Dental Implants: Understanding The Application

Everyone likes to think that they are taking good care of their teeth. Sure, you brush a couple of times a day. You use mouthwash. You may even floss every now and then. But if you aren't keeping up with your regular dentist appointments, your teeth could be succumbing to decay. If something isn't done, you could wind up losing a tooth. When this happens, you'll be presented with a choice. You can continue without the tooth (a choice that can have a negative impact on the rest of your teeth), get a partial denture, or look into dental implants. If you're thinking about this final option, here are some things you should know.

Cost
You should be aware of the costs before considering dental implants as a viable alternative. They are not appropriate for patients who don't have a lot of money to spend on their dentistry. Unfortunately, because they are seen as a cosmetic device, they are not covered by most insurance companies. This leaves you to pay for them out of pocket. This can be well worth it if you have the budget to afford the procedure. Of course, if you're looking at a borderline decision, keep in mind that paying for these applications can often sharply reduce your future dentistry costs. Much less professional care is required than when compared with crowns, bridges, and even partial dentures (which can be costly in their own right).

Finding a Dentist
Not every dentist is going to be in the business of putting dental implants in their patients. As such, you may not even be given such an option when discussing what to do with your current dentist. He may only recommend dentures or a bridge or other procedures he actually performs in the office. It is your responsibility to bring up this alternative. Keep in mind that he may discourage the idea, simply because he doesn't do the procedure in his office. If you're really interested, however, don't take no for an answer. Find another dentist who specializes in the practice.

Future Care
Generally speaking, caring for your dental implants will not differ much from caring for your natural teeth. Keep up with a regular regimen of twice-daily brushing, floss every day, and avoid sugary sweets and foods that can cause staining. While your artificial teeth will not be susceptible to cavities or decay, they can certainly be stained and discolored by bad food choices. The gum surrounding the tooth is just as susceptible to disease as the rest of your mouth.