By Devin Kyle
Achieving a healthier smile is becoming more and more possible with today’s research, materials, and technology. While maintaining good teeth through healthy choices is the best way to protect your oral well-being, if you have failing or missing teeth, plenty of options are available. Implants are widely considered to be one of the best solutions since they are convincing and last for a long time. Here’s everything you need to know when deciding if they’re right for you.
What Are Dental Implants?
If someone loses one or more teeth, a dental implant can be screwed into the bone below the gum where a prosthetic tooth attaches. The implant is the screw that connects the patient’s bone to the prosthesis. For example, in All-On-4 dental implants, the full arch of teeth is affixed by only four implanted screws, making for a more stable and efficient tooth-restoration option. Some tooth replacements are removable, such as dentures, but implants are more permanent and, therefore, easier to maintain. This is just one reason they have become the first choice for so many people.
Assess Your Current Oral Health
When you first make an appointment to discuss the possibility of receiving dental implants, your dentist will perform tests to examine the current state of your teeth. The bone density and strength of your gums will also be assessed to make sure that any implants installed will have a firm foundation. Without this, implants are more likely to be unstable and less permanent. Your dentist will also evaluate the health of your existing teeth to see if any extractions need to take place for maximum benefit.
Consider the Additional Changes You Must Make
If you lost your tooth or teeth due to lifestyle factors such as diet, you will need to be prepared to make changes that keep your new implants and prosthetics in good condition. This is something your dentist will talk with you about so you can agree upon a healthier path for the future. This may involve cutting down on sugary foods, quitting smoking, drinking less alcohol, and brushing your new teeth on a twice-daily basis.
Think About Your Budget
Due to the level of complexity and the materials used to provide high-quality dental implants, it may cost more than other options. If dental implants are your preferred method of restoring your teeth, plan your budget and begin saving. Talk to your treatment provider about any financing they can help with. It is much better to go with the recommended treatment as trying to go with a cheaper option might result in more work needed overall.
Teeth are such a vital part of overall healthy living. They are the first stage of digestion; they influence speech; they affect your appearance; and they can enhance confidence. Strong, healthy teeth may not be the most important aspect of your life, but they do heavily contribute to many factors that make life more enjoyable. Hopefully, this guide has helped you decide whether or not dental implants are the best choice for you.
