Month: April 2017

While it is common to see children with a few missing teeth as they grow, adults who experience tooth loss may be headed for serious health risks if they do not address the problem. Tooth loss can lead to decay, infection, shifting teeth, and more. Dental implants are one of the best options for permanently fixing a lost adult tooth. Read on to learn the pros and cons of dental implants from your dentist in Alpharetta.

Pros of Dental Implants

Implant dentistry has come a long way in the recent past. We can now create dental implants that look, feel, and work just like a natural tooth. You likely won’t even notice the implant is there once you have healed from the procedure. No one else will know that any of your teeth are false, and you can continue eating your diet as you wish. You also will not experience as much discomfort as traditional dentures, which can move or slip around in your mouth. Dental implants last much longer than dentures, making them more cost effective in the long run. Finally, dental implants are very easy to take care of: simply brush and floss as you would a normal tooth.

Cons of Dental Implants

For most patients, the biggest con they see right away is the higher price of dental implants. It is true that implant dentistry can be expensive. It is also an unfortunate fact that not every patient can receive an implant. Your dental implants specialist will first have to assess your bone structure to be sure you have sufficient support for the implant. Dental implants are not a fast process. It can take weeks or possibly months to receive the final implant, during which time you will have to make due with temporary crowns or a temporary denture. Finally, as with any surgery, there will be healing time involved, and you could have some discomfort or pain during the healing.

Learn More About the Pros and Cons of Dental Implants Today

Contact your dentist in Alpharetta today to learn more about the pros and cons of dental implants. Our dental implant specialist at Old Milton Dental can help you understand if dental implants are right for you, and answer any questions you have about the process. Call our office during business hours at 678-624-0370, or contact us online.

Dental implants are usually a great option for patients who want a restorative dentistry treatment more permanent than dentures. But what exactly does permanent mean in the world of implant dentistry? Determining the lifespan of dental implants does take a little bit of guesswork, but your dental implants specialist here in Alpharetta can help you understand just how much better an implant will perform than dentures in the long run.

Why Dental Implants Are Called Permanent

The reason that we recommend so many of our patients choose implant dentistry is that implants are designed to be the most natural in terms of look, feel, and use. Many patients even forget that the implant is there, because it works just like a natural tooth. It is called a permanent restorative dentistry procedure because the tooth does not come out of the mouth at all. It is permanently attached to the bone structure of the jaw, thanks to a metal implant that acts just like a natural tooth root.

The Lifespan of Dental Implants

So, if “permanent” simply refers to the method that the tooth is held in the mouth, just how long does a dental implant really last? There are several factors that can affect the lifespan of dental implants. These include your bone structure, how well the implant was placed, your oral hygiene both now and in the future, and lifestyle habits you may have. If you grind your teeth and do not wear a guard, for example, it can be hard to guestimate how long your implant will last.

All that said, an implant that is cared for very carefully will last multiple decades. In the 1990s, well-cared for implants lasted for around 10 years. We have much better technology and implant dentistry techniques now, so it is not unreasonable to suggest that your implant could last the rest of your senior years if you take good care of your oral hygiene.

Schedule a Dental Implants Consult Today

As your dentist in Alpharetta, we want to be sure that you fully understand the lifespan of dental implants as well as any other concerns you may have about this procedure. Please call our office during business hours to arrange an appointment, or you can contact us at Old Milton Dental online and we will get back to you. Our phone number is 678-624-0370, or click here for our contact form.

Dental implants are quickly becoming one of the most popular restorative dentistry treatments available. But with their popularity has also come a lot of misinformation. Many patients come Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta convinced that they are too old for dental implants. If this is your concern, rest assured that there is no age that is too old for dental implants. Read on to learn why implant dentistry is available to people of all ages.

Bone Density and Dental Implants

Many people believe that they may be too old for dental implants because bones become less dense with age. It is true that bone density is a factor in placing an implant correctly. However, even those with osteoporosis can still receive dental implants. And in fact, one of the amazing benefits of this restorative dentistry treatment is that it can help improve your bone health. By allowing you to eat properly again, dental implants can help you get the nutrients you need from healthy food. This can help improve your bone health as well as your overall health.

Dental Implants Are More Cost Effective

Another concern for senior patients who go to their dentist in Alpharetta is that they should not spend the extra money on dental implants. It is true that this procedure can be more expensive. Once a person gets to a certain age, they may want to save their money for retirement. But dentures are actually more expensive in the long run because they usually have to be replaced after several years. Dental implants, on the other hand, are designed to last for much longer. Without the need to replace them, dental implants become a more cost efficient way to protect your health and enhance your smile.

You Are Never Too Old to Invest in Yourself with Dental Implants

So the answer is, no, you are not too old for dental implants. The boost in your self-confidence and state of mind is also another important benefit of dental implants that should not be overlooked. If you are ready to schedule an appointment with your dentist in Alpharetta, or you want to learn more, you can call our office at 678-624-0370, or contact us online. We are happy to walk you through the process, help you understand all the benefits, or schedule an appointment for a consultation with our dental implants specialist.