A myriad of issues can cause tooth loss. There are both natural and avoidable causes behind tooth loss; however, practicing proper oral hygiene and seeking out routine dental care can help you fight against the loss of your teeth. Unfortunately, tooth loss cannot always be avoided, and when that happens, patients have a few different options, including dental implants.
Dental implants are artificial teeth that look and feel just like your real teeth. Unlike dentures, which perform a similar function, implants are screwed into your jaw using titanium screws.
If you are currently faced with a choice between dental implants and another form of treatment, you’ll want to weigh out your options to ensure you make the right choice.
Are Dental Implants Worth the Cost?
Dentures and implants may serve similar purposes; however, implants tend to be generally more effective and preferred by most dental professionals. However, they are also more costly.  You shouldn’t base your decision on cost alone. So, don’t shy away from investing in implant surgery until you have all of the information.
Pros
Dental implants have several benefits over more traditional dentures, including the fact that they can help preserve your remaining teeth.
If you’re unsure of whether dental implants are for you, consider these pros:
- Improved Speech
You never know just how significant a role your teeth play in your speech until you lose a few. You may notice new lisps or issues with annunciation. Dentures aren’t always a good fix for this problem since they don’t fit as well as your natural teeth. Dental implants are planted directly into your jawbone, resulting in little to no change in your speech.
- Improved Appearance
If tooth loss is affecting your appearance visibly, implants may be the most suitable solution. Gaps and extra spaces can make you feel self-conscious, and dentures can move around or slip out of place during a conversation. With implants, this is a virtual impossibility.
- Durability
Not only are implants better for speech, appearance, and health, they are also significantly more durable than dentures and other options like bridges. They might be more expensive upfront, but they pay for themselves in their durability over a lifetime.
Cons
Implant surgery is now the treatment of choice for tooth loss; however, they may not be right for everyone. Here are a few points worth considering:
- Cost
Implants have become less expensive over the years, but they are still more costly than more routine treatments such as dentures and bridges.
- Risk of Infection
Implant surgery, like most other surgical procedures, comes with a higher risk of infection than other treatment options. While the risks are minimal, the use of antibiotics and other prescription medications can help lower your risk of infection.
Dental Implants: Are They Right for You?
Tooth loss can be a traumatic experience for anyone. With dental implants, however, your mouth will look and feel brand new, and your confidence will soar once more!
If you’re wondering whether dental implants are right for you, then contact us today. We’ll be more than happy to get your questions answered.
