Our teeth play a much bigger role in our lives than we give them credit for. We can sometimes underestimate their importance and that’s when we start to lose them. While whole mouth dental implants, it’s not something that we should be aiming for, particularly. The cost of dental implants can sometimes range way out of our budget, if insurance doesn’t cover them and when it really comes down to it, there’s nothing like our natural teeth. Maybe one day, technology will come up with something that acts just like real teeth but as close as they’ve come, even whole mouth dental implants aren’t as good as the teeth you are born with. Well, not born with, but grow in to.
Now, having said that, it is perfectly understandable that sometimes accidents and unexpected things occur in life that cause us to have to get whole mouth dental implants or something similar. If that happens, then thank goodness we have the technology for full mouth restoration. If that has happened to you and you aren’t entirely sure what you are getting yourself into by getting whole mouth dental implants then hopefully this article will give you a little more information.
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is basically an artificial tooth that is planted into the jaw in order to replace a missing tooth. It can also be a bridge than cover several missing teeth. Teeth can go missing for various reasons; age, accidents or injuries, tooth disease, etc. If something like this has happened to you then a dental implant might be an option for you. Talk to your dentist to find out what the best course of action for your particular condition and situation might be.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are definitely a long term solution to missing teeth. To know exactly how long they last is a little difficult because it depends on how they are put in and taken care of. Where they are located in the mouth also plays a part in how long they last but generally speaking they should last a life time without needing replacement when they are properly brushed and flossed and maintained but even if they are not, they will probably last between 10 and 15 years on average.
How can I avoid getting implants?
Well, that’s a loaded question because if you get into an accident or get injured, that really is out of your control but there are things you can do to avoid gum or tooth disease and decay just as proper care of your teeth.
- Brush twice a day for a least two minutes.
- Floss at least once a day between every single tooth.
- Swish with mouthwash every day after flossing.
- Drink a lot of water.
- Avoid sugary sweets
If you can follow these simple tips then you will significantly decrease your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Also, regular visits to the dentist office can help your dentist to see exactly what is going on in your mouth at all times and be able to detect early signs on anything that might be going wrong. It is recommended to have a dentist check up about twice a year.
If you have to get dental implants, there is nothing to be afraid of. It might be unfamiliar territory for you but the truth is, you should be able to undergo the procedure with minimal discomfort and while they aren’t natural teeth, they’re as close as you will get. Chances are, no one will even notice the difference. You may have to get used to using them and become familiar with the maintenance of the implants but it will come quite easily to you and only take a short while before they begin to feel natural.
The best thing about implants is that they are definitely not dentures. They don’t come out. They are surgically implanted into your gum and it actually adheres to your bone after a time and acts exactly like a root. Then the crown can be added to give the appearance of a regular tooth. Trust your dentist to answer any further questions.