If you are missing a tooth, several teeth, or currently have no teeth at all, you might be a good candidate for dental implants. Though the thought of having something implanted in your jawbone may cause your stomach to do somersaults, remember – knowledge is power, and the more you know about the product and the process the more confident you can feel in deciding whether dental implants are right for you. Here’s what you need to know:

The Implant Color Will be Matched to Your Surrounding Natural Teeth

This is actually very important to know ahead of time, as dental implants cannot be whitened. If you are unhappy with the current shade of your teeth, it’s important to consult your dentist about professional teeth whitening options. Have your teeth whitened prior to the dental implant procedure so the implant color will match the color of your newly whitened teeth.

They Can Improve Your Oral Health and Prevent Further Tooth Loss

Missing teeth can negatively affect your bone structure, which can lead to breakdown and decay of the surrounding teeth. The body recognizes a dental implant as if it were a natural tooth, helping maintain the strength and structure of the bone and surrounding teeth.

They Are a Great Alternative to Traditional Dentures

Dentures typically have to be replaced after several years of use, while dental implants are usually good for the rest of your life. Implants improve your oral hygiene as they don’t require the same removal and cleaning process as dentures to remove food particles and other debris that may get stuck underneath.

They Help Restore Good Facial Posture

Missing teeth can affect the posture of the face, which impacts the function of the mouth and jaw as well as one’s self-confidence. Dental implants act as natural teeth, restoring the structure of the face that was previously distorted by tooth loss.

They Are an Investment

Even with insurance, dental implants can be costly. However, it’s important to take into consideration the cost of alternatives. Dentures may be more affordable now, but with periodic replacements in the future, the cost of traditional dentures can actually add up quite significantly. Also, simply not replacing missing teeth can cause costly and serious long-term health problems. Dental implants are an up-front investment that will have a long-term payoff in your oral health and overall self-confidence.

They’re a Process

Dental implants are not a quick and easy process. There will be an initial evaluation, x-rays, exams, and likely a temporary prosthetic prior to the permanent implant. Dental implants take quite a while to heal, with the actual length of time varying by the individual condition of each patient.

They Look Great!

Dental implants look nearly identical to natural teeth. Because there is no slipping or clicking like there can be with dentures, implants are virtually indistinguishable from the surrounding natural teeth (or from what your original teeth looked like, if you had a full set of implants done).

Whether you have experienced tooth loss from trauma, life choices, or age, dental implants may be an excellent option to restore your oral health as well as your self-confidence. It’s important to consult with your dentist about your individual situation to find out if dental implants are right for you. If you live in the Coralville, IA area and would like to speak with a caring, capable dentist in the area of dental implants, contact Dr. Rubel at Coral West Dental today.