For many people who are missing teeth, dentures are not the only option. In the past, dentures were uncomfortable, unsightly, and a hassle and this made many choose to simply deal with the missing tooth. But this can cause problems with a shifting bite, more decay, and other serious dental issues like loss of bone mass. Today, we can offer another option for those who aren’t a fan of dentures: dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
With implant dentistry, a fake tooth root, made of metal, is inserted into the bone behind the gum where the original tooth was. Then a fake tooth, which has been custom made to match your smile, is attached to the implant. This procedure makes it so that when you eat or speak, the pressure is put on the jaw bone just like a real tooth not your gums. Dental implants feel so much like the real thing that many patients forget they even have them.
Pros and Cons of Dental Implants
The only drawback that most patients find with implants is the time it takes to complete the procedure. Depending on how fast your body heals, implants can take anywhere from four months to a year to be completed.
However, the pros of implants far outweigh this length procedure, for most patients. Dental implants are designed to last for multiple decades, even up to 40 years or more. They look, feel, and function like a real tooth, and don’t have to be taken out of your mouth to be cleaned or maintained.
Get Started on Your New Smile Today
If you are interested in learning more about dental implants and finding out if you are a good candidate for this permanent tooth replacement technique, contact our office to schedule an appointment with our cosmetic dentist in Plano, TX. You could be on your way to a bright new smile!