Making important health decisions can be stressful. When it comes to replacing missing teeth, today’s patients have more options than ever before, and wading through the massive amounts of information can be overwhelming. Many experts consider dental implants to be the best tooth replacement option. But how do you know whether this treatment is right for you?
Dr. Chris Tye is committed to making dental treatment as easy as possible. In this post, he distills some of the key considerations when thinking about dental implants. When you come to Texas Oral Surgery Specialists in Colleyville, TX, he will continue to explain your treatment options, going into as much detail as you need to feel confident about your care.
To learn more about dental implants, or to schedule an implants consultation, contact us today.
1. Your Goals
Whether you want to replace one tooth or all of them, dental implants can be a great solution. But you also need to consider your overall cosmetic and oral health goals. If your goal is to replace your missing teeth as quickly and easily as possible, implants are likely not the right choice. On the other hand, if you are willing to undergo more extensive treatment to ensure better long term oral health, you should definitely consider implants.
After tooth loss, nearly 30% of the nearby bone is lost due to resorption. Dental implants act as replacement tooth roots, thus preventing jawbone deterioration. In this way, they can protect your facial contours and reduce the risk of further tooth loss.
2. Your Jawbone Health
If you have already sustained jawbone deterioration, this can affect your candidacy for implants. Without sufficient bone tissue, the implant posts will not have a stable foundation. Dr. Tye can evaluate your jaw using our state-of-the-art cone beam scanners. Fortunately, even if you have significant bone erosion, a bone grafting procedure can rebuild a strong base for dental implants.
3. Your Gum Health
Periodontal disease can also affect your ability to receive dental implants. Uncontrolled or very advanced periodontitis can cause your gums to recede, pulling away from implant posts and compromising the stability of the restorations. In many cases, however, appropriate treatment can minimize the effects of the disease and restore your implant candidacy.
4. Your Budget
Dental implants do cost more than other restorations, such as bridges or dentures. In addition, insurance may not cover as much of your treatment costs as it would if you opted for a cheaper restoration.
At the same time, many patients consider implants to be an invaluable investment. Not only do they enhance appearance, speech, oral function, and jawbone health. They can also save you money in the long run by reducing the risk of future tooth loss and the accompanying costs of additional restorations.
5. Your Commitment to Good Oral Care
If you are going to make this important investment in your health, a commitment to oral hygiene is key. To care for your implants, be sure to brush and floss daily, drink plenty of water, eat a balanced diet, and visit the dentist at least twice a year.
Learn More about Dental Implants with Dr. Tye
For more information, or to schedule your implants consultation, contact us today.
You can reach our office online or call us at 817-552-3223.
