4 Reasons to Consider Dental Implants

For many people, dental work is both a frightening and costly prospect. While many fears about dental visits are unfounded, implant work can often be expensive. The cost of the procedure leads many to question whether it is the right option for them. There are several advantages to dental implants, however, and there are a variety of circumstances where they are worth considering as a serious alternative to bridges or dentures. If you've previously thought that implant dentistry isn't right for you, these advantages might convince you to take a second look.

Implants Are a Permanent Solution

The most common alternative to implants is the dental bridge. While bridges are a durable and long-lasting solution, they still tend to wear out within a decade. With improper care, dental bridges can sometimes fail in as little as five years. Implants, on the other hand, are generally considered to be a permanent solution. Although dental implants can fail in rare cases, for most patients they last a lifetime. As with other forms of dental repair, however, proper care is crucial to getting the most life from implants.

Missing Teeth Reduce Jaw Support

When teeth are missing, the hole they leave behind reduces the overall amount of support provided by the jaw. Over time, this can lead to other teeth shifting. Not only can this be a cosmetic issue, but it can lead to pain and a higher likelihood of dental disease later in life. Since implants are installed directly into the jawbone, they provide the same amount of support as natural teeth. This support keeps your other teeth in place and can promote much better long-term dental health once the implant is in place.

They Can Work for Almost Anyone

In the past, certain medical conditions or a weak jawbone structure could cause some patients to be considered ineligible for implant surgery. Fortunately, this is no longer the case. Newer techniques allow patients with compromised jawbones to receive implants through special bone growth methods. In patients suffering from periodontal diseases or other dental problems are often able to receive implants without a problem. Dentists may be required to monitor for complications in patients with certain conditions, but the overall success rate for these procedures is extremely high even in more complicated cases.

Implants Offer Greater Comfort

Although implant patients can sometimes experience some discomfort during their first few days or weeks after surgery, implants are generally the most comfortable tooth replacement solution over the long term. This greater comfort is owed to the fact that bone material grows around and supports the implants, turning them into a permanent part of your mouth. As time goes on, you are likely to forget that your implants aren't a natural part of your smile.