Functionally and aesthetically, a dental implant is the closest thing to your real tooth as possible. We often take our teeth for granted but if one were to break or need extracting it is heartbreaking on several levels. First of all it mars your smile. Secondly, it means possible discomfort, inconvenience, and expense. Thirdly, no matter what you do at this point, you will no longer have your original tooth. You will always have a prosthetic. While in some cases a prosthetic tooth can be better than your original tooth, particularly because some of them do not stain, it is still important to try to maintain the health of your original teeth. However, that is not always possible, so are you interested in an implant?
Not Everyone Is A Candidate For Implants
If you are interested in getting an implant, you must first make sure you are a viable candidate. Optimally, you shouldn’t be a smoker, have diabetes, or suffer from heart disease. Your teeth are held in their sockets via your gingival tissue and periodontal ligaments. Therefore, to receive a dental implant you cannot have periodontal disease. It is also detrimental that your underlying jawbone is strong and healthy. If your jawbone has shrunk, or atrophied because you lost a tooth or are suffering from periodontal disease you will not be able to receive an implant.
The Benefits Of Getting An Implant
Although dental implants require a surgical procedure to place, they have many benefits that other less-invasive dental procedures do not. Implants:
· Prevent jawbone atrophy
· Prevent your teeth from shifting
· Are more stable and reliable than other treatments
· Restore function
· Restore aesthetics
· Look and feel like your original tooth
· Have a success rate of over 95 percent
· Can last a lifetime
