Losing a tooth, whether by accident or because of poor oral hygiene, is not uncommon. Unfortunately, millions living in the U.S. have experienced tooth loss and its subsequent health consequences or feelings of embarrassment.
When it comes to a solution, many only think of traditional dentures. Others simply don’t understand the dental implant process well enough to pursue it for themselves. Despite misconceptions or hesitations, dental implants are worth the positive effects they can have on your oral health and confidence.
Keep reading to learn why dental implants are highly recommended for replacing missing teeth.
Oftentimes, people cling to myths that have been spread around because they’re fearful or unsure. The same applies to dental implants. Our Mullins dentist never wants fear to hold someone back from achieving the smile they deserve. This is why it’s important that a few myths are broken.
As soon as patients first hear about dental implants, they think about the pain that may be involved with the procedure. Yes, surgery is required to place the implant, but it’s actually not as scary as you’d think. Patients who have had the procedure compare the placement to getting a filling. Many go back to work the next day and only need over-the-counter medications to manage discomfort.
Another commonly held myth is that you need to visit a specialist. That might have been true at some point in time, but now, a fair amount of dentists are qualified to place implants for individuals wanting to replace missing teeth. In fact, Dr. Blevins has over 20 years of training and experience related to the .
Lastly, many skeptical of dental implants like to claim that they are not long-lasting or are too costly. As far as dental treatments go, implants are one of the most durable thanks to their medical-grade titanium fixtures. Once fused with the jawbone, they stay in place and function just like natural teeth. Their longevity feeds into their cost effectiveness and even puts them above similar treatments, like dental bridges.
Regardless of how many are missing, waiting to replace a lost tooth can negatively affect your oral health. One unwanted side effect of missing teeth is . When teeth are extracted or fall out, there are no longer tooth roots present to stimulate the jawbone.
Because of this, the body will begin to automatically absorb the minerals that make up the jawbone underneath the open space. While it may not seem like much, lack of healthy jawbone stimulation and mineral reabsorption over time can lead to a serious health condition known as facial collapse. This change in facial structure often impacts the ability to chew properly and limits foods eaten.
Unlike dentures, dental implants can prevent facial collapse and bone loss thanks to their surgical placement. The titanium post is embedded into the jawbone and after the natural process of osseointegration occurs, the implant becomes one with the bone. This means the jawbone can once again receive the stimulation it needs.
There are several key advantages of having dental implants placed. Those include, but are not limited to, the following:
Whether you need a single dental implant or multiple to support snap-in dentures, Dr. Blevins is happy to help improve your smile. If you have missing teeth, our restorative dentist in Mullins, SC, can examine your mouth and speak with you about the implant procedure. Call Blevins Dentistry today at (843) 561-4039 to request an appointment.
We Can’t Wait to Help You Create Your Dream Smile!