It’s easy to see why dental implants are a popular option for people with missing teeth. The benefits of being able to smile with confidence and chew more easily cannot be overstated, and they’re also very natural-looking and capable of lasting many years. However, there are also downsides and it can be very difficult to know if implants are for you.
Firstly, it is necessary to state that age is not a factor when choosing whether or not to get implants. There is no such thing as being ‘too old’ or ‘too young’ when it comes to implants, which are suitable for people of any age. It also does not matter what happened to your previous teeth: as long as you’re willing to care for your implants going forward, you are not disqualified based on your previous oral health.
You may also be wondering if the current state of your teeth and jaw makes you a good candidate for dental implants. Often people with only one or two teeth missing feel that it would be waste of time and money to get implants, but this is not the case: it can put more strain on the surrounding teeth and lead to more tooth loss, or even to a weakening of the jaw bone due to how you chew with missing teeth. In terms of your jaw, you will need to have enough healthy bone around your jaw for the implants to be fitted, which your dentist can discover with a simple scan.
Another common concern is whether the procedure will hurt or whether recovery is uncomfortable – and there is no easy answer to this. It depends on you as a person, and the level of pain you can tolerate. Many dentists are able to give painkillers to aid in your recovery, and may even be able to sedate you for the procedure if you’re feeling nervous.
A huge consideration is the aftercare required. You can still get gum disease when you have implants, and you’ll need to carefully clean them in a way that your dentist will teach you. You’ll also need to refrain from smoking, as this can damage implants. Consider your lifestyle and motivation to keep your implants healthy.
For a lot of people, the biggest barrier to getting them is the cost. You should first consider the costs of the alternatives: you might find that even though crowns and bridges sound cheaper, implants may prove more cost-effective over a long period. You may also want to think about the emotional and professional cost of your missing teeth. How does having missing teeth affect your confidence and self-esteem? How many professional opportunities are you missing out on because of your teeth? Think about how you would feel with a full set of teeth, and weigh up your options.
To conclude, there is a lot to think about when choosing whether to get implants, and only you can make the decision. Carefully think about all these considerations, and the alternatives, before you make the choice that is right for you.
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