Why You Should Consider Dental Implants

In the world of dentistry, many of us are swept up in confusing terms and intimidating procedures.  Going to the dentist can be frightening, even. However, if we learn more about what we might want to do with our mouths, these problems can be lessened. At least, to some extent it can!

When a lot of us think of dental implants, we might believe that it’s only something for older adults or people who are super well off.  That’s not actually the case!  They are much more accessible than a lot of us believe.  Let me explain more, starting with what dental implants actually are.

What are Dental Implants?

I used to know these as simply “crowns.”  In reality, the “crown” portion of an implant is only the final part of the procedure.  If you’re interested in some more details about them, you can check out the American Academy of Implant Dentistry: https://www.aaid-implant.org/faqs/what-are-dental-implants/.

That all being said, I can give more information about them as well.  They’re a replacement for your natural tooth roots – usually if they have been damaged or lost somehow.  An implant starts with a post that is generally made of titanium.

Then, the dentist will place a connector of some kind which is usually called an “abutment.”  This is to connect the post to the crown, which is the replacement tooth.  These are supposed to be custom made to fit your mouth.

What are the Benefits of Implants?

There are a lot of benefits to getting an implant. They range from cosmetic to oral health. Of course, a decision like this isn’t going to come easy.  Therefore, let me go over some of the reasons you might want to consider getting one!

First of all, they’re really easy to keep clean. You can maintain them by doing pretty much what you already do!  Brush your teeth and floss.  They act just like natural teeth in this way.

Of course, if you need a dental implant, you probably had at least some difficulty chewing before.  Getting one will help you regain the ability to properly chew without pain.  This of course leads to improved nutritional health as well.  After all, being restricted to only soft foods doesn’t always leave the most nutritious options.

You might also experience an improved ability to speak.  Sometimes, tooth loss can lead to slurring of words.  Replacing those structures can really improve this.

Perhaps most importantly, they can improve your overall oral health.  Some other forms of caring for tooth decay or loss require the teeth around them to be reduced in size or shaved down.  With these, that isn’t necessary.

In the cosmetic realm, they can help you feel more confident in your smile.  It’s unfortunately easy to feel self-conscious about perceived imperfections in our teeth.  Implants restore the appearance of natural teeth.

Overall, implants really help you regain a better quality of life.  They are convenient and comfortable.  Given all the perks above, you might be wondering who qualifies for implants and what are dental implants costs. Well, let me explain!

Who Qualifies for Dental Implants?

The good news is that most people qualify for them. If your gums are healthy, and you have enough healthy bones in your mouth, you will most likely be able to get an implant.  You will also need to have good dental hygiene in general.  A history of going to the dentist and getting your teeth and gums cleaned will help your approval chances.

Now, there are situations where you won’t be approved.  Unfortunately, people who have recently undergone radiation therapy probably will not be able to get a dental implant.  If you’re a smoker, you might not qualify as well.  Finally, if you’ve got a chronic condition that is uncontrolled such as heart disease or diabetes, this might complicate getting an implant.

No matter what, you should consult your dentist before you try to get an oral procedure done.  It’s important to remember that implants usually involve surgery of some kind.  You can look here if you’re interested in getting implants!

Potential Risks of Implants

Of course, when getting a procedure like this, I think it’s only fair to know the risks associated.  Luckily, there’s really nothing too dangerous with them.  If you want a highly detailed breakdown of this, you can check out this page from the Food and Drug Administration.

In rare cases, you can experience damage to your surrounding teeth.  You can also potentially get injured during surgery.  Now, you can report any defective implants to the FDA. If you’re looking to report, you will need some information first.

You’ll need to know the date that you received the implant.  Additionally, you’ll want to gather any relevant medical and oral health information. You’ll probably want to identify what type of implant was used as well.

All of this being said, the risks are definitely outweighed by the benefits! Getting an implant can really improve your quality of life.  I definitely recommend trying it.

Why to Get an Implant?

The answer to this might seem obvious from the rest of this article.  There are plenty of benefits and not many drawbacks.  Overall, though, this is your own personal choice.  There’s a lot to consider here.

You should pursue a dental implant if you fall under a few categories.  First, you will want to check if you have any underlying health conditions that could cause complications.  You also won’t want to be a smoker.

If you’re willing to commit a few months to the overall process of getting an implant, it might be right for you.  If you have teeth missing: one or more, you’ll potentially want to look into getting one.  If you have enough bone to make sure the implants are secure or if you’re able to get a bone graft, that’s another potential scenario.

All in all, they’re a worthwhile procedure to look into.  You may or may not want to get one after reading this article, but I hope I’ve inspired you to at least discuss it with your dentist!