One of the question’s I hear every day is “are dental implants worth it?” The short answer to this question is OF COURSE THEY ARE! If you do any search on Google you will find countless articles telling you the same thing such as here at the AARP and at Real-Self – one of the most well-respected medical communities on the internet. But if you want to read a real dentist’s review of dental implants you’ve come to the right place. Dental implants offer an excellent alternative to traditional tooth replacement procedures such as dentures and crowns, and are the preferred method of tooth replacement today. Here in Great Neck, NY many of us take better care of our teeth but it’s been estimated that at some point during our adult lives 70% of the population will loose at least one tooth. We are very lucky that there is a procedure such as dental Implants available to make sure that if you lose a tooth; it can be replaced and still look good and  be comfortable. So why are dental implants so great? Dental implants use anchors that are put into the gum-line and a professional cosmetic implant is created that fits your mouth perfectly to go on top of these anchors. They are much more secure and comfortable than removable dentures. Dentures, which were the traditional treatment for tooth replacement, have a tendency to wiggle, they can be very noticeable, and you need to remove them to clean them effectively; additionally, they require frequent visits to your dentist to maintain healthy oral hygiene. On the other hand, dental implants are secure, will last YEARS, can be cared for as if they are your own teeth, are stain resistant and require only the normal dental visits to maintain oral health. Dental implants can be used to treat single missing teeth or multiple teeth; plus just about everyone is eligible for dental implants. Dental implants essentially become your teeth and no special care is needed besides normal brushing and flossing. A good analogy to use to compare dental implants to dentures is buying a car. Dental implants can be more costly than dentures upfront but you are paying for quality and comfort, and there will be little maintenance costs associated with your implants. Implants are like buying a Lexus. Dentures on the other hand are very reliable and have been used for years; however, they are higher maintenance and will require more frequent visits to your dentist. Dentures are more like buying a Nissan. Nissan makes a great car, but they are not a Lexus. If you are considering a dental procedure to replace a missing tooth or teeth you should consult your dentist before you make any decision. If you would like to make an appointment at my office please visit http://perfectsmilemaker.com/office.htm and fill out the form, or call 516-482-2215. I hope this clarifies some of the differences between dental implants and dentures, and will allow you to have realistic expectations about each procedure. I look forward to answering any questions you may have.