Your teeth provide an essential role to your overall quality of life. They ensure you can chew your food with ease, provide structure for your facial muscles and contribute to your confidence and self-esteem. If you become at-risk of losing your teeth due to decay or other damage, you may wonder what your dental implant options are in St. Augustine, FL.

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

You must first consider if you are a good candidate for this procedure. Dental implants are successful over 95% of the time, but your dentist will provide a series of exams to provide the best chance for a successful experience. They will look at a few factors to make this determination:

• Bone density of the jawbone to support the implants and allow for proper fusion
• Healthy gums
• Age- younger patients often prefer dental implants as a permanent solution to tooth loss
• Maintenance- Implants are cleaned and maintained just like natural teeth
• Can commit several months to the process
• Expense- Dental implants are more costly than dentures

Why choose dental implants?

While dentures can provide a temporary and more cost-effective solution to tooth loss, dental implants are often preferred by patients for several reasons.

Implants take several months to complete the process, but they will likely last for the rest of your life. Patients in their 60s or younger often prefer implants for this reason. Dentures can become chipped or need to be adjusted as your bite changes over time. Because implants are grafted into your jawbone, they will adjust with your mouth and remain strong for their duration.

Dentures require thorough cleaning and must be removed every night. Implants, on the other hand, are maintained just like natural teeth. They simply need to brushed and flossed and cleaned regularly by the dentist, making them a preferred choice for many patients.

Dental implants may provide a more comfortable feel over dentures. Dentures may be uncomfortable for some patients and require special adhesive to stay in place. They may cause sores or other discomforts in the mouth. Many patients prefer the function and feel of implants since they act more like the natural teeth and are permanently fitted in the mouth.

Complications with Dental Implants

While rare, some patients experience some complications with their dental implants. If a patient develops gum disease, this can cause the implants to fail since the gums hold the posts in place. Smoking can also cause dental implant failure since the it can restrict blood flow to the gums and make the healing process more difficult. Bone loss can also affect the strength of the implant posts and cause implant failure over time. Regular dental visits are still required after your dental implant surgery to keep your mouth healthy enough to support the implants for the next several years.

Dental Remedies can help you determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants in St. Augustine, FL. Their experienced team will discuss all the risks and benefits with you and create an individualized treatment plan to best meet your needs.