In the old days, it was common for people to lose their teeth. In fact, many elderly people could expect to lose all their teeth and have to use dentures instead.

With the many advances in dental care and oral health over the past 50 years, today it is increasingly rare for people to lose their teeth.  But when tooth loss does occur, whether it’s due to injury (a bike accident or car crash) or advanced tooth decay, dental implants are available to replace missing teeth.

Why Dental Implants can be Better than Dentures:

  They look better: Dental implants look almost exactly like real teeth. Your friends and family probably won’t be able to tell the difference.

   They feel better: Dental implants don’t cause discomfort (whereas dentures tend to pinch the mouth and cause pain).

   They’re better for eating: Many patients find that dental implants perform almost the same as the rest of their real teeth – the implants hold up well to the daily work of biting and chewing.

No slurring your speech: With dentures, people’s speech tends to be affected – because the dentures tend to slip and move around in their mouth, altering their speech patterns. Dental implants stay securely fitted inside your gums, thus avoiding any interference with your ability to talk.

    They’re convenient: Remember those TV commercials for denture cleaner that you could leave your teeth in overnight? Dentures require cleaning, maintenance – sometimes they break or get misplaced. None of these issues is a concern when you have dental implants. The dental implants stay in one place – inside your mouth – and you clean them the same way you clean the rest of your teeth.

   They’re long-lasting: If well maintained, dental implants can last for many years – often for the rest of your life.

  They’re better for your mouth: Dental implants are a good choice because they don’t negatively impact the rest of your mouth.  In fact, they tend to be better for your overall oral health.

They make you feel better about yourself: Dental implants create a more natural-looking smile – no dentures to worry about, no bridgework to explain to others.  You can get your teeth fixed and go on with your life.

Dental Implants Are Not for Everyone

If you are healthy enough for routine dental work, you are probably be a good candidate for implants. But, those with certain chronic health conditions, heavy smokers, and people who have recently received radiation treatment to the head and neck region might not be able to get dental implant. 

Dental Implants Can Take Some Time

Getting dental implants is a bit of a complicated process.  In addition to talking with your regular dentist about the treatment plan, you might need to be referred to an oral surgeon and/or to a dentist who specializes in restorative dentistry.

You will go through a multi-step process where an implant is affixed into your jaw bone, your jaw is allowed to heal for 6-12 weeks, a small connector piece called an “abutment” is added to the implant in your jawbone, and then the replacement tooth or “crown” is added on top. This process does take some time, but the results will (hopefully) last for the rest of your life.

Implants Might Not Be Covered By Your Insurance

Talk with your dentist’s administrative staff to see what payment options are available. Many dental insurance plans do not cover this type of complex restorative work.  However, many dentists offer reasonable payment plans – and when you consider that a dental implant is likely to last for the rest of your life, getting it fixed “the right way” is often a good investment.

To book an appointment or a free consultation to discuss implants, contact our office today at (416) 751-4290 or click here to request a time.  Also, be sure to join the Warden Eglinton Dental Centre on Facebook to keep up with things happening in our practice that effect you and your family’s oral health and wellness!

                                                                    - Dr. Jules Litwin

For more information, visit us at http://www.wedental.ca.