolutionized cosmetic dentistry. People no longer have to struggle with dentures or dental bridges thanks to dental implants. If you are considering getting a dental implant, check out these five important facts. They'll help you determine if a dental implant really is the best option for your smile.

They Are a Perfect Replacement for Dental Bridges

For a single missing tooth, a dental bridge seems like a good option, but a dental implant is a better alternative. To place a bridge, the dentist grinds down the surrounding teeth so they can support the false tooth. Filing off the outer surface of a tooth forever alters it and has several risks, including infection caused by trauma to the pulp. A dental implant doesn't affect any teeth because it fits inside your gums, supported by your jawbone.

You Can Even Get a Full Set of New Teeth

Even if you're missing all your teeth, dental implants are perfect because you can get implant-supported dentures. Just like regular dentures, implant-supported dentures are a full set of false teeth, but unlike regular dentures, you can't remove them. This means they don't move or fall out when you eat, talk or laugh. Plus, with traditional dentures, your jawbone shrinks overtime and causes the shape of your face to change. With implant-supported dentures, the artificial titanium roots used to hold the dentures in place stimulate your jawbone, preventing it from shrinking. Depending on how long your teeth have been missing, however, you may need a bone graft to strengthen your jawbone enough to support the implants.

Dental Implants Are the Most Durable Option

When it comes to durability, no other option can match dental implants. Dental bridges use surrounding teeth for support, which puts extra strain on those teeth. Even with proper care, the bridge can become loose and weakened. Implants use your jawbone for support. Titanium has the ability to fuse to bone, so the implant becomes just as sturdy as your natural, healthy teeth. In fact, with proper care, an implant can last you the rest of your life, while most dental bridges only last between 5 and 15 years.

They Are Also the Most Expensive Option

It's clear that dental implants are great, but they are also the most expensive option available. A single dental implant can cost you about $4250, a 3-4 tooth bridge with two implants costs about $8500, and a full set of dental-supported dentures costs about $34000. On the other hand, a standard dental bridge costs between $700 and $1500 per tooth, and a typical full set of dentures costs between $600 and $8000, depending on the quality. With such a high price tag, you have to decide if the durability and benefits to your jawbone are worth the high investment.

They Are not A Good Option if You Have Uncontrolled Gum Disease

If you have missing teeth due to uncontrolled gum disease, you'd better get it under control if you want a dental implant. Severe gum disease doesn't just affect your gums; it affects your jawbone too. Overtime, it causes your jawbone to deteriorate, which increases the chance of failure if you do get a dental implant. For that reason, many dentists will advise against spending the money on a dental implant if your gum disease is uncontrolled. Another reason to get your gum disease under control is to prevent peri-implantitis, which is gum disease around the implant. This increases the chance of failure and if left untreated, can cause the artificial root to become exposed.

Dental implants are definitely worth the price but only if you have healthy teeth and gums. If you are tired of your missing teeth, contact a cosmetic dentist in your area. Get a quote and find out how dental implants can repair your smile from a cosmetic dentistry stand point.


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