Dental Implants in Allen: Are They a Good Investment?

Dental implants in Allen are the leading form of treatment for conditions like infected, missing or damaged teeth. Implants avoid the problems associated with extractions and bridges, creating a true long-term solution for the patient. Implant therapy is becoming increasingly common in our area as more people become aware of its many benefits.

Implants vs. Extractions

Extractions are perhaps the oldest form of dental treatment on earth. Extraction has been used since at least the 14^th century with varying degrees of success. While extraction remains a viable option in emergency situations however, it can lead to ongoing complications for the patient. These may include:

• Fragments or shards of the infected tooth remaining in the mouth, necessitating further surgery.
• Continuous discomfort in the area around the missing socket. Usually this is caused by exposed nerves left in place after the extraction.
• Erosion of the bones in the patient’s jaw. This is especially likely if multiple teeth are extracted. An eroding jaw bone can lead to further tooth loss as well as sagging skin and other cosmetic issues.

For these reasons, most dentists recommend extractions only in emergency cases. A better option is to replace the missing tooth. Sometimes bridges are used for this purpose. However a dental bridge has its own shortcomings, such as:

• Unnatural strain on the teeth used to support the bridge. This can cause problems ranging from headaches to jawbone damage.
• A broken bridge. Sometimes the oral appliance used in bridge therapy fails entirely, requiring surgical removal.
• An unsatisfactory appearance. Some patients find that bridges stand out from their natural teeth, causing cosmetic issues.

Why Implants are a Better Investment

Don’t get us wrong; extractions and bridges are effective forms of therapy for many patients. However, for most people implants are the best solution. Here’s why:

• Implants can last from 20 years to a lifetime when the patient practices good oral care habits.
• Implants can support a variety of oral health solutions, including certain types of dentures.
• Dental prosthetics secured by implants are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. In many cases, even the patient can’t see a difference between the two.
• Dental implants are the only oral appliance in which the underlying structure, known as the post, actually integrates with the patient’s body. Dentists refer to this process as “osseointegration.” It’s one of the reasons why dental implants provide such lasting benefits.

Dental implants aren’t right for everyone. Achieving success with an implant requires the patient to have a sufficient amount of healthy bone in their jaw to support the appliance. If this is not the case, then a doctor may need to perform a graft or other remedial procedures.

In the end, only a dentist, prosthodontist or periodontist in Allen can prescribe the right form of treatment in your case. We recommend making an appointment today for a complete dental checkup. The doctor will examine your teeth, review your medical history and discuss your options with you at that time. In many cases, dental implants are an investment in a better, brighter future.