By the time they reach their golden years, most Americans have experienced partial or total tooth loss. According a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), one-quarter of adults aged 60 and older are completely edentulous, or toothless. Even more alarming is the fact that 40 percent of the American population is missing one or more teeth. Most of these folks go years, even decades without treatment, either because they can't afford it or suffer from dentophobia (fear of dentists).
Although it is the fastest growing dental procedure, both in the U.S. and around the globe, only a small fraction of people who are missing teeth are treated with dental implants. There are several reasons for this. First, dental implants are expensive. Practitioners generally charge at least three thousand dollars, per tooth! Moreover, these surgeries are rarely covered by insurance. Not to mention the fact that they can be complex and may require more than a week of recovery time.
The good news is that dental implants are vastly superior to any other tooth replacement method, including dentures and dental bridges. They have a success rate of up to 98 percent and side effects are quite uncommon. These replacement teeth are stronger and more durable than any other dental system available today.
Why you might need them
The reason dental implants are not covered by insurance is because some see them as aesthetic upgrades over less expensive options, such as dentures. That may, and probably is correct. But dental implants also offer several functional advantages over inexpensive dentures. Because they are permanent, they are far more comfortable than any other replacement system. They won't move around or irritate your gums, no matter what you might eat, including hard foods like candy and nuts. That's right! You can eat candy again with dental implants!
For people who are missing most or even all of their teeth, dental implants may improve their speech, unlike poor-fitting dentures. You won't have to worry about them slipping off or popping out in mid sentence, since they are firmly attached to your gums. After only a few days, these replacements will look and more importantly feel like your original teeth.
Although insurance companies many not acknowledge it because they don't want to pay for them, dental implants also help improve oral health. Unlike dental bridges and dentures, that often cause irritation and even infections, implants actually fuse to your jawbone and become a part of you. When that happens, there is virtually no risk of irritation or infection.
Of course, we would be remiss if we did not mention the obvious aesthetic advantages of dental implants. They look, feel, and must be cared for like real teeth. Instead of taking them out and dropping them in a cup on your bedside nightstand, you must brush, floss, and rinse them just as you would your natural teeth. But because they are generally made of pure titanium, one of the hardest metals on Earth, they are obviously a lot stronger. It is highly unlikely that you will ever chip or crack a titanium tooth, unless you decide to chew on a diamond!
The fact that dental implants can be cleaned like regular teeth also lowers your risk of gingivitis and other chronic gum diseases. By comparison, dental bridges do not allow easy access between teeth, which is where plaque and tartar may form, leading to serious gum issues. When properly cared for, these replacement teeth should last a lifetime.
Nationally recognized and awarded for excellence in the fields of cosmetic implant and restorative dentistry, Dallas-Based AACD dentist Dr. Sowell has over 25 years of experience in dental care. He provides superior care and competitive rates on popular cosmetic procedures like dental implants . To schedule your free consultation today, please visit http://www.smilesbysowell.com/
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