Do you dread ending up with a mouth full of dentures like your mother had?

Have you changed the way you smile to hide the gaps? Or do you simply keep your mouth closed because your teeth cause you so much pain?

You'll be relieved to hear that dentistry has come a long way in recent years. Space age technology has perhaps provided as many benefits for your smile as it has for bringing us news from outer space. And the best news of all?

Modern tooth replacement methods can be performed at your dentist's office.

Long gone are the days when only those who could afford expensive specialists get the pretty smiles. Dental implants, for instance, are one of the many advancements that have gone far beyond the scope of surgeons and cosmetic specialty clinics.

What can your dentist do for you today?

Unlike the dentist of your mother"s day, today"s dentist can offer alternatives to the standard set of dentures or bridge constructions. Missing teeth, whether one or all of them, can be replaced in a more permanent manner that is natural both in look and feel. Instead of the hassles of removing, polishing, bleaching, adhering, and re-adhering dentures or removable bridges; you can look forward to a mouthful of teeth that behave and feel just like the real thing.

The procedures are standard and safe

Dental implants are generally a three stage process that can be done from the chair of your very own dentist. Stage one involves implanting screws of surgical grade steel into the bone of the jaw. As the bone heals, it grows around and incorporates these screws. A temporary cap or crown is then set upon the screw to allow the gum line time to form a natural looking space for the replacement tooth. Finally, a permanent restorative tooth is placed upon the screw. This tooth will match the color of your own teeth, providing no clue that it is false to those who see you smile. As well, this tooth will act and feel just like your own teeth. You will care for it in the same manner and most patients should expect to have the implant tooth for a lifetime.

The entire procedure typically takes about six months, more or less depending on your overall oral health and dental history. Potential complications to dental implants can be assessed ahead of time and often avoided through time and preparation. The average dentist office has a 90-97% success rate with implants. Because the standards of dental implants are well practiced and understood, your dentist should be able to advise you regarding the specifics of your situation.

Let's talk money; what"s it going to cost?

Initially, it might seem to you that an implant will cost more than dentures or bridges. Those cost differences are minimal these days as there are many options for materials as well as professionals to choose from to complete the procedure. Your dentist should be able to work within the guidelines of your insurance company policies to achieve the maximum benefit possible.

When you consider the long-term cost of dental implants vs. the long-term costs of the old-time standard denture or bridge, the implant procedure quickly pulls ahead. Not only will you benefit from the superior quality of implants as replacements, you will likely avoid additional dental work and continued fittings that are a common part of wearing dentures or bridges. You must remember, when making the initial investment, that dentures require on-going work. The typical denture needs adjustments after only 2-3 years of wear and needs replaced after 5-10 years. A dental implant is intended to last a lifetime with only standard checkups and cleaning just like your natural teeth require.

Modern dentistry opts for long-term replacement of missing teeth

Be it a single tooth lost from disease or accident, or a mouthful of teeth, modern dentistry methods suggest that permanent replacement solutions, like dental implants, are the solution of choice. Patients who have experienced both old and new dentistry replacements are overwhelmingly satisfied with their dental implants and thankful for the opportunity to return to natural, reliable smiles.