When faced with a less than perfect smile, you are also faced with several treatment options. Dental implants are widely recommended for patients with missing, cracked, or damaged teeth. However, there are other options available to you. But, with dental implants being so widely suggested by dentists across the country, are they necessary for your specific case? It is important that you have all the information available to you when making the decision about your dental health. Having a smile that you are proud of should be the goal of all dental procedures, not any of the other factors such as cost and time. Therefore, let’s discuss why you should and/or why you shouldn’t consider dental implants.
Dental implants are quickly becoming the one solution most often recommended by dentists for patients with incomplete smiles. Dental implants are permanent artificial tooth replacements that are held in place by artificial tooth roots and posts within the gums. These can be an alternative to traditional and temporary dentures and/or bridgework.
The Dental Implant Process
Getting dental implants is done over a series of procedures and visits. Different stages of healing must occur between each stage for the next stage to be fully effective. If the patient is not properly healed, the dental implants may become ineffective or even medically dangerous to the patient. During the first or initial visit, the patient has x-rays and molds taken of their teeth, mouth, and jaw. During this visit, the patient and the doctor will discuss the medical history of that patient in order to rule out any medical hindrances to the implantation process. During the first procedural visit, the patient will have local anesthetic applied to have their affected teeth either removed, reshaped, or altered to have the best frame for the implants to be inserted. Once the healing from that procedure is complete, the patient will have their jawbone prepared and the dental implants put into place. The next step required is bone growth and healing of the implanted area. In a future visit, the abutments, or supports, are placed in the patient’s mouth, and then the artificial tooth/teeth can be put into place.
Why Would I Need Dental Implants?
Getting dental implants is a decision that you do not want to take lightly. However, only you and your dentist know what is best for you and your medical conditions, so you must advocate your thoughts, concerns, and needs to the doctors, dentists, and their staff. If you feel as though you do not want dentures, bridges, or crowns to replace your broken, misshapen, or missing teeth, then dental implants would be a great option for you. If you feel like you want a permanent dental option that provides a healthy and consistent bite force, then dental implants can give you that stability. If you want to preserve as much of the jawbone structure and tooth structure that you currently have, while replacing and altering what needs to be replaced and altered, then dental implants give you that freedom. If you want an option that increases your self-confidence with a beautiful, permanent smile, then ask your doctor/dentist how dental implants can work for you!
Are Dental Implants Necessary?
Although dental implants are the most often sought-after solution to dental irregularities, they are not the only option that you have available. Sometimes, they may not be completely necessary. Each case is unique, and knowing your options is a tool you can always keep.
You may not want to get dental implants if you do not want to wait for the several months of procedures to be scheduled and completed to get your perfect smile. You may want to opt for something more immediate. Also, you may not want a permanent structure in your mouth and may benefit from a temporary denture option. There may also be health reasons why you cannot/should not get dental implants:
- Smoking Habits
- Unhealthy Oral Health
- Bone Growth Disorder
- Inability to Heal Quickly
If you are worried about the cost or the procedure itself being too invasive, then there are less invasive and cheaper options available to you, such as affordable dental implants or other dental hardware. Lastly, if you and your doctor agree that you can nurse the broken tooth back to health without removing it, then dental implants would not be needed.
Dental implants can be a great option for you if the scenario fits in with your current situation and dental needs. To best decide if this procedure is right for you, contact your local dentist’s office for more information.
At Guillot Dental, our dental pros are ready to serve you and give you back the smile that you deserve! Contact us at 337-237-1843 today!
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