You shouldn’t feel embarrassed about losing teeth. Despite improved dental care, tooth loss is still fairly common. We may not have eliminated tooth loss, but we do have a great way to replace lost teeth.
Dental implants offer you a lifelong solution to tooth loss that has a 98% success rate for almost 36 million Americans that are missing teeth. That’s because of the smart design that actually interfaces with your own body. Dental implants are comprised of two main components, the titanium implant, and the ceramic crown. After the implant has been inserted into your jaw bone, it begins to undergo a process known as osseointegration, where tissue and bone fuse to the titanium.
If you’re still not sure if dental implants are the best treatment option for you, we encourage you to explore the 8 benefits of dental implants.
1. The Procedure Is Easier Than You Think
People worry that the dental implant procedure is going to be painful. It sounds like it, right? But the truth is that the procedure is not as bad as you think. With local anesthesia, you likely won’t feel much of anything during the procedure. During recovery, the discomfort is less than that for a tooth extraction. Since we can place implants at the same time as we extract natural teeth, it’s almost like there’s no discomfort. The procedure becomes very convenient. Plus, you never have to be without teeth! We use CT-guided dental implants to streamline the procedure and to ensure your implants are placed in the most ideal spot.
2. They’re Easy to Care For
If you’ve been considering tooth loss treatment for some time, then you’ve probably heard of how difficult traditional dentures can be to take care of. Not only do they tend to become dislodged when eating and sometimes speaking, but they also require nightly cleaning, and several other procedures to make sure they function. Dental implants, on the other hand, are incredibly easy to care for. Simply continue to brush, floss, and use mouthwash as you normally would, as well as continuing to see your dentist for your checkup and cleaning every six months.
3. They’re Aesthetically Pleasing
Some patients considering dental implants may be hesitant because they imagine the implants will look fake or distracting. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. When the titanium implant has healed, fully integrating with the jaw, a custom-made ceramic crown is attached to the implant that has been made to match the shape and color of your other teeth. The luster of the ceramic also mimics that of natural tooth enamel.
4. They’re Lower Cost Comparatively
Another major concern for some patients is cost. Although dental implants might seem expensive for some, in the long run, they are cheaper. That’s because while traditional dentures must be replaced after 5 to 7 years, dental implants that have been properly cared for can last a lifetime. Once a decade or so, you might have adjustments made. However, implants can easily last 30 years or more.
5. Dental Implants Prevent Bone Loss
Another benefit of dental implants is the way they can save bone density. Our jaws generally use stem cells to repair themselves, stimulating these into action through constant stimulation applied by the roots or our teeth. When this stimulation disappears, however, our jaws no longer regenerate themselves, and can begin to lose bone mass, causing our cheeks to appear sunken. Dental implants prevent this by functioning much like a normal tooth. Plus, you can bite and chew normally, which helps you stay healthy and avoid future medical costs.
6. They Help Maintain Your Youthful Appearance
One of the biggest benefits you can look forward to enjoying, especially if you’re on the younger side, is how dental implants can help you maintain your youthful appearance. When you lose your natural teeth, it’s normal for your jaw bone to begin to resorb. As a result, it can cause your facial features to begin to collapse. Replacing your teeth with dental implants prevents bone resorption and therefore helps to maintain your youthful appearance.
7. Never Worry About Slippage
One of the biggest concerns of those with dentures is that their dentures will fall out when they’re speaking or eating. If it does happen, it can feel incredibly embarrassing. Would you want to eat or carry a conversation if you were worried your dentures would fall out all the time? With dental implants, you don’t ever have to worry again. The implants secure your replacement teeth in the jaw so you can bite into your favorite foods, smile, laugh, and talk without worrying your teeth will slip out. This can help increase your confidence and quality of life!
8. Speaking is Easy
The last major benefit of dental implants is how they will help you speak better. When you have missing teeth or poorly fitting dentures, it’s common to speak with a lisp or have trouble pronouncing certain sounds. But with dental implants, your replacement teeth will be secure in your mouth to help you articulate any sounds or words without trouble.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants in Wichita Falls?
Do you want to learn whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants? Dr. James Green or Dr. Dustin Van Tassell can let you know during a simple consultation appointment. Please call 940-322-2252 or contact us today for an appointment with an implant dentist in Wichita Falls at StarImage Dentistry.
