Advantages of Dental Implants

    PHOENIX, AZ, October 30, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Dental implants provide an option for tooth replacement. Other common options include dental bridges and dentures, but you should carefully consider all of the options before making a decision.

If your dentist determines you are a candidate for dental implants, you should consider the advantages. Although more expensive than other options, dental implants have many benefits that may make them a good investment for you.

The Durability and Beauty of Dental Implants

The advantages of dental implants are twofold: you can enjoy both a durable solution as well as a tooth replacement option that fits seamlessly into your natural smile. The benefits of dental implants include:
- Strength. Dental implants are durable. The root of the implant is bonded to your jawbone, so the implant can withstand a great deal of pressure.
- Stability. Because dental implants are bonded to your jawbone, the implant will not move around. Dentures often have a tendency to slide out of place while you eat or speak.
- Appearance. The actual artificial tooth is usually a dental crown (unless you are replacing multiple missing teeth, in which case the tooth replacement will be a denture or bridge). Porcelain crowns have light-reflecting properties similar to real teeth, so they look very natural.

Another advantage of dental implants is their longevity. With proper oral hygiene habits, you may be able to greatly extend the lifespan of your dental implants. Many people have experienced lifetime use of the same implants.

Dental Implant Candidacy

Generally, people in good general health are candidates for dental implants. You may not be a candidate if you have any condition interfering with the fusion of the implant and bone.

The following situations may preclude dental implants:
- Smoking and other tobacco use
- Gum disease
- Diabetes
- Heart disease

Smoking is associated with a higher rate of dental implant failure than nonsmokers. Additionally, the failure rate increases with the frequency of smoking. So, if you smoke a couple packs a day, it will be very difficult for your body to successfully accept the implant.

Also, chronic conditions like heart disease impede your body's ability to heal, and the healing portion of the implant procedure is critical to the success of the implant.

During a consultation with an implant dentist, be sure to share your complete medical history, as well as any existing conditions and whether you smoke. Ultimately, you want the cost and time that goes into a dental implant to result in a successful and long-lasting tooth replacement solution.

To learn more about the advantages of dental implants, please visit the website of the experienced Phoenix, Arizona implant dentists Dr. Scott LeSueur and Dr. Charles Dodaro at http://www.drofsmiles.com.

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