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Are you always the one behind the camera, and never in front of it? You’re not alone. So many of our patients in Midlothian found themselves avoiding certain situations because they were self-conscious about missing teeth.
If you’ve experienced any sort of tooth loss, you might be wondering if dental implants are the right choice for you. While there are a few different options on the market, like dentures to replace missing teeth, implants can greatly improve your overall quality of life.
Weighing the Cost
When looking at options for replacing missing teeth, it may initially appear easier and less costly to choose dentures. However, when you look at the full financial cost over the course of a lifetime, dentures run much higher than implants.
Dentures have to be replaced as often as every 5 to 15 years, and also require maintenance with adhesives. Choosing dentures over implants also affect the health of your jawbone, which without a tooth or implant can start to deteriorate and could ultimately change the appearance of your face.
It’s estimated that “two in three Americans have one or more missing teeth, mainly due to the rise in periodontal disease as the population grows older.'' Choosing the proper treatment for tooth loss is crucial, and should be considered carefully. Dentures and other less-costly options may fix your smile temporarily, but it could cost you in the long run.
The Lasting Dental Implant Experience
Dental implants are one of the biggest advances in dentistry in the past 40 years. Unlike removable dentures, implants are permanently fused on or near the jawbone. Made of titanium and other materials that are compatible with the human body, these implants are made to look like your natural teeth - only stronger! Which means that with proper care, they can last a lifetime.
Implants are the most natural looking (for those family photos you’ve been hesitant to take), help maintain your jawbone, don’t click when you talk or kiss, and don’t have to be removed at night for cleaning. If any one of these resonated with you, dental implants might be an option.
There are two main types of implants: Endosteal and Subperiosteal. No two treatment plans are alike, and the needs of each individual person will determine the type of implants used. During the procedure, local anesthesia is typically used to create a pain-free experience. Midlothian Dental Center also offers Sedation Dentistry for those with higher levels of anxiety, or those with difficulty becoming numb during treatment.
Who is Right (or Wrong) for Dental Implants?
When looking at dental implants for yourself, or a family member, there are a number of factors to consider. It’s a common misconception that age is most important in regards to whether implants are a good option. Overall general health is actually more important than age.
Chronic illnesses such as diabetes could interfere with healing after surgery, and those who use tobacco could also experience slower healing. Whether tooth loss is developmental or trauma related is also a factor in treatment.
Sometimes bone loss in the jaw happens when a tooth hasn’t been replaced - because that bone strengthens with pressure. When you come to the office, we can determine how extensive that bone loss is, and whether dental implants will work for you.
All in all, dental implants are great for you if you feel like -
✔ I’d like to have the most natural looking smile possible.
✔ Maintaining my jawbone is important to me.
✔ I want the best value for my money.
✔ I’m concerned about fit and comfort of dentures.
Could dental implants be the right choice for you? Let’s find out. Call our office today (804) 794-4588 to book your appointment.
