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At some point or another, most people will lose a tooth. Teeth are one of the most well-worked parts of our anatomy, intrinsic to survival, good health, and self-confidence. After the baby teeth are lost, people only have one set which is supposed to last an entire lifetime.
But it is inevitable that teeth will suffer from a range of issues. Even those who try to keep the sugar content of their diet at a minimum will, at some point, discover issues and it can be disheartening to lose a tooth. Not only does it reduce effectiveness in eating, but it can be a real blow to our pride.
Why might someone not want dental implants?
There are many reasons why someone might not want to receive dental implants. There is an understandable fear about surgery involving mouths which some might even call instinctual. It might even be a feeling of defeat. If someone has lost a tooth or teeth, they might feel that having an implant put in is accepting something that isn’t part of the natural way of things.
It can also be a costly procedure that one might think isn’t worth it in the long run. There are often many other things in daily life that people put before the care of their teeth. It gets put off and off until it becomes difficult to ignore, by which time gum disease may have set in and the issue has only escalated.
Why might you need Dental Implants?
However, there are a number of people who have considered dental implants as a viable option. Those who consider implants range from people who have made a career out of their teeth - models, chefs, even public speakers.
Others who are driven towards it through necessity. All kinds of accidents can happen involving our mouths, as well as the natural process of aging. For others still, a winning smile is key to their confidence.
What is the procedure?
The procedure itself is fairly straightforward. Most of the time, when someone loses a tooth, it is not actually the tooth itself which is at fault but the root which goes all the way down to the jawbone. The procedure is made up of two parts, both under a general anaesthetic.
First, the implant will be fitted. These are generally made of a hard-wearing material like titanium. Once it is fitted to the jaw, the dentist will book the second part of the procedure in the future, allowing the implant to settle into place and the mouth to heal.
The second part of the procedure is the fitting of a false tooth itself. This can take a relatively short time to do, and may also be done with a mild sedative for anyone feeling anxious.
What are the benefits?
In fact, the procedure may actually be fairly economical in the long run. The cost of countless procedures to work around broken or missing teeth can be quite high. The good news is that due to the hard-wearing nature of an implant, the procedure is often a one time only deal. Caps or false teeth will take less daily maintenance than dentures, and will help to restore effectiveness and confidence.