Dr. Beckwith Publishes Dental Implant Guide on the AAID Blog

To help educate those considering dental implant surgery, Dr. John Beckwith wrote an article for the American Academy of Implant Dentistry that was recently featured on their LifeSmiles blog. In the article, titled “A Guide to Navigating Your Dental Implant Journey,” he emphasizes that dental implants are a long-term investment that tends to be more cost-effective and aesthetically superior in the long run. Throughout the article, Dr. Beckwith highlights that a patient’s dentist is their partner in their treatment. By choosing a highly qualified provider, patients can obtain a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to their unique needs. 

He says that individuals needing to replace a single tooth may find a dental implant more beneficial than an alternative option, such as a dental bridge, because it doesn’t affect the surrounding teeth. However, he points out that, in some cases, a root canal may be advised. For those needing multiple teeth replaced, Dr. Beckwith says the location of the missing teeth will help determine the ideal solution(s). The overall prognosis, presence of decay, need for a repeat root canal, and benefits of a dental crown should all be considered to find the best possible solution.

To ensure someone is a good candidate for dental implant surgery, Dr. Beckwith reviews their medical history and identifies any possible issues that may lead to future complications. Factors that may affect an individual’s candidacy include: previous implant surgeries, immune deficiencies, smoking habits, past radiation therapy, and poor jawbone density. 

In the conclusion of his AAID article, Dr. Beckwith addresses one of the key questions surrounding dental implants — longevity. He says those considered good candidates, and who practice good oral hygiene, can expect their dental implants to last as long as 25 to 30 years, if not longer. In contrast, he explains that a bridge typically needs replacement after 7 to 10 years. This difference in dental implant longevity and bridge replacement can ultimately make the lower-cost solution (bridges) more costly over time. 

With all of this in mind, Dr. Beckwith says working with one’s dentist will ultimately allow patients to understand the most appropriate teeth replacement options for their needs, helping them achieve the best possible results.