Having a great smile is not something to be underestimated because it’s perhaps the first thing people notice. A row of healthy, pearly white teeth signify not just good hygiene but also makes someone look younger. Even so, over 30 million Americans have missing teeth according to the National Center for Health Statistics. [1] Dentures provide some relief, but they’re not a long-term solution. If someone has missing teeth and wants a permanent solution that looks and feels good, dental implants are just what’s neded!
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are part of a surgical procedure during which a titanium post is inserted into a jaw bone socket. Over time the jaw and post fuse which essentially creates a permanent root for a ceramic crown. The most amazing part about dental implants is that they don’t need to pulled out to sleep, which is a concern with dentures. Moreover, they last for a lifetime.
Why Are Dental Implants The Preferred Option?
Having in mind that dental implants are permanent, they are more affordable than other tooth-replacement options such dentures in the long run. They also keep the jaw bone structure intact and healthy. According to studies, long-term implant success is at about 97%, with only a small number of people being unsuitable for the procedure. [2] This means only paying once as opposed to dentures which need to be replaced every few years, besides being ineffective, uncomfortable and requiring additional pastes, and so on. When everything is added up, the tally is clear: dental implants come out on top.
Are Dental Implants a Fad or the Future?
Dental Implants are definitely the future. More than 3 million Americans have dental implants, with half a million new implants planted each year, according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. [3] They might have once been a luxury procedure, but prices have since come down, and the price of an implant can be as low as $500, instead of thousands. Furthermore, dental implant quality is getting better and better each year due to new techniques, materials, tools, and different designs. Demand is also growing, which is driving prices down.
Dental Implants Can Improve Quality of Life
Anyone with one or more missing teeth knows how much that can affect confidence with family, friends, and colleagues. Even worse, one might start avoiding regular dentist appointments which can lead to more teeth issues down the line, some of which can be quite serious.
Opting for dental implants will let the dentist do a complete examination of the mouth and teeth. Once oral health is in check and that that old smile back, quality of life can be significantly boosted.
Will My Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
In most cases, dental insurance plans won’t pay out for dental implants because they consider them a cosmetic procedure. Fortunately, clinics with affordable financing programs exist which will provide a monthly payment plan. But before choosing a dentist, compare prices around the local area. Another affordable option is to let dental students perform the procedure under close guidance from an experienced professional.
Whatever root gets picked, know that dental implants are great once they’re complete. More importantly, new teeth will feel similar to natural ones and will probably last for a lifetime.
[1]https://www.gotoapro.org/facts-figures/
[2]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4050226/
[3]https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-dentalimplants-patient-percept/patients-can-spot-trouble-with-new-dental-implants-idUSKCN0PJ2GQ20150709https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4028797/