Whether you’re being bumped into a first-class seat on a flight, finally redoing your kitchen, or transitioning from dentures to dental implants, upgrading can be very good thing. Here’s a closer look at how swapping your old-fashioned temporary restorations to permanent prosthetics can benefit your smile, and what you can expect along the way!
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Although dentures have been a reliable way to temporarily restore missing teeth for centuries, durable, lifelike dental implants have quickly become the gold standard in tooth replacement. Not only do they look and feel just like real teeth, but they are also permanently attached to the jawbone, providing a variety of incredible benefits you won’t find with removable prosthetics like dentures. These perks include:
- Because dental implants are inserted into the jawbone, they provide valuable stimulation that simulates the roots of a tooth, preventing further loss.
- Dental implants won’t come out, so you don’t need to soak them or remove them at bedtime. Caring for them is easy- they can be brushed and flossed just like real teeth!
- Since they’re permanently anchored to your jaw, they restore your complete biteforce, allowing you to enjoy a full diet.
- While dentures were designed to last between five and seven years, dental implants could last a lifetime with proper care, so despite their higher upfront costs they may end up saving you money over time!
Possible Preliminary Procedures
To be a good candidate for dental implants, you’ll need to be in sufficient oral health. Your dentist will examine your teeth, gums, and jaws during your consultation, and if you have any untreated issues, you will require some preliminary procedures before you qualify for treament. These may include:
- Tooth extractions or restorations – Your existing teeth should be in good health before getting dental implants, as tooth infections can develop and cause implant failure.
- Gum disease therapy – Excellent gum health is crucial for the success of your dental implants, and any untreated oral infection could lead to dental implant failure. Thus, it is important to eradicate excess oral bacteria prior to getting these restorations.
- Bone grafting – The longer you go without teeth, the more your jawbone will deteriorate. Eventually, this can weaken it so much it’s not strong enough to support dental implants. To remedy this, your dentist may be able to perform a bone graft to rebuild your jaw and create a more secure foundation for your prosthetic to adhere to.
It is important to note that not everyone will need any or all the above procedures, and that some people may require additional treatment to get their smile healthy enough to support dental implants. Rest assured, however, that no matter what your dentist recommends, it is important to the success of your restorations and smile!
Remember, dental implants have quickly become the gold standard in tooth replacement. Upgrading your grin from dentures to these permanent restorations can save you time and money, all the while improving your oral health and confidence. To learn more about making the switch from temporary teeth to a more permanent, realistic smile with dental implants, contact your dentist today!
About Our Practice
At Atrium Family Dental of New Lenox, we are pleased to offer a variety of tooth replacement options, from traditional dentures to durable, lifelike dental implants. If you’re ready to upgrade your gorgeous grin to the gold standard in restorations, contact us today to discuss dental implants by visiting our website or calling 815-462-9990.