How to Know if Dental Implants are Right for You

by | Oct 1, 2021 | Dental Implants

Tooth loss can feel like a big deal, but thanks to modern dentistry it’s no longer as impactful as it once was. Years ago, if you lost a tooth, your only options would be dentures of various materials that noticeably may or may not look or function like your natural teeth. With dental implants, however, much of that has changed. Let’s talk about how to know if dental implants are right for you.

Dental Implants Explained

Dental implants are one of the most amazing advancements in dentistry. Unlike dentures, dental implants are made to function just like natural teeth. Like their name suggests, dental implants utilize a titanium post and are permanently implanted below your gum line, so all that is visible is the realistic natural-looking tooth or dental crown at the top of the implant. Dental implants are made to last for the patient’s lifetime, if taken care of properly.

Benefits of Implants

Dental implants have many advantages. Wearing dentures typically requires extreme dietary restrictions to protect them during use. Dental implants, on the other hand, often have little to no dietary limitations. Dentures pose a high risk of falling out at undesirable moments during eating or other activities, but dental implants truly look, feel and act like your natural teeth. Dentures also need to be removed at night for cleaning and soaking, but implants require only the same care as your natural teeth.

Not only do dental implants improve your day-to-day experience, but if you lose a tooth and the space is left open, it can affect the surrounding teeth, as well. Since your jaw no longer has a tooth to support, the bone can begin to deteriorate, and the surrounding teeth usually start to shift towards the open space the missing tooth has left behind, which may lead to more tooth problems or loss in the future.

Are Dental Implants for Me?

How to know if dental implants are right for you may be a process. If you’re facing tooth loss, talk to your dentist about the different options available, and how dental implants compare. If you are considering dental implants, it’s important to discuss it with your dentist as soon as possible. Whether or not you are a good candidate for a dental implant can depend on the health of your gums and the surrounding jaw bone, so acting quickly after the loss can help to ensure your best candidacy.

If you still feel unsure about how to know if dental implants are right for you, your dentist will be able to provide the information you need to make an informed decision that will provide you with the best satisfaction and comfort for your lifestyle and needs.

Call our Bethlehem, PA, dental office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.

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