The Top 4 Benefits of Dental Implants

If you’re considering undergoing a dental restorative treatment, such as dental implants, you undoubtedly have a lot to think about. At O’Connor Dental Care, we know that many of our patients shy away from dental implants, typically because they are not fully aware of how dentists implant them, how they function, what they look like, and how much they may cost.

But we’re here to tell you – there are way more benefits of dental implants than downsides! This is what we’re here to talk to you about today. Stay tuned to learn more about how dental implants can change your smile for the better.

Benefit #1 – Dental Implants Make You Feel Better About Yourself

That’s right, we’re starting this list with a heavy hitter! Everyone wants to feel good about his- or herself, and your smile may be one of your biggest sources of pride or shame.

If you have a missing tooth, a dental implant is a permanent way to correct it. By permanent, we mean decades or even a lifetime with proper care, while a crown or bridge alone may only last a few years.

The crown used to attach the dental implant post is custom created to resemble your natural teeth. So you never have to worry about others noticing you have a false tooth or teeth.

And, as many people can attest to, having a missing tooth or missing teeth can affect your speech patterns, making you feel uncomfortable and conspicuous when you’re talking to others. It can also make eating more difficult, which also will not help you feel good about yourself.

So overall, opting for a dental implant over having missing teeth or a less permanent restorative option like a bridge or crown, can make you feel great about yourself. You will probably feel less self-conscious when smiling, speaking, and eating.

Benefit #2 – Dental Implants Are More Convenient Than Dentures

Another impressive benefit of having dental implants is convenience. This is especially the case if you are considering the choice between dentures or implants.

If you are weighing the differences between implants and either full or partial dentures, consider their biggest difference – permanence and removability. You must remove dentures to clean them. There is also a risk of dentures falling out when you’re eating or speaking.

Dental implants, on the other hand, are permanent, whether you have one or six. They comprise the aforementioned customized crown that your dentist attaches to a dental post. They insert the post in your gums as a replacement tooth root. It may sound complicated and painful, but it has become a very common procedure that you will likely heal from quickly, depending on the state of your specific oral health.

Once your teeth and gums heal, you can eat and speak without worrying about losing a denture and brush your teeth as you always have.

Benefit 3 – Dental Implants Can Improve Your Oral Health

It’s true, dental implants not only improve your looks and are more convenient than dentures, but they may also actually improve the state of your oral health.

Dental implants only affect a specific tooth or teeth, and do not alter nearby teeth, such as with a dental bridge. This means that you are only addressing the site or sites where you need the restorative and not the rest of your teeth and nearby tissue.

Following your implant procedure, your dentist will want to see you more regularly. This is always positive for your oral health, as that means more frequent professional cleanings. Your dentist will ensure your implant is settling in nicely and, of course, monitor other aspects of your oral health.

As the American Dental Association (ADA) points out, opting for a dental implant can also prevent your jawbone from shrinking.

Benefit 4 – Dental Insurance May Cover Dental Implant Cost

Because dental implants look natural, can improve your appearance, and are convenient, they are a costly restorative service.

But it doesn’t have to be that way! Take a look at your dental insurance. Basic-level dental insurance will not cover dental implants. But if you opt for higher-tier services, your dental insurance will probably cover at least half of the implant, with you of course having to pay the other half. A bill for 50% is better than 100%.

If you are someone who is in the market for a dental implant, you likely already have more than basic dental insurance to begin with. Be sure to check with your provider to see if they cover a portion of any dental implant work, and then you will know for sure.

If you have more questions about restorative dental services like implants, please contact us at O’Connor Dental Care. Request an appointment and we can discuss all the ways a dental implant can benefit you, what you can expect from the procedure, and the ways to take care of your implant and crown so they last a lifetime.