Are Dental Implants The Best Solution For Missing Teeth?

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Missing teeth can be devastating to a person’s image of themselves. They may not smile the way they used to, not want to be as social, and even prevent them from advancing in their careers. But there are many dental solutions to replacing missing teeth, including bridges, dentures, and dental implants. 

Dental implants are the latest advancement to replacing missing teeth. They can be used to replace a single tooth up to a full arch. Dental implants are surgically installed posts that act as the support for specially designed restorations that attach to the abutments of the implants. Repairs can be either bridges, crowns, or dentures depending on the situation. For most patients, they find that having dental implants are more comfortable than their original restoration, especially when compared to traditional dentures. But are dental implants the best solution to replacing missing teeth?

Cost

For most patients, the cost can be the biggest deciding factor as to what type of restoration they should receive. Dental implants are more expensive than any other type of dental restoration. While the initial cost can be significantly higher, dental implants are considered permanent. For most patients, they won’t have to replace their implants in their lifetime. However, the restoration that attaches to the implant will likely need to be replaced within 15 years. Cost shouldn’t be the only determining factor, but it for many, it is probably the sole reason for not getting dental implants. 

Jawbone Quality

Not every person qualifies for dental implants initially. If the patient has jawbone loss, it can make the implant integrating with the bone not possible without issues. If there isn’t enough quality bone tissue, the implant can shift or possibly fall out. But there are solutions to rebuild jawbone tissue to give the patient the option for dental implants, including bone grafts and sinus lifts. Your dentist will be able to advise you of this factor during an initial consultation after x-rays are performed. These additional procedures are highly recommended to those that have worn dentures for many years. 

Dentures commonly affect the jawbone tissue and cause a recession. There is some excellent information about dental implants and other surgical solutions to make implants more accessible to those with jawbone issues at lagunavistadental.com.

Comfort/Function

Dental implants provide hands down the most comfortable way to replace missing teeth. Most patients forget they even have artificial teeth placed. Once the discomfort after surgery subsides, you won’t feel the dental implant at all. The dental fixtures that attach to the dental implants, because they don’t rest on the gumline, won’t be felt either. 

When it comes to function, most state that their bites are stronger and can eat the foods they want without issues. This makes dental implants the closest thing to replicating natural teeth. 

Conclusion

While dental implants are one of the best ways to replace missing teeth, offering options of replacing one, several, or all the teeth, there are other considerations to factor into if they are right for you. Dental implants are more expensive than the different types of restorations, but they carry many benefits. Dental implants preserve the jawbone tissue, unlike dentures, and are more comfortable and natural looking versus other replacement options. If you are interested in dental implants, talk to your dentist or oral surgeon if they are right for your specific needs and budget.