Three Things To Know About Dental Implants
If you are currently facing the issue of having a missing tooth or if you will need to have a tooth extracted in the near future, you may want to take the time to learn about the options that are available for replacing the missing tooth. While you might assume a bridge will be the only viable option, dental implants have become a popular solution for patients that are suffering from missing teeth.
The Full Implant Procedure Can Be Somewhat Lengthy
It is important for patients to appreciate the fact that having a dental implant placed can be a process that takes several weeks or longer to complete. This is in response to the fact that the implant and jaw bone will have to fuse together in order to fully support the artificial tooth. Luckily, individuals may not have to live with a noticeable gap during this process, as the dentist may place a temporary tooth during this phase of the procedure.
Implants Can Minimize Bone Loss
Individuals will often assume that an implant will offer the same benefits of a bridge while only being slightly more secure. However, a dental implant will also be able to minimize the amount of bone loss that occurs. Over time, the area of the jaw where the missing tooth was located will start to recede. This can have noticeable impacts on your appearance while also causing the neighboring teeth to destabilize. The implant will help to minimize this by acting to reinforce the jaw bone. For patients that have had the missing tooth for an extended period of time, a bone graft may be required to restore the jaw bone sufficiently to allow for the implant to be placed.
Implants Are More Affordable Than Patients Often Realize
One of the leading reasons patients may be hesitant about opting for dental implants will be due to the assumption that this type of treatment is too expensive. However, it can be the more economical and affordable option when the long-term ownership costs are considered. A traditional bridge will require far more maintenance to keep it in good condition, and it will also need to be periodically replaced. In contrast, dental implants are permanent additions that will require little more than basic brushing and flossing to maintain. Additionally, there are many financing options for those that would prefer to break up the cost of this treatment into smaller payments. Individuals will need to apply for financing to be approved for this option. For more information, talk to a company such as Silverstone Family Dental.