There are few things that can be more embarrassing than suffering the loss of one of your visible teeth. While it is possible to have this type of problem repaired, there are many people that are poorly informed about their options. To this end, they may make the mistake of overlooking dental implants. Learning the following answers to a couple of common questions should help you to be better prepared for having your smile restored after losing one or more of your teeth.

Are Implants Worth The Additional Cost?

Dental implants will typically be one of the more expensive options for replacing a missing tooth. However, this added cost carries numerous important benefits. In particular, dental implants are permanent, which is in contrast to bridges and dentures, because these options will need to be regularly replaced. Also, implants are installed directly into the jawbone, which will help them to feel more natural as well as provide better support to the jaw. Lastly, these implants will not require the intensive maintenance that is often needed for bridges or dentures. In addition to regular cleanings, these treatments will need to be regularly adjusted to ensure that they continue to comfortably fit the contours of the gums.

Does It Matter If You Have Been Missing Teeth For An Extended Period Of Time?

Unfortunately, there are some people that may have made the mistake of delaying having a missing tooth replaced. When a tooth is missing for an extended period of time, the bones in the jaw can start to atrophy. In addition to altering the appearance of this jawline, this can also make it difficult to install a dental implant. This is due to the fact that there may not be sufficient bone mass to properly support the implant.

If you have suffered the loss of some of the bone mass in your jaw, it is important to understand that it still may be possible for you to enjoy the benefits of having a dental implant installed. This is possible through the use of a bone graft to restore the volume and natural shape of the jaw. Only your dentist will be able to determine if there is enough bone mass to avoid this added procedure. To make this decision, it will likely be necessary to take a series of x-rays of the mouth to accurately measure the amount of bone in the jaw. While the need for this procedure can greatly extend the amount of time needed to install the implant, this can be a minor inconvenience compared to the benefits of being able to confidently smile.

To learn more, visit a website like http://northwestdental.com/.

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