If you’re missing one or more teeth, dental implants may be able to restore your beautiful smile. They can also improve your chewing function and overall oral health. In addition, they can prevent future problems such as gum disease, tooth decay, and other issues.
If you’ve been thinking about having dental implants placed, this article is for you. It will help you understand whether or not they’re right for you and the benefits of having them.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root surgically implanted into your jawbone. The process involves placing titanium posts into your jawbone, which act as anchors for a crown (a replacement tooth). Once the metal posts are securely embedded into your bone, they fuse with living tissue. This means that over time, the posts become part of your jawbone. Eventually, new roots grow from the posts and eventually form a permanent tooth.
There are two main types of dental implants: endosteal implants and subperiosteal implants. Endosteal implants are placed directly into your jawbone. Subperiosteal implants are placed under the gum line. Both types of implants can be used to replace missing teeth.
Benefits of Dental Implant Placement
There are many reasons why people choose to get implants over other types of dental restorations. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Cosmetic Appearance: Implants look just like your real teeth since the implant crowns are designed to match your current tooth color. That makes them great for cosmetic purposes. People who have had their teeth removed often find their smiles less attractive than before because of the gap left by the missing teeth. With implants, your smile will look completely normal again.
- Restore Chewing Function: Implants are made from titanium, which is strong enough to support chewing pressure. This means they won’t break or chip like a filling could, and they won’t move when you bite down since they’re anchored firmly into your jawbone.
- Improve Your Speech: If you lose some or all your teeth, you could experience difficulty speaking clearly. Since implants are securely fixed to your jawbone, they allow you to speak without worrying about shifting teeth.
- Prevent Bone Loss & Other Issues: When you lose most of your natural teeth, your jawbone will start to shrink. Over time, this can lead to severe complications, such as bone loss. However, your jawbone will stay healthy and intact if you have dental implants.
Dental Implant Requirements
To be a good candidate for implants, you must meet several requirements.
#1. Bone Density
You must have adequate bone density to support dental implants. If your bone is not dense enough, a bone grafting surgical procedure may be required before implants can be placed. A bone graft involves removing some bone from another part of your body and placing it in the area where implants need to go. This helps build up the bone mass required to support dental implants.
#2. Healthy Gums
Implants require healthy gum tissue to anchor them into your jawbone. If you have active periodontal disease, you won’t be able to receive implants unless you treat the problem first.
#3. Overall Health
It’s important that you’re in good overall health because implants require a strong jawbone. In addition, you should not have any medical conditions that would affect your ability to heal after surgery.
The Dental Implant Process
During your first visit, we’ll take X-rays and thoroughly examine your mouth. We’ll also ask questions about your medical history and any medications you’re taking. Based on our findings, we may recommend additional tests or procedures before developing a customized treatment plan for you.
Once we’ve determined whether you’re a good candidate for a dental implant procedure, we’ll begin preparing your gums by numbing them using local anesthesia. Afterward, we’ll make small incisions to place implants inside your gums. Once they’ve been placed, we’ll cover each with a healing cap. The caps keep out dirt and debris while allowing your body to heal around the implants.
Once your implants have healed, we’ll remove the caps and carefully cleanse your gums. Then we’ll apply a temporary crown over each implant to protect it during the healing process.
Once your permanent replacement teeth are ready, we will permanently attach them to your implants, giving you a beautiful, natural-looking smile.
Commonly Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Who needs dental implants?
People who have lost all their natural teeth due to injury, decay, or other causes may benefit from dental implants.
Are dental implants safe?
Yes, dental implants are considered to be very safe. The procedure is performed by a qualified dentist or oral surgeon and the materials used are biocompatible, meaning they won’t cause any adverse reactions in the body.
How long do teeth implants last?
Implants can last 20 years or longer, making them an excellent permanent solution for missing or damaged teeth.
How much do implants cost?
The cost of dental implants varies depending on the type of implant, the number of teeth being replaced, and other factors. Generally speaking, the cost of a single implant can range from $1,500 to $3,000.
Are dental implants covered by insurance?
Some insurance plans may cover part of the cost if the implants are being used to replace missing teeth due to an injury or illness. It’s best to check with your insurance provider for more information.
Book an Initial Consultation Today!
Dental implants are considered the best way to restore your smile. Not only do they provide a long-lasting solution, but they also improve your overall oral health. Our office offers state-of-the-art procedures that help patients achieve optimal oral health. Call our office today and schedule an appointment. We look forward to giving you a brand new, confident smile!
