Dental Implants: Is This the Best Option for You?

If you are missing one tooth, or even several, you might be looking into what dental implants can do for you. While this is a great option for some people, it is not for everyone. Consider what to think about before deciding on this method of filling in your smile. The first thing to realize is that dental implants are permanent. This is in contrast to dentures, which you can take out when you feel like it. Of course, the fact that the treatment is permanent is usually considered a benefit since most people want to have a full set of teeth at all times. But if you tend to shy away from results that cannot be reversed, then you may prefer dentures or even bridges, which may fall out after a few years. This is why you should carefully consider your options and what you want when it comes to filling in your smile. Another thing to consider is the cost. Most insurance companies do not cover dental implants, and therefore this procedure can cost you thousands of dollars. This means you have to be prepared to either save up for years before the treatment, or put it all on a credit card, unless you have thousands to spare upfront. Of course, the more you get, the more expensive the treatment is, so one implant may be affordable. On the other hand, many insurance companies will cover at least some of the cost of dentures, and some will even cover all of the cost. You should talk to your insurance provider first to decide whether you should get dentures or dental implants. Finally, realize that not everyone is a good candidate for this procedure. For example, if you do not have a lot of healthy bone left in your jaw, you might not qualify for this treatment since the implant needs to be firmly attached to bone in order to work. If you are just missing a little bit of the bone you would need, you may be able to get a bone graft, but you would need to talk to your practitioner about this possibility first. In fact, you are encouraged to discuss your eligibility before assuming you can get this treatment at all, as it may turn out that there is a better alternative for you. For many people, dental implants can solve the issue of missing teeth, but this procedure is not always the best option for everyone. This is why you should talk to your dentist and insurance provider before making any decisions.