Dental implants have become a popular alternative to dentures in the last few years.
Nevertheless, they seem scary and painful. Inserting a titanium screw into your gums seems like it would result in a long recovery and you’ll be more prone to infections.
They are also permanent so once they’re in, there’s no turning back.
What are the benefits? How do you know whether they are right for you.
The Benefits
Improved appearance. If you have missing teeth or dental bridges that hold multiple crowns for missing teeth together, dental implants are great for enhancing your natural smile. The crown(s) that go over the implant are sized and colored to best match the rest of your teeth. This means that your implants are customized to you. You don’t have to worry about fake-looking teeth that don’t match the rest.
Improved speech. If you’re tempted to try dentures because they seem less painful and are removable, you must take into account how they can impact your basic mouth activities such as speaking or eating. With dentures, your teeth can slip, making clear speaking difficult. They feel and fit like your natural teeth. As they are securely screwed into your jaw, you don’t have to worry about them slipping, allowing you to speak clearly.
Improved comfort. Dentures may not fit right, causing irritation and slipping. With implants, they become a permanent part of you. Their secured fit and customized crown ensures the best fit for you, allowing the maximum amount of comfort.
Easier eating. As with speaking, eating is easier and less embarrassing with implants than with dentures. With many dentures, you must take them out whenever you eat. This can be embarrassing for the wearing. With dental implants, your teeth will function like your natural teeth, allowing you to eat with confidence and with less pain and discomfort.
Improved self-esteem. They look, feel and function like your natural teeth which give you a natural smile that will boost your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Improved oral health. With normal crowns and bridges, part of your natural tooth (or teeth) need to be reduced for the crown or bridge to properly fit. With dental implants, there are usually no teeth in which to file down in order to place a crown. This means more of your original teeth are intact which is good in terms of maintaining stronger dental health and hygiene.
Durability. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. This is significantly longer than dentures that must be constantly removed and cleaned.
Convenience. Dentures are removable, requiring you to take them out when you eat and go to bed. There are fewer more embarrassing things than taking out your dentures at a dinner with friends or family. With dental implants, you don’t have to worry about removing your dentures to eat or risk your dentures coming out when you eat. Implants are considered permanent, meaning you can do regular daily activities like eating without needing to remove them.
Despite what you may believe, the dental implant procedure involves little pain. Your dentist will administer proper local anesthesia to the site so the patient experiences very little pain during the procedure. There is some pain after the procedure, but it can be treated with Tylenol, Advil or Aspirin.
Dental implants have many benefits that are worth the possible pain and discomfort. If you’re concerned about dental implants, contact your dentist today.
