As people tend to be living longer, more permanent solutions to tooth loss are being sought. In stark contrast to other tooth replacement options such as removable dentures and bridges, dental implants provide the patient with a natural, long lasting treatment that looks, feels and acts just like your normal teeth. As a result more and more people are turning to dental implants. In Richmond for example here at Sheen Dental, we’ve been fitting dental implants for longer than we care to remember and over the past few years have seen a huge uptake in people seeking treatment.
As is the case with any medical procedure, it’s really important to understand the pros and the cons to decide whether or not it’s best for you. So without further ado, let’s take a look at some of them.
The main benefits include:
Improvement in overall health
As well as improving your oral health, dental implants can contribute towards your overall health too. Because they’re a permanent fixture that look, feel and even act just as your normal teeth, they give you the ability to eat what you like when you like. This means that you no longer have to avoid healthy foods such as apples, nuts, lean meat and raw vegetables. Instead you can feel free to eat what you like, when you like.
Improved confidence and better self-esteem
Because you don’t ever have to worry about slippage or discomfort with dental implants, they give you the ability to be able to speak and smile with confidence. No longer do you need to stay clear of those awkward social situations. Instead you can embrace them with your new-found confidence.
More comfortable
Denture wearers will know from experience as time goes on their dentures will have to be adjusted from time to time as the jaw bone continues to wear. When they become loose dentures have a tendency to slip causing friction on the gum line, which in turn can lead to discomfort. Alternatively, if you undergo fitting for dental implants in Richmond for example, you can feel safe in the knowledge that it will never move, slip, or cause any form of discomfort.
Improved appearance
Implants are designed specifically to blend perfectly with your other teeth. As a result they’re very natural in appearance and feel just like your normal teeth. In fact it can be very hard to tell the difference.
Flexibility
If you opt for dental implants there are plethoras of options open to you. Dentures, bridges and dental crowns can all be attached to dental implants for an improved look and a hassle-free experience.
As with any dental procedures there may well be a few potential drawbacks that you may also need to consider and these are as follows:
Cost
Because of the nature of how implants are manufactured and fitted they aren’t cheap and in many cases are considerably more expensive than other forms of tooth replacement.
It’s a process
Dental implants aren’t a quick-fit solution and can be considered a process rather than a procedure with multiple stages along the way. On average it can take anywhere between 3-9 months from initial consultation to final fitting. On top of this if any other procedure has to be carried out before implants can be placed, such as bone or sinus grafting then this extends the process further.
Post surgical discomfort
As this is a surgical procedure patients can expect a small amount of post surgical discomfort. Slight swelling and bruising are the norm, but will disappear after a few days as the implants heal.
If you’re considering dental implants in Richmond and want to find out more then contact Sheen Dental on 020 8876 5277 or visit our website at www.sheendental.co.uk and book your free, no-obligation consultation today.