Over the years, dental implants have proven a successful, effective, and affordable way to get and keep that perfect smile.
When it comes to oral hygiene, a healthy smile and an attractive one are equally important to most people. That is why it is important to know that, as you age, so do your teeth; understanding all your dental options is the first step in maintaining and achieving your ideal smile. One of those options is dental implants. If you have missing teeth or want to improve your overall smile, you might be a good candidate for them.
Dental implants are the most natural-looking and natural-feeling type of replacement for missing teeth. Unlike other tooth replacement options, such as dentures or bridges, dental implants are free from slipping or clicking when you talk, laugh, or eat. They also help keep your jawbone healthy, so your facial structure stays intact through use.
Not an experimental procedure
Modern dental implants have been used successfully for more than 30 years, and innovations in technology have helped make them even more effective and customizable to the individual patient. For example, state-of-the-art, highly precise 3D digital imaging and implant surgical planning software have also made implant procedures faster and highly predictable. Your dentist can use these tools to analyze your jaw and determine the best sites for implant placement prior to surgery. This saves time and money and shortens your recovery time.
You might be surprised at how affordable dental implants are compared to other tooth replacement options; especially when you take into account long-term cost effectiveness and quality of life. The total cost of the procedure depends on several factors, including:
- The number and location of teeth being replaced
- The number and type of implants
- Whether any additional procedures are needed to prepare your mouth for the implants.
Is your dentist qualified?
When performed by a trained and experienced implant dentist, dental implant surgery is one of the safest and most predictable procedures in the dental field. Choosing a knowledgeable, well-trained implant dentist will help minimize complications and ensure skillful handling of any problems should they arise.
“Sometimes patients feel intimidated or unsure about their dentist’s credentials or areas of expertise,” says American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) president Dr. Natalie Wong. “The most important thing a patient can do is talk to his or her dentist. Ask questions about your dentist’s specializations and whether or not he or she places implants.”
For those who still have questions about this process, visit the AAID’s consumer site. It has a wealth of implant information and a Find an Implant Dentist tool to make it easier to locate an AAID-credentialed member.