TDental implants may sound like a scary proposition. At face value an implant is an artificial tooth that screwed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth in place… sounds painful! But in actuality dental implants are the best option for replacing missing teeth that look and feel like the originals! Here’s why you shouldn’t be afraid of dental implants.

What is the Dental Implant procedure?

During a dental implant procedure your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area surrounding the implant and relieve any pain. That’s some good news! A titanium post is then inserted into the socket beneath the gum. The socket is then sutured and allowed time to heal; this could take a few months, but is a relatively painless recovery process.

Once the jaw has been allowed to heal the implant is screwed into the post and the tooth is capped. Now that doesn’t sound so bad does it?

What the Advantages to Dental Implants?

We know that visiting the dentist isn’t anybody’s favorite part of their day, so why would you want to increase your visits? The advantage to dental implants is that they can last a lifetime if they are taken proper care of. Dental implants also look and function like real teeth.

If a patient opts for the more rudimentary dentures as opposed to implants they may to deal with shifting, cleaning and affixing dentures to their gum line using unappetizing dental cement, yuck! Dentures can also lead to embarrassing social faux pas like slurred speech and slippage.

Additionally, while dental implants may be the more expensive option initially, over time patients save money by avoiding replacement dentures and cleaning solutions.

If you feel like dental implants may be the right option for you consult with your dentist today!