Dental implants tend to cost more than other forms of tooth replacement, and the process of getting them can take several months. Nevertheless, they can still be an excellent option for filling in the empty space in your smile. If you’re trying to figure out whether dental implants would be a good investment for you, here’s a closer look at some of the important benefits that they offer.
Longevity
A traditional dental bridge or denture might last around 10 years before eventually needing to be replaced. Meanwhile, dental implant posts can last 30 years or more with the right care; in some cases, they can even last for the rest of a patient’s life. This can make dental implants a great choice for your bank account in the long term, as you’re less likely to need to pay for replacements.
Easy Maintenance
Taking care of dental implants actually isn’t too different from taking care of your natural teeth. Unlike with dentures, there’s no need to stock up on specialized cleaning products or make any major changes to your oral hygiene routine. All you need to do is brush and floss your dental implants along with the rest of your smile.
A Natural Look and Feel
Once your dental implant posts form a lasting bond with the jawbone, they will feel very similar to your natural teeth. On top of that, the prosthesis supported by the implant posts will be carefully designed to blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile. In short, dental implants allow you to replace missing teeth in a way that looks and feels natural, which can have a very positive impact on your self-esteem.
Prevention of Bone Loss
Your jawbone requires stimulation from your natural teeth to remain strong. Thus, when your teeth are missing, it can lead to bone loss in the jaw, which in turn can cause facial collapse that makes you look older. Dental implants are the only form of tooth replacement that can mimic the function of natural tooth roots and give your jawbone the stimulation that it needs. In other words, investing in dental implants helps protect your jaw from bone loss, which can go a long way toward helping you maintain a more youthful appearance.
Dental implants may require a significant investment of time and money, but they can be well worth it in the long run. If you’re interested in replacing your missing teeth with dental implants, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your dentist.
About the Author
Dr. H. Douglas Clark III is a graduate of the Marquette University School of Dentistry. He currently holds membership with various professional organizations, such as the Northeastern District Dental Society and the Wisconsin Dental Association. At Hill Avenue Dental, he works with local specialists in Superior to rebuild his patients’ smiles with dental implants. If you think dental implants may be a good investment for you, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Clark by visiting his website or calling (715) 392-5161.