No matter how carefree some people may be, their confidence tends to take a dive when they have a missing tooth. There are many options available out there to fix the problem of a missing tooth. However, if you are looking for a long-lasting solution that is very comfortable to have and worth the investment, you might want to opt for getting a dental implant. The following information should give you insights into whether getting a dental implant is right for your dental needs.
Why is it called dental implant?
It’s called a dental implant because it’s a tooth substitute that is literally fixed within your gums. A titanium screw is planted into your jawbone. From there, the dentist will place a dental crown or denture on the implant. Since most dentists try to match the colour of your dental implant to the colour of the rest of your teeth, it will be very hard for people to tell that one of your teeth is an implant. The healing process will take between 4 to 6 months, and the end product is well worth it.
Five Benefits of Having Dental Implants
More people are able to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity since many payment plans are available to cover the costs. And not only are they affordable, there are other benefits that make dental implants worth pursuing. The following are a few of the reasons why dental implants are a popular fix for a missing tooth:
- Implants are Durable: One of the best benefits of dental implants is durability. With proper oral hygiene, you can expect your implants to last many years ahead.
- Implants enhance oral health: With implants, you don’t have to worry about your other teeth being impacted.
- Comfortable with no Eating/Speech Impediments: Unlike when you get dentures, an implant does not cause discomfort or cause speech and eating impediments.
- Convenience: You don’t need to have healthy tooth structure removed around, like you do when you get a bridge in order to get an implant.
- Prevention of Jawbone loss: Since implants closely imitate real teeth, they also stimulate the jawbone and reduce the occurrence of jawbone loss (which often makes people look a lot older than they are). Dentures, crowns and bridges do a lot to improve your cosmetic issues, but they won’t stop jawbone loss caused by a missing tooth.
The titanium-structured implant is made to last. It won’t corrode or decay, and it keeps your jawbone intact without any further loss. An implant is expected to last 20+years and is capable of lasting a lifetime if the patient practices proper oral hygiene. There are other factors that can affect the longevity of dental implants such as smoking, gum disease and general health. With this being said, it appears that dental implants are a worthy investment for cosmetic purposes and overall dental health.