You've probably seen a few adverts on television about dental implants and thought: „They're wonderful!”, „Could I have one today!” Although these statements might be true, there's still a lot to discuss when it comes to deciding whether dental implant work will bring you the value and benefits you desire, and if they are suitable for you.
In this article, we would like to have an honest conversation with you about dental implants. We will share some of the things we've heard from our patients and the questions they ask themselves and us when considering a dental implant treatment plan.
We will answer these questions for you, including, from our experience, do so directly. No waffle, just facts. In other words, in the way you'd want a friend or someone you trust to tell you.
Should I get a dental implant?
- How long until I can have a dental implant?
- Does having a dental implant hurt?
- Is a dental implant worth the money?
These are just some of the concerns and questions people have regarding dental implants. Let's see, next, what the specialists' answers are to the most common reasons that may prevent you from having a beautiful and healthy smile.
I am too old for a dental implant.„
Many times I've heard it said: „It's too late for me.” Too late for what? What does „late” mean? There's no age where you can't have healthy and complete teeth. You don't have to give up on your teeth just because you've reached a certain age or are eligible for retirement. Is that right?
Age is relative. Age is not what we specifically use to assess candidacy for dental implants. There's no reason why any of us should lose the ability to smile, eat healthily, and stay fit, or should age prematurely due to tooth loss – simply because we are aging. Losing our teeth doesn't have to be an expected rite of passage when we reach a certain age. This statement usually leads to the next reason:
„I don't deserve to have an implant.”
We hear this far more often than you might imagine and far more often than we'd like. We see patients missing some or all of their teeth and regardless of age, they have told us that they don't feel they deserve dental implants or any other missing tooth replacement option.
There are a multitude of reasons why people lose their teeth. Sometimes it's down to genes. Dental health can be hereditary. Cancer and diabetes can affect our oral health. The use and abuse of medication. Fear of visiting the dentist due to bad experiences as a child or even fear of the unknown, can keep people away from the dentist. Traumatic injuries and accidents. And yes, sometimes we simply don't do a very good job with our toothbrush and floss.
And all of this can make things worse and it being too late to save a tooth.
Just like with age, there's no law governing who deserves to smile, feel confident, and have a healthy lifestyle. Dental implants, like any other tooth replacement option, require care and maintenance. If you're a good candidate for dental implants and you're willing and able to look after your oral health from now on, don't you deserve a healthy smile? We think so.
3. Dental implants are too expensive.„
Ah, that's right. Well, dental implants aren't something we consider „cheap”.
Implants are made from the same type of surgical materials used in other implanted surgical procedures, such as hip replacements. Implant placement is a surgical procedure, and sometimes bone grafting is necessary to help improve the chances of osseointegration. Implant placement requires knowledge, skill, and experience to be accurate and safe. The abutment and crown that cover the implant must be of high quality and durable.
What is the real cost of a dental implant? Or, more broadly, what is the cost of losing your teeth in the way you live your life?
The inability to eat and chew healthy food due to a lack of teeth can have a direct impact on our weight, our digestive system, and our overall health. So, how long will we live with missing teeth and how much does it cost us to remain healthy throughout our lives?
Teeth are one of the first things we see when we look at another person's face.
A healthy smile is a necessity for many of us when judging a person's attractiveness or when considering a candidate for a role or a job. Can you put a price tag on a missed job opportunity? What about confidence? If we put a euro in a jar every time we hide our smile, how much would that amount to?
We believe that healthy teeth are not a luxury – they are a necessity. Of course, we can live a full and wonderful life without teeth, but that doesn't mean we should.
4. „I'm afraid of the dental implant procedure.”
Many people fear what they don't know.
This is the same fear that stops people from visiting the dentist until they have an emergency. Often, they are afraid of the implant procedure or worry it might be painful. We take dental implants seriously. It is a surgical procedure that has its own set of risks and benefits, and we can't tell you that dental implants are painless.
Every person is different and, like any surgical intervention, each experiences pain, discomfort, and recovery differently. We carefully evaluate patients to ensure they have the best chance for a successful implant procedure.
5. BONUS QUESTION
- „My missing tooth doesn't bother me. Is the whole process and cost of a dental implant worth it for a single tooth?”
This is an excellent question, and also one that we hear often. We would like to thank you for such an important question, which is on many people's minds:
When we are missing a tooth (or teeth), the teeth around it bear the extra stress of chewing. This can lead to them cracking or other stresses that can contribute to tooth decay.
Many people who lose one or more back teeth effectively compensate by chewing on only one side. This can cause temporomandibular joint disorders and lead to the weakening of the other side of the jaw (bone and muscle). Our jawbones are kept strong and dense by chewing (exercise). A missing tooth can lead to the weakening of bone and connective tissue, affecting the teeth around it.
Implants work in the same way as a tooth, by fusing with the bone – a process called osseointegration. This keeps the bone strong and healthy – and increases the probability of being able to keep your other teeth healthy and intact. Every person is different – variations in bone density and other factors can impact overall oral health.
One of the biggest factors that can influence the success of a dental implant is time. If you are missing teeth or a tooth, a discussion with a dentist – sooner rather than later – can offer you more information regarding your individual oral health and help you examine potential benefits versus any concerns you might have.
Weighing your options. The risks and benefits of dental implants
It is important to talk about the risks of dental implants and not just their benefits. We love it when dental implants are successful – so much so that we guarantee them for life. The greatest enemy of fear is information.
Sometimes, you just have to take a deep breath and move on, but do this by informing yourself. from our following articles, in which we will outline some of the ways you can approach these fears to familiarise yourself with the risks and benefits of dental implants.
Have you decided on a dental implant? If not, what is holding you back? Let's discuss the reasons holding you back on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Chiromax.ro/