Category: Dental Implants

When it comes to replacing your missing teeth, unfortunately not every dental procedure is perfect for every patient. When it comes to replacing your missing teeth, you have a few different options. The most popular seem to be dental implants, dental bridges, and full or partial dentures. If you want the best treatment, our dentist usually recommends dental implants. Unfortunately, dental implants have certain requirements that not every patient can meet. Discover if dental implants at Old Milton Dental are right for you. Read through the disadvantages of dental implants to discover if they are your ideal treatment option.

Dental Implants are Costly

The first and most major disadvantage of dental implants is that they are costly. We won’t lie to you and tell you that they are the most affordable option because they are most definitely not. A full mouth of dental implants can cost you tens of thousands of dollars while a single implant can cost a few thousand. To find out how much dental implants will cost for you, please schedule a consultation with our dentist in Alpharetta to find out how much your dental implants treatment will cost you. They might be more or less affordable than you think. Also please consider the different payment options we have available at our dental office. You might be able to make monthly payments that fit inside your budget.

Your Dental Insurance Won’t Cover Them

Another disadvantage of dental implants is that your dental insurance will most likely not cover them. If anything, they might help cover the restoration that will be attached to the dental implant like the dental crown, dental bridge, partial or full denture. Of course, you can call your dental insurance prior to a consultation with us to see if these are things they might consider to cover. You never know what your insurance is willing to cover. During your consultation, we will go over the complete costs for your treatment with us.

Dental Implants Require a Surgery for Placement

Another major disadvantage of dental implants is that they require surgery to be placed. You might think this is a big deal but surgery is always a health risk. The complication rate is just an average 5 to 10%. The risks and complications you are taking for dental implants include infection, damage to other teeth, delayed bone healing, nerve damage, prolonged bleeding, jaw fractures and more. If you are willing to take these risks, dental implants might be right for you.

You Might Need to Replace Your Restorations

Although dental implants can last you for life, the restorations that you attach to them may not. Another disadvantage of dental implants is that you may need to replace your restorations down the line which can be quite costly. For example, a single dental crown can cost around $1,000. If you have multiple in your mouth, that can really add up. Dental bridges and dentures are less costly, but still, add up over time. Most patients who need to replace their restorations are ones who did not take care of them in the first place.

Dental crowns and dental bridges are made of porcelain which can typically last you for the rest of your life with proper care. This means that you brush and floss regularly and avoid doing any physical damage to your teeth. This means wearing a night guard and a mouth guard when it is deemed necessary.

You Might Lose Bone Around Your Implants

Another factor that you might want to consider before opting for dental implants is this one major disadvantage. Although dental implants can help you maintain bone mass in your jaw, it is still common to lose bone around your implants. This is from normal bone loss over years. If you lose too much bone, you may need to have your dental implant replaced. This is why it’s important to have your dental implants placed by a skilled dentist like ours at Old Milton Dental. We take our time planning your dental implant surgery to ensure your implant is placed in the best spot possible for long-term results.

Dental Implants Take a Long Time to Heal

If you are looking for instant results for your missing teeth, dental implants aren’t going to be your solution. A major disadvantage of dental implants is that they take a long time to heal. To start, our dentist must first ensure you have enough bone mass in your jaw to have the implants placed in the first place. If you don’t, we need to give you a bone graft surgery. If you need any teeth extracted, that will also need to be done in advance. We can’t place your dental implants until your gums have healed from extractions and bone grafts. From there, we will surgically insert your dental implants.

Once your surgery is complete, we must then let your gums heal once again. This is where your gums begin to grow bone around the implants. The healing process can take anywhere from 3 to 18 months to heal. It’s not until your gums have healed from surgery that we can take impressions of your gums and create your permanent tooth restorations. When those return from the lab, we can finally place them in your mouth to hopefully last you the rest of your life. If you don’t have patience, dental implants probably aren’t the right dental treatment for you.

Dental Implants Have a Chance of Failing

Every patient who receives dental implants risks the chance that their dental implants will fail. Typically the fail rate is only about 10%. We only give dental implants to patients who we believe will not have failing implants. If you do choose to have dental implant surgery, it’s important to get them from a highly skilled and trained dentist for smaller fail risks.

Schedule a Consultation for Tooth Replacement Today

Whether this blog helped you to decide to receive dental implants or to opt for a different tooth replacement procedure, our dentist is here to sit with you during a consultation to see what’s right for you. Give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment for dental implants in Alpharetta today.

When you lose a tooth due to an infection or old age, it can feel like a big disappointment or hole in your life. Learning to chew without that tooth or several teeth can feel unnatural and even take a stab at your self-confidence. You shouldn’t have to live without teeth. There are some patients out there who are living with dentures but are unhappy with how insecure they feel or live in a constant state of worry that they will fall out at the wrong times. All of these different problems can be resolved with dental implants from Old Milton Dental. Discover if dental implants in Alpharetta are the right solution for you.

What are Dental Implants?

If you aren’t too sure just what dental implants are, they are essentially false tooth roots. When you lose a tooth, you no longer have a tooth root in your jaw to hold a tooth in place. In order to replace these missing tooth roots, you can receive a dental implant. The dental implant is surgically inserted into your jaw to act as a tooth root, securing your restoration in place. Most patients prefer dental implants over an unsecured restoration because it feels more natural. With your dental implant, you can expect to retain bone density in your jaw which will help keep your other teeth in place as well as help you maintain a youthful appearance in your face.

As long as you are healthy, have enough bone density and are free of diseases or disorders that interfere with the healing process, you are most likely a good candidate for dental implants in Alpharetta.

How Many Teeth are You Missing?

Before we can give you dental implants, we need to know how many teeth you are missing so that we can determine which restoration is best for your mouth. If you need to have some teeth extracted, we need to complete these and allow your gums to heal before we move forward with your dental implants surgery. If you are only missing a single tooth, a dental crown can replace that missing tooth. If you are missing a section of teeth, we can use a dental bridge or a partial denture to replace your teeth. Lastly, if you are missing a complete jaw of teeth, we can use implant supported dentures or all-on-4 dentures. Regardless of how many teeth you are missing, there is a dental implants solution for you.

During your consultation for dental implants with our dentist in Alpharetta, we will first verify that you are indeed a good candidate for dental implants. We will also determine if we need to complete any extractions or dental work prior to your appointment. If you need a bone graft, this will also need to be completed before your procedure. We can then discuss which restoration is right for you and begin planning your surgery. If you would prefer to be less conscious for your procedure, please let us know so we can provide you with sedation dentistry to make you feel more comfortable.

Dental Crowns for Dental Implants

One of the most common types of dental implants used to replace missing teeth are dental crowns. Dental crowns are essentially fake teeth that are made of porcelain. Our dentist can actually have these made in our office using our CEREC machine. The dental crown is shaped to complement your surrounding teeth. In addition, we pick the correct color to match your smile. Dental crowns are made of a strong porcelain that you can expect to last for the rest of your life. To protect your dental crown from damage after it’s attached to your dental implant, we recommend caring for it as though it were a real tooth. Instead of opting for a dental bridge, give yourself something more secure and long lasting like a dental crown with a dental implant.

Dental Implants Supported Dental Bridges

Another type of dental implants we can provide at our Alpharetta dental office are dental implant supported dental bridges. This is ideal for patients who are missing 3 or 4 teeth in the same section. The implant-supported dental bridge requires two dental implants. The dental implants will act as the anchors that hold the bridge together. The dental bridge will be 3 or 4 teeth in a row with the two ends attached to the dental implants. Aside from not being able to floss between the middle teeth, your dental bridge will look and feel just like natural teeth.

Dental Implants Supported Dentures

One of the most popular types of dental implants at our Alpharetta dentist office is implant supported dentures. These are used when you have a large section or entire jaw of missing teeth. If you require partial dentures, we will only need to place a few dental implants to replace a section of missing teeth. If you have a jaw of missing teeth, we will need to place 6 to 8 dental implants to secure your dentures in place. When your dentures are secured to the dental implants, you don’t have to remove them for cleaning or ever worry about them falling out when you’re eating or talking again. They will feel more natural and give you a boost in self-confidence.

All-On-4 Dentures

This is another option for implant supported dentures but only require 4 dental implants per jaw to secure your dentures in place. Our patients prefer this method because not only is it cheaper, but it requires less time in surgery. If you want to replace an entire jaw of missing teeth, you only need 4 dental implants.

Dental Implants in Alpharetta Can Restore Your Smile, Schedule an Appointment Today

Find out which type of dental implants in Alpharetta is right for your missing teeth. Our dentist is happy to meet with you for a consultation. Give us a call or fill out our online contact form today to schedule an appointment.

Many of our patients in Alpharetta are aware we offer dental implants as a solution for missing teeth, but they typically don’t know too much about them except that they have heard that they’re expensive. Dental implants offer a lot of benefits to your oral health, confidence, and comfort. Discover how Old Milton Dental can restore your smile with dental implants in Alpharetta. Learn about the 7 things you should know about dental implants.

1. Dental Implants Have a High Success Rate

The first thing you should know about dental implants is their success rate. Many patients are hesitant to go for a dental implants procedure because they are worried the implants will fail and they will have wasted their money. You don’t need to worry about your implants failing. A proper dental implants specialist will not give you the implants surgery if they think there is a high chance your implants will fail. The current success rate is around 95%. Patients who do not have enough bone mass, have gum disease, or a certain condition are typically not candidates for the dental implants surgery. Our Alpharetta dentist won’t give the surgery if they are not up to the standards. This will help save you from money, time and disappointment.

2. Implants Feel and Look Natural

When it comes to replacing your teeth, nothing looks or feels as natural as dental implants. This is because dental implants are customized to look and feel just like your natural teeth. The dental implant itself is surgically inserted into your jaw to replace your missing tooth root. This gives you a secure feeling when biting into food or when talking. This mimics the natural feeling that comes with a real tooth. After a while, you won’t even remember that you have a dental implant because it feels so natural. As for the restoration, whether you receive a dental bridge, crown or dentures, our dentist ensures that each tooth is perfectly crafted to match your smile. You won’t ever have to worry that your teeth look fake.

3. Implants Can Make Eating Easier

With a missing tooth, it can be difficult to eat all of the different foods that you love. Among these include anything you want to bite into if you have a missing tooth in the front like with apples or meat on bones. In addition, if you have partial or full dentures, this can make you feel like you need to be extra careful when biting into something or chewing because you’re worried they will fall out. With dental implants, you don’t need to worry about eating being a difficult task. Since your restoration is attached to your dental implants which are secured to your jawbone, your fake teeth aren’t going anywhere. This not only makes eating easier, but it also allows you to eat without worrying or thinking too much.

4. Dental Implants Replace Your Missing Tooth Roots

When a tooth falls out or it’s pulled, your tooth root is no longer in your mouth. This can lead to an array of different dental problems like teeth shifted over, and loss of bone mass which can prematurely age your face. Dental implants replace these tooth roots when the titanium screw is inserted into your jaw. From there, your teeth won’t feel the need to shift and your bone mass won’t go away. Replacing your tooth roots is one of the best ways to keep your mouth healthy.

5. Dental Implants Can Protect Your Teeth

Having one missing tooth is one problem already, you don’t want to end up with more missing teeth, do you? If you’re looking for the best solution to avoid losing another tooth, dental implants are a good solution. When you opt for dental implants in Alpharetta, you can expect your healthy teeth to be protected by the dental implants. This is because when you receive a dental bridge, the two teeth that are going to be used as anchors need to be prepared. This involves removing part of the top layer of the teeth so that the bridge can be placed over it. When you opt for a dental implant instead, your dentist doesn’t need to alter any of your teeth in order to place it. When you receive a dental bridge with your dental implants, this bridge is attached to implants instead of teeth.

6. Dental Implants Can Be Used to Replace Single or Multiple Teeth

Whether you have several missing teeth, just one or a whole jaw, dental implants can help you. With one dental implant, you can replace a single tooth using a dental crown. Dental crowns are made of tooth-colored porcelain and can actually last you the rest of your life they are so durable. Our Alpharetta dentist can also provide you with a dental bridge attached to dental implants. This can help you replace a section of missing teeth using only 2 dental implants as the anchors. Lastly, we can permanently attach dentures to your mouth by using just 4 dental implants per jaw. This is a more cost-effective method that helps you restore all of your teeth at once.

7. Dental Implants Help You Maintain Bone Mass

The last thing you should know about dental implants is that they help you maintain bone mass in your jaw. If you don’t think this is important, you should learn more. The bone mass in your jaw is what holds the tooth roots in place. With one missing tooth, it’s possible that the missing bone mass is enough to cause other teeth to fall out. In addition, bone mass in your jaw helps your face maintain a youthful shape. When the bone mass is missing, your face will begin to sag or droop, causing you to look older.

Schedule a Consultation for Dental Implants in Alpharetta Today

Not that you know more about dental implants, you might think it’s a good time to start thinking about replacing your missing teeth. If you’re interested in dental implants from Old Milton Dental, get in touch with our dentist and schedule a consultation today. We can be reached via phone or our online contact form.

Many people every year understandably become discouraged when they lose their teeth. For some, it is just a few teeth that were lost due to trauma or decay, while others can lose an entire set. Dentures are fine for some, but they have their definite disadvantages. For one, they are not really teeth, and they require constant care in order to work effectively. This does not even take into account the fear that many have that their dentures will fall out at the most inopportune of moments! You no longer have to live in despair if you are in this situation. Dental implants have emerged as a viable and effective alternative to natural teeth. Take a few moments to read through these ten major benefits of dental implants and then decide for yourself.

A Viable Alternative to Natural Teeth

While it is always ideal to retain your own natural teeth, this is not always possible. Once that second set of teeth comes out for almost any reason, it is lost forever. There are also a number of trauma-related events that can leave you without a partial or full set of teeth, and this does not even begin to take into account decay that can enter in at any stage. Whatever the reason might be for you, dental implants are effective as a viable alternative to natural teeth.

Each dental implant will be strong and stable. It will look and function just like your natural teeth did. In fact, nobody will even know that you have dental implants unless you choose to tell them. When you engage the services that implant dentistry can provide you, your smile will come back and you will have a much healthier and more vibrant perspective on life. Other types of cosmetic dentistry, such as dentures and bridges, do not recreate this natural look and feel, leading only to further bone decay down the road.

They Are Durable and Long Lasting

With many types of dental procedures, durability is always a lingering question. It can be rather expensive, and then you have to worry about something breaking or needing to be repaired somewhere down the road. However, restorative dentistry is much more durable and cost-effective in the long-term by comparison. With dental bridges, you are looking at a life expectancy of no more than seven years, and perhaps as little as five. At some point, even the best designed and constructed of dental bridges will need to be replaced. There is not really any such concern when you allow a dental implants specialist to take over. Your implant might need an adjustment from time to time, but that is to be expected. With proper care, your new teeth can last forever, just so long as they are cared for properly and regularly checked over by your dentist in Alpharetta.

You No Longer Have to Worry About Your Teeth

Many adults spend much of their time worrying about the state of their teeth. Perhaps yours are crooked, chipped, or not aligned properly. You might have stained teeth that make your smile anything but appealing. Whatever the reason might be for you, the worry is always there at the front of your mind. When you get dental implants, you will begin to live life without that worry lingering over you. You will no longer shy away from meeting new people out of fear for what your smile might look like. You will become more confident and engaged with others around you. In addition, you will not need to worry about your teeth falling out or about unsightly stains to creep into the equation. A dental implants specialist will see to it that your smile is returned to its natural state as quickly as possible. They will not move and they will not become dislodged. There will be no more crooked teeth in your future, and your life will become much more fulfilling as a result.

Your Natural Smile Will Return

If your teeth do begin to fall out, you will notice that the shape of your face is altered as a result. Much of this is due to a weakened bone structure. Your jawline may begin to sag, and this is just the first of many incidences where your natural smile can be altered. Your dentist in Alpharetta will explain to you why this does not have to be the case. While a face that has no teeth can end up appearing depressed and in a sunken state, as soon as your dental implants are added you will begin to feel and notice the difference. Restorative dentistry is just that – it is designed to restore the original shape to your face and the natural glow to your smile. You may be considering other replacement options for your teeth, but they may have the unintended effect of further altering the natural look to your face over time. Talk to a dental implants specialist to discover how they may be able to help keep that from happening in your case.

Your Jaw Bones Will Be Protected and Healthy

As alluded to earlier, empty spaces in your mouth should not be left there for any longer than necessary. This is because a host of health-related issues can result, particularly if you have a large gap due to a few missing teeth. One of the effects will almost certainly be the loss and deterioration of certain portions of your jawbone. The bone itself is designed to support a natural tooth. When that is taken away, it ceases to perform that function and it will weaken over time as a result. Dental implants replicate natural teeth, and this means that they will facilitate the important role that the jawbone plays in your mouth. Your natural bone will be stimulated as a result and any further bone loss will be prevented.

Your Teeth Stay in Your Mouth at All Times

Teeth are meant to stay in your mouth. That is simply how we were designed as humans. While dentures and other types of tooth replacement options serve their purpose, the natural state of things in our mouth is compromised as a result. Dental implants stay in your mouth. They do not come out. You do not have to worry about taking them out at the end of the day to soak in a cup. You will be able to brush and floss just as you normally would. When you are at a social gathering, you no longer have to worry about one or more of your teeth falling out. In short, this once again illustrates why dental implants truly are the next best thing to natural teeth.

Cavities Are Eliminated

Here is one area where dental implants actually win out in comparison to natural teeth. Because they are made from synthetic material, cavities simply cannot occur. You will not have to worry about holes occurring, nor do you ever need to find the time to get a cavity filled. It simply cannot happen, as your dentist in Alpharetta will tell you. It is important to mention that this does not mean you no longer need to visit your dentist. In fact, this becomes more important than ever. You have just made an investment in your mouth and to further your oral health. You need to ensure that your gums remain healthy and vibrant for the rest of your life. Make sure that you brush and floss just as you normally would, and pay regular visits to your dentist in order to get a checkup and deep cleaning. This will keep your mouth and your smile in the best shape possible.

Healthy and Natural Teeth Are Protected

As we age, teeth can become loose and dislodged. If this is happening to you, that is likely why you are considering restorative dentistry as an option in the first place. That is certainly understandable. With other types of tooth replacement options, it is difficult to keep the teeth protected, much less healthy and natural looking. Dental implants solve that problem. They look and feel just like any other tooth in your mouth. You might have heard horror stories from people who have dentures. There are times when they slip at the most inopportune of moments, and they can even fall out when you least expect it. Not only can this be embarrassing for the person it is happening to, it can provide quite a shock to anyone who is nearby. With dental implants, there is a natural fusion with your jawbone once again. This means that your new teeth will not move. They will not even shift in your mouth, so you do not have to worry about braces at a later date either.

They Are More Predictable Than Other Alternatives

When you are considering ways to restore that natural look to your mouth, you are obviously concerned about predictability. You want to know what is going to happen, and you want to be assured that your natural smile and healthy teeth will return and remain for the foreseeable future. Other types of tooth replacements simply cannot promise this. They might work for a brief time span, but there is always that lingering doubt at the back of your mind. You wonder if today might be the day that your teeth begin to fall out again. A dental implants specialist can demonstrate to you why implants are simply much more predictable than other alternatives available today. There are many success stories to prove this. Implants replace missing teeth. They can even replace an entire mouth full of teeth. You will be able to forgo the use of dental applications and root canals will become a thing of the past. This alone should be a good reason for you to contact your dentist in Alpharetta right now.

You Can Eat What You Want to Again

This is a feature of dental implants that should excite many readers out there. When you are suffering from teeth loss, you might forgo certain pleasure foods because it brings you too much pain to eat them. Steak is a good example. If you have large sections of your mouth that are lacking teeth, you might not find it very enjoyable to chew through your favorite type of meat. If your teeth are decaying, you might not be able to drink sugary drinks or coffee out of fear that your smile will appear even more stained than it already is. Dental implants will solve all of that for you. You will get a healthy set of teeth back that you can use to eat to your heart’s content. It will be easier to keep them clean, and you will be able to have the beverages that you like the most. Just keep it in check so that you continue to live a healthy lifestyle based on what you eat.

These are just 10 of the many benefits to dental implants that you will want to consider. Your dentist in Alpharetta can go over them with you in much more detail. The important thing is to take care of your oral health and consider the advantages of dental implants, should they be a viable option for you.

Schedule an Appointment with Our Dentists Today

Contact Old Milton Dental for all of your dental implant needs. We can be reached by phone at 678-624-0370, or you can contact your dentist in Alpharetta via our online contact form.

Are you scheduled to have dental implants put in soon? You may be nervous about what the procedure entails. But don’t worry, our dentists in Alpharetta can inform you on what to expect during a dental implants procedure. The following words from our dental implants specialist can give you peace of mind that you will experience a successful and beneficial restorative dentistry procedure.

Consultation and Impressions

The first step to a completed dental implants procedure is the consultation. You’ll meet with a dental implants specialist to see what can be done to meet the specific needs of your mouth. After it is decided that implants are right for you, the specialist will take impressions of your mouth to shape the implant molds. One of the best parts of restorative dentistry is that there are always custom options. Measurements will be made of your mouth, and the dentist will start planning your implants.

Pre-Op Preparations

Before the procedure itself, your dental implants specialist may need to extract some of your teeth in the area. This helps the implant sit more firmly, and after the procedure is completed it can help to strengthen and fortify that part of your mouth. A dental implants procedure is not complicated, but your specialist will want to make sure to take all necessary precautions before performing the procedure.

During and After the Procedure

During a dental implants procedure, you will be put under by an oral surgeon. They will then permanently attach the implants to your jaw and ensure that they will stay rigidly fixed. When you wake up from the procedure, you may feel swollen for a few weeks – this is part of the healing process. Your dentist will prescribe you any necessary pain medications as well as several methods for reducing the swelling in your mouth. It won’t take long for the implants to bond to your jaw and gums.

Schedule a Dental Implants Consultation Today

If you need major restorative dentistry, contact us at Old Milton Dental in Alpharetta, GA to schedule a consultation today. You can give us a call anytime at (678) 624-0370 to set an appointment. You can also look through our website to see the range of services we offer!

After having dental implants placed, many of our patients in Alpharetta have reached the end of a long restorative dentistry procedure, and are understandably ready to start living their lives normally again. However, as with any surgical procedure, there is some aftercare for dental implants that should be followed. Here is how you can avoid dental implants problems.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene After Dental Implants

It is important that you brush, floss, and rinse your mouth as you normally would to maintain good oral hygiene; in fact, after having implants, it may be even more important than ever. One of the dental implants problems that can arise is infection, and by keeping bacteria and food particles cleaned away from your mouth, you can avoid this issue.

Avoid Poor Habits After Dental Implants

There are some habits that should be avoided to sidestep dental implants problems. Smoking and chewing ice are two habits especially that should be avoided to maintain good health for your natural teeth and your new implant. Even your stronger zirconia tooth, used in restorative dentistry procedures for extra resiliency, can be damaged by chewing on ice.

When to Call the Dental Implants Specialist

If there is bleeding or swelling that seems excessive, or that continues beyond the first few days after surgery, be sure to contact your dentist in Alpharetta. This is not normal, and could be a sign of dental implants problems that need to be addressed right away.

Learn More from Your Dentist in Alpharetta

The first step to learning more about dental implants, far before you ever need to worry about dental implants problems, is to schedule a consultation with the dentist in Alpharetta at Old Milton Dental. Contact our office today for an appointment by calling 678-624-0370 during business hours, or contact us online.

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.