Millions of people lose teeth every year for a number of reasons, especially as they age. Older patients are far more susceptible to gum disease, which is a common precursor to tooth loss. Other patients suffer from a dental injury that leaves the dentist no other option but to extract the tooth. However, even in a world where tooth loss afflicts nearly 120 million people in the U.S. alone, it doesn’t mean your implant dentist in Jacksonville can’t help.
Today, she wanted to explain why she thinks dental implants are the most ideal option for replacing teeth.
THE MOST RELIABLE REPLACEMENT AVAILABLE TODAY
When patients have the chance to examine their replacement options, they tend to find the lower priced options like dentures or dental bridges appealing. Of course, this price doesn’t include the long-term costs associated with these methods. Dentures require replacing every 10 years or so, sometimes even sooner if they aren’t properly cared for. Dental bridges require replacing every 10 to 15 years by default.
That means when comparing the long-term cost of dental implants and other methods, implants are seen as the better value thanks to their longevity. While the upfront cost is high, the long-term cost of replacing dentures and bridges is, more often than not, higher than implants. Implants have the potential to last 30 years and even for life when properly cared for.
RESTORING YOUR HEALTH AND YOUR APPEARANCE
Many patients assume that dental implants only restore your smile’s appearance, which is why they’re always surprised when they hear how much treatment will cost. However, implants are so much more than just reestablishing your smile. They are designed to replace your tooth all the way down to the root structure!
By replacing your root with a prosthetic version, two functions come back. First, your jawbone is being stimulated once again, preventing your existing bone from resorbing back into the body where it’s needed. The other function is blood flow, which travels to your gum and facial tissue. Patients with missing teeth are more prone to having their face sag and appear hollow, but implants reverse this process.
ALL THE FUNCTIONS OF NATURAL TEETH
Dentures and bridges may prevent other teeth from shifting and messing up your bite’s alignment. However, they never feel quite like natural teeth, which makes basic tasks feel awkward. The only way to truly restore the feeling of natural chewing, smiling, and other daily functions is through dental implants.
Once healed and placed with an implant-retained crown, you won’t even notice the difference! As a bonus, you don’t need to make any adjustments to your oral care routine. In fact, implant-retained crowns can’t develop cavities, so you won’t have to worry about decay harming your new crown. Just make sure to practice daily oral care and visit your dentist every six months!
Ready to restore your smile with dental implants in Jacksonville? Schedule a consultation with your implant dentist today!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Kathryn Ryan is a prosthodontist, meaning she specializes in esthetic and implant dentistry, reconstructive dentistry, and managing patients’ occlusions. After earning her Certificate of Specialty in Prosthodontics, she became Fellowship trained in Implant Surgery at the University of Florida College of Dentistry’s Graduate Prosthodontics program. To learn more about her practice, contact her through her website.
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