Although your adult teeth are supposed to last for the rest of your life, in many cases they don’t. Teeth are lost due to injury, disease and decay. However, your mouth still needs a full set of teeth. When a tooth is missing it impacts your ability to chew and can result in lowered self-esteem. In addition, the adjacent teeth may be impacted. They may start to tip and eventually may be lost as well. Therefore, many patients consider the benefits of dental implants to replace any missing teeth.
Why do patients choose dental implants instead of using dentures?
Dental implants offer numerous advantages over dentures. First, they are easy to care for. You do not have to take them out, clean them, and put them back in like dentures. No need to for cleaning cups or adhesives. You treat the implant as you would a regular tooth. In addition, they feel like natural teeth since both the root and tooth is replaced with the implant.
Patients find the dental implant to be strong and stable allowing them to eat any item they enjoy no matter how sticky or crunchy. They also find it easier to speak with a dental implant. Dental implants preserve the bone so they prevent further deterioration in your mouth, eliminating the need for future dental procedures.
How long will the implant last?
Dental implants that are properly taken care of can potentially last for 40 years. In most cases this means the original implant will be maintained for the remainder of the patient’s life. Dental implants should be cared for as you would your natural teeth!
What are the details of the procedure?
The implant is generally done at your dentist’s office with local anesthesia. The procedure to place the dental implant typically takes less than an hour and involves burying the implant underneath the gum. You may experience some minor discomfort after the anesthesia wears off but most patients find ibuprofen or prescription strength ibuprofen manages the pain.
At a later date you will return to the office and have a post connected to the implant. Finally, a prosthetic tooth will be fabricated and connected to the post. If you have any missing teeth it is worthwhile to consider whether dental implants are right for you. Many patients are glad they chose to have dental implants instead of using dentures.
To find out if dental implants are right for you, call Overland Park Family Dental today! Contact us to schedule a dental implant consultation today!