Replacing Your Missing Tooth With Dental Implants

The loss of a tooth is a major dental event for a person to experience. Depending on the tooth that is lost, it can have major impacts on the look of a person's smile and the functionality of their mouth. Dental implants are a modern solution to this problem, but people that are misinformed about this treatment option will be far less likely to utilize it to restore their mouth.

Myth: Dental Implants Only Offer Cosmetic Benefits Over Bridges Or Other Solutions

Bridges are one of the older solutions for replacing a missing tooth. During this procedure, an artificial tooth will be anchored to neighboring teeth. Unfortunately, individuals may assume that dental implants are only able to offer cosmetic benefits over bridges. Yet, dental implants will be installed in the gums and jawbone directly. This can avoid the need to alter the neighboring teeth, and it can also have the benefit of providing a more natural appearance as there will not be a gap or noticeable area where the implant meets the gums.

Myth: Dental Implants Are Less Cost-Effective Than Dental Bridges

The initial cost of having a dental implant placed will typically be higher than what a person will have to pay to have a dental bridge applied. Yet, this does not mean that the bridge is always the more cost-effective solution. In particular, the bridge will need to be replaced after several years, and this can be fairly costly due to the need to replace the crowns on the teeth that anchor the bridge in place. While the artificial tooth for the implant will need to be replaced at some point, the implant itself will be able to remain in place. As a result, this maintenance can be more affordable.

Myth: Patients Can Only Use Implants If They Are Placed Immediately After Tooth Loss Occurs

There is a misconception among some patients that dental implants are only a viable option in situations where they are able to have the implant applied immediately after the tooth is lost. In reality, it is normal for patients to have to wait for the gums and jawbone to heal after a tooth has been lost before the implant can be placed. For patients that have been missing a tooth for some time, it may be necessary to have the neighboring teeth adjusted due to the teeth shifting positions to fill the gap, but it is often possible for these patients to utilize dental implants as well.