As the new year gets into full gear and tax season approaches, you may be taking stock of your finances and figuring out the best way to spend and invest in the upcoming fiscal year. If restorative dental treatment figures into your budget this year, you are probably considering your various options, including dentures, bridges, and implants. Because the cost of dental implants is typically more than the cost of other restorative treatments, you may question the wisdom of choosing this procedure. In fact, dental implants are one of the best investments you can make this year. Implants have a number of significant health and cosmetic benefits, and they are extremely durable. Here are just some of the reasons why getting dental implants may be the best decision you make in 2014.
Cosmetic Benefits of Implants
Implants are permanent replacement teeth. The implant posts are inserted directly into your gum tissue, and they are topped with lifelike dental crowns, which are custom made to match the shape and color of your other teeth. Implants are so lifelike that they are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. Unlike other methods of tooth replacement, when you choose implants, you will never have to worry about the embarrassment of slipping teeth. In addition, because implants are stable and permanent, you will be able to enjoy your favorite foods with few dietary adjustments to accommodate the restorations.
Health Benefits of Implants
Perhaps the number one reason to invest in dental implants is the enormous impact they can have on your overall oral health. Healthy teeth lead to healthy gums and jawbone. Each time your teeth touch when you are eating or talking, they send infinitesimal shock waves to the periodontal ligament, which attaches your teeth to your jawbone. These shock waves stimulate jawbone regeneration. Even when you are missing just one tooth, your bone receives fewer shock waves. Over time your jaw will begin to degenerate, leading to a shrunken or prematurely aged look. Implants replace the tooth roots and the shock waves they produce. They are the only type of tooth replacement that can protect against jawbone degeneration and promote jawbone growth. When you invest in implants, you are investing in your future health.
Durability
With proper care, dental implants can last the rest of your life. While dental bridges can sometimes last a lifetime, they more typically have a lifespan of about 15 years. Because traditional dentures do not protect against jawbone degeneration, they will also have to be replaced periodically as the jawbone changes shape and the dentures start to sit loosely against the gums. Therefore, while implants may initially cost more than dentures or a bridge, you will most likely save a significant amount of money in the long term.
To learn more about the benefits of dental implants, contact our office at (203) 878-6699 to schedule an appointment or a consultation. Sensitive Care Cosmetic & Family Dentistry is proud to serve the Milford area.