Your old dental restorations have begun to break down. Maybe you lost a tooth or two because of an accident, gum disease, or deterioration. Your dentist suggests a dental implant to fill the hole in your smile – and you balk. Did you know that dental implants are the top way to replace missing teeth? They’re worth the investment, the time, the result. They are the finest way to secure your smile permanently.
1. Dental Implants Are Long-Lasting
If you have a missing tooth because old dental work broke down and allowed bacteria and plaque in, you know what a nightmare it can be to have an infection treated or have an old filling suddenly become unreliable. Dental implants, though, last for decades. The implant itself is surgically placed under the gum line. It’s not going anywhere. The crown attached to the abutment, the top of the implant, will last for decades too.
2. The Restoration Looks Natural
One of the most common worries patients have before they undergo any dental restoration is whether the repair will stand out from the rest of their teeth. The visible crown is carefully customized to match the rest of your teeth and blend in to make your new tooth look like a natural part of your smile. If you’re worried about appearance, don’t be.
3. Save Other Teeth from Overcompensating
Without a dental implant taking the place of a missing tooth, your oral health is susceptible to all sorts of other problems. The neighboring teeth need to pick up the slack of the missing tooth, a seemingly kind gesture that can actually result in serious wear and tear. You’re more likely to end up with enamel erosion, cracked teeth, damaged dental work, and decay and infections.
Some remaining teeth will even go so far as to move into a new position to fill in the holes left behind by a missing tooth. The empty areas getting filled might sound like a great side effect, but this movement causes tissue damage, misalignment, and can lead to bruxism and an unsightly, gapped smile.
4. The Results Are Worth the Price
Yes, dental implants are on the higher end of dental restorations, but they fall into that category for plenty of good reasons:
- Dental implants are so strong you can bite and chew with confidence
- They replace both tooth root and crown.
- Their presence can prevent bruxism, pain, and further dental deterioration.
You may not want to pay the price for an implant, but getting this restoration is a far cost-friendlier option than having to fix the complications and pain caused by a missing tooth. Every dental restoration is affordable with help from your dental office, even if you don’t have extensive dental insurance. There are many payment options that make it possible to get the dental care you need without feeling like you can’t afford it.
The more you know about dental implants and their amazing benefits, the easier it will be to make the right decision for your oral health and overall well-being. Schedule a consultation at Chester Hill Dentistry to discuss all your tooth replacement options with the dental team.