Missing teeth are a common problem as you age, but the best solution may not be apparent. While many people are aware of dentures, they may dislike the stigma associated with wearing this dental device. There are other solutions available, however, and you may be interested in knowing, that dental implants by and large offer better support, comfort, and a more natural appearance to your smile. While dentures are a fixed device that won’t adapt to your mouth’s changing needs dental implants grow and naturally adapt to your mouth’s natural form. Want to know more? Read below to find out why dental implants are an ideal alternative to dentures.
The benefits of dental implants
Today’s dental implants are an exceptional replacement for your natural teeth. They are cosmetically identical to teeth in form, function, and appearance. Unlike dentures, implants are designed to last the rest of your life and crafted from high-grade titanium studs with porcelain or synthetic tooth caps. After the initial surgery to place the titanium stud in your jaw, your mouth will be ready for the tooth covering. Dental implants have several benefits because of this, that include:
- No more loss of jaw bone structure
- Enjoy your favorite foods and speak normally
- Unlike dentures, only brushing and flossing is needed to keep an implant maintained
- Eliminating any discomfort, you may feel wearing dentures
- A more natural shape and composition to your mouth
- And more
While implants may not be right for every patient, studies indicate that nearly three million people have an implant today and the success rate of implants is over 98% with patients in America.
What you may not know about dentures
While dentures are known far and wide as “replacement teeth” their drawbacks often outweigh their advantages. Most dentures crafted in America are made from an acrylic composite material, this is done to save on costs and because it can closely resemble natural gums and teeth. However, this material isn’t known for a long shelf life, and all too often denture wearers are forced to have their dental prosthetics repaired or replaced as they age. In fact, a majority of dentures only last five to seven years. As people age, they also tend to lose bone density in their jaws, which in turn requires several denture adjustments and eventually adhesives that can feel strange in the mouth or cause discomfort. Dentures are formed on a plate that resides on your mouth, this takes some practice in using and can easily slip or move while eating or talking. By and large, dental implants are preferred for all these reasons. Whereas dentures can wear out quickly, your implants will adapt to the shape of your mouth and can last nearly a lifetime.
What you can expect during the dental implant process
So, you’ve decided on a dental implant, but what is the procedure like? Believe it or not it’s a fairly painless and requires only a few visits to a qualified surgeon. First, you can expect a thorough dental evaluation and x-rays to see the extent of damage to the area where’d you like the implant. If you’re found to be a good candidate for this procedure, a surgery date will be set. On the day of your procedure, you’ll be properly anesthetized, so you’ll feel no pain or discomfort during the operation. Once this has occurred, your oral surgeons will expertly remove any remaining damaged tooth, before cutting away the gum line from the area where your implant will be placed. A hole will be created for a titanium stud to sit in your jaw and then secured with sutures before your gums will be repaired and restored. Once awake, you’ll be free to go home with a few special care instructions. After a few months your mouth will be ready for the cap or top tooth placement. This will be formed to look like a normal tooth and align perfectly with your smile. Once the tooth cap is secured, your surgeon may provide you with special instructions over the next few days, but you’ll soon be able to enjoy the foods you love.
Affordable and aesthetically pleasing dental solutions
More than 35 million Americans are missing all their teeth in one or both jaws, according to prosthodontists and there have been over 5 million successful dental implants as of 2006. What does this mean to you? Dental implants are a highly-effective and reliable solution for tooth loss. Implants not only provide superior structural durability and function, they look and feel like natural teeth in your mouth, allowing you to feel more confident in public. Dental implants work with your natural teeth and gum line to keep the form of your mouth and even when eating hard or chewy food, you should have zero problems. Today’s dental implants are crafted from titanium studs and high-grade porcelain and resin caps to ensure durability and affordability. If you’re looking for ideal replacement for missing or damaged teeth, don’t hesitate to contact the implant specialists at Oral Surgery Associates of North Texas, we can provide you with an expert dental evaluation and consultation.
Contact us today for more information.
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