Are Dental Implants Right For You?
When you have damaged or missing teeth, you may be wondering what you can and should do to resolve the issue. Dental implants are one of the options available to help you with your dental issues. However, you may find yourself wondering if getting dental implants is the right choice for you at this point in time. Get to know some of the important facts about dental implants so you can be sure you are making the best dental decisions for you and your oral health going forward.
The Success of Dental Implants Depends on Your Overall Health
Dental implants are not just any dental prosthesis. The procedure to get dental implants is actually considered a minor surgery. This is because the implant itself is a device that looks much like a construction screw. This screw is implanted where the root of a natural tooth would go and serves to anchor the prosthetic tooth to the bones that hold the teeth in place (the mandible for lower teeth or the maxilla for the upper teeth).
If you are not in good overall health, you may not be the best candidate for dental implants. When you have certain health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or illnesses that cause immune system deficiencies, your body has a higher chance of rejecting the implant and you are also at greater risk of developing a serious infection after getting dental implants. Some dentists will not perform dental implant surgeries on patients with certain health conditions because of these possible complications.
Dental Implants Are Semi-Permanent Solutions
As you are deciding what you want to do about your dental problems, it is important to keep in mind that dental implants are considered to be semi-permanent solutions to dental issues. They last longer than any other option and are generally not removed unless there is a problem with them.
This is starkly different from dentures and other removable options because implants are rooted in the facial bones and can last more than 15 to 20 years if properly cared for. If you want a solution that will last a long time and do not want to need to make more changes to your smile in the future, dental implants will be good options for you. However, if you are planning to whiten your teeth or make other adjustments in the near future, you may want to wait on the dental implants and choose a less permanent option like dentures in the meantime.
With these factors in mind, you can better decide if dental implants are right for you. Talk to a dentist like John S. Lyon DDS to learn more.