If you’re considering dental implants in The Golden Triangle, Capitol Hill, or Downtown Denver, you may not be sure if this treatment is right for you. So in this blog from Poulos & Somers, we’ll take a look at a few things to consider when thinking about whether or not implants are right for you.
1. Your Oral Health & The Strength Of Your Jaw Bone
First, you must be in good overall oral health to get dental implants. You shouldn’t have any major problems like gum disease or cavities.
In addition to this, your jaw bone must be strong and healthy. This is why it’s often recommended that patients replace missing teeth within a year of tooth loss, because losing a tooth causes the underlying jaw bone to weaken over time.
Even if your jaw bone is weak, you can still get an implant, but you may need a bone graft or sinus lift to strengthen your jaw bone before the procedure can begin.
2. The Number Of Teeth That You’re Missing
If you’re missing a lot of teeth throughout your mouth, a treatment like partial dentures can be used to restore all of your teeth quickly, and for a relatively low cost. Dental bridges may be a good option, too.
Dental implants are commonly used to replace one tooth. They can also be used to replace several teeth or a whole row of missing teeth, but doing so can be quite a bit more expensive than replacing just a single tooth.
3. Your Budget And Insurance Coverage
Dental implants are usually quite a bit more expensive than partial or full dentures, as well as dental bridges. In addition, while bridges and partial/full dentures are usually covered by dental insurance, implants may not be covered by your insurer.
However, this isn’t necessarily bad news. Dentures tend to wear out every 3-7 years, and bridges usually don’t last longer than 10 years. In contrast, implants last 30+ years at a minimum, and most people can keep their implants for the rest of their lives.
So while implants are more expensive at first, they can be cheaper over the lifetime of the implant. And not only that, but you’ll benefit from improved jaw bone health, enhanced convenience, and a more natural smile.
4. Your Desired Timeframe For Smile Restoration
Compared to bridges and partial dentures, it takes longer to get implants. The entire process from beginning to end typically takes at least 3-6 months, and it’s not uncommon for the process to take a longer time.
This is definitely something to consider when you’re thinking about dental implants, and whether or not they’re right for you. If you’d prefer a fast restoration, a bridge or dentures may be a better option.
Still Not Sure? Get An Implant Consultation At Poulos & Somers Today
At Poulos & Somers, our doctors are experts in implant dentistry in The Golden Triangle. With an appointment at our office, you can discuss your options for smile restoration in detail, and your dentist can help you choose the treatment that’s right for your needs and your budget. Call us now at (303) 832-4867 or contact us online to schedule an appointment today.
