If you’re missing one or more teeth in Elm Grove, you may be wondering if a dental implant is right for you, or if an alternative treatment like a dental bridge or a partial denture is the best choice. If you’re missing teeth, the team at Honest Teeth wants you to be well-informed about when implants are the best restorative option. Here are a few signs that implants might be your best choice:
1. You’re Willing To Invest In A Long-Term Solution For Your Missing Tooth
Dental implants are an investment in your oral health. And, unlike partial dentures and dental bridges, they are not usually covered by insurance, although some dental plans will pay a certain percentage of the cost.
However, though the up-front cost of implants is often more than other restorative alternatives, they are definitely worth it in the long run. Implants will prevent future dental issues like teeth shifting and bone/gum tissue loss.
Not only that, a dental implant can last up to 30 years or longer. Dentures often must be replaced every 5-10 years, and the same is true of bridges, so a dental implant ends up being a better long-term choice, and can actually be cheaper in the long run.
2. Your Mouth Is Healthy (And You’re Keeping It That Way)
If you have gum disease, multiple infected or decayed teeth, or other oral health issues, you can’t get a dental implant until you’ve dealt with these issues.
Dental implants are only a good choice for you if your mouth is healthy, and you plan on taking care of it properly for the rest of your life. That means proper brushing and flossing, and regular visits to Dr. Meinerz and Dr. Krueger for oral exams and teeth cleanings.
3. Your Jaw Bone Is Healthy And You Want To Preserve It
When you lose a tooth, the jaw bone underneath the empty socket tends to shrink and become weak, because it’s not being supported by the root of the tooth. A dental implant helps support and preserve your jaw bone, which helps you keep your mouth and jaw healthy and strong.
If you’ve been missing a tooth for several years, the bone underneath your jaw may have already deteriorated. However, you can undergo a bone graft or sinus lift to strengthen it, in most cases, so you can still have an implant placed and preserve your remaining bone.
4. You’re Ready To Commit Several Months To The Process
Even a basic dental implant will take about 3-6 months to heal completely. If you need a tooth to be extracted, or require a sinus lift or bone graft, it could take a year or longer for the entire procedure to be completed. You’ll need to be patient, but the beautiful, long-lasting results are definitely worth the wait.
Contact Us For Dental Implants In Elm Grove Today!
If you’re thinking about getting a dental implant in Elm Grove, Dr. Krueger and Dr. Meinerz are here to help. With years of experience in implant dentistry, our team can help you restore your smile and gain confidence. To get started, contact us now at (262) 784-7770, or come to our new office at 15255 Watertown Plank Road, Suite 100, Elm Grove, WI 53122 for an in-person visit.