Have you experienced tooth loss due to decay, illness, an accident, or an injury? You may have considered other options in the past, but dental implants have become more viable and affordable in recent years.
Why should I consider dental implants?
Dental implants are a long-term solution to tooth loss, which is a common problem. Many people are afraid of them because the dental surgery required to obtain them is often perceived as costly, painful, and invasive. Our Penticton dentists may be able to alleviate some of your concerns about dental implants if you have tooth loss and are considering your tooth replacement options.
Practicality
Are you worried you won’t have time to maintain your dental implants? Unlike dentures (which require continual disinfection and special care at night), dental implants can be cared for in the same way as your regular teeth.
If you stick to a regular, diligent oral health routine approved by your dentist, your implants continue to function as they should – no special maintenance is required.
Dental implants are more invasive than other tooth replacement options because they require dental surgery. However, implants may require less maintenance in the long run than dentures or bridges, and recent advancements in dental technology and techniques have made the dental implant process easier than in previous decades.
Minimal Discomfort
Though no surgical procedure is without pain, you might be surprised to learn that patients typically experience less pain after dental implant surgery than after tooth extraction.
Plus, placing implants during the same appointment for your tooth extraction means you may notice less discomfort as a result of the implants themselves.
Sedation might also be an option if you're worried that you won't be able to relax during your dental implant appointments.
More Affordable Than You Might Think
Though you may have passed up dental implants in the past due to cost concerns, you should reconsider and compare their lifetime cost to that of other options. Consider the additional costs of denture accessories such as disinfectants, storage cases, and other items.
Bridges need to be replaced every five or so years, and you may have to take time off of work to recover.
The maintenance costs for bridges and dentures can add up over the years. Taken into consideration along with the fact that (if cared for properly) dental implants can last a lifetime, choosing implants might actually make sense for you.
What can I expect during the dental implant procedure?
The implant is surgically placed beneath the gum tissue in your jaw bone. Healing time after surgery is usually between 3 and 6 months. After that, the patient will return to finish the procedure. The tooth replacement will be attached to the implant at this time. A crown, bridge, or denture may be used to replace your missing teeth, depending on which option is best for you. Each of these alternatives will function and look like a natural tooth.