Should You Consider Dental Implants?

With the advancements made in dental technology, there are a number of procedures that patients can choose from in order to have a winning set of pearly whites. A dental implant is one of them. However, there are a number of factors to check out when considering dental implants.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants replace the roots of the teeth so that replacement teeth will have a stronger base. The implants are embedded directly to the jawbone of the patient, surgically placed and positioned and when the gum line heals, provide a secure spot for the implant crown that will replace the extracted teeth. Advancements in dental technology now allow titanium or titanium-based alloys to be used as dental implants since titanium is hardy yet lightweight, flexible, and biocompatible – this means that it can be used in a human body without any incompatibility or rejection issues.

Meanwhile, titanium in dental implants also works as an advantage, since the metal has a feature called “Osseo integration.” This means that when the treatment gradually heals, the titanium fuses with the jawbone, ostensibly replacing the supporting bone that is also lost when a tooth is extracted. Over time, the dental implants line up and maintain the jaw’s shape and structure. This is what makes dental implants the preferred choice to replace lost teeth since they are the closest treatment to make the replacement look and function like natural teeth.

Benefits of dental implants

Dental implants are just one of a number of procedures to replace lost teeth. What are some of the most-talked advantages of implants over other dental treatments?

• Long-term – Dental implants only need periodic adjustment over time. However, with regular, careful care, implants last for at least a lifetime, particularly if the treatment is first-rate. This is one of the best advantages over other teeth replacement procedures. If you are looking for an almost-permanent dental care solution, dental implants work best over dental bridges or dentures, which only last for five to seven years at the most.

• Almost like natural teeth – Another advantage of dental implants is that they work just like natural teeth. This means that you can chew and eat food as vigorously as if you have a natural set of pearly whites. Being a permanent solution, there is also no danger of them falling out of place at the most unexpected and awkward places.

• Retain the natural facial shape and smile – Since dental implants work as close as possible to natural teeth, the fusing of the titanium to the jawbone means that the support is still there, even if the natural bone is drilled out when extracting the tooth. This means that the natural contour of the jawline is set, as is the shape of your face. In addition, there are no adjustments in your smile since the dental implants will work much like how your natural teeth would.

• No cavities – The crowns included in the dental implants are made of sturdy porcelain or plastic, so there is no chance of cavities at all. However, you will still need to periodically visit the dentist and have the crowns checked, since improper oral hygiene can still result in a chipped or cracked crown.

• No danger to surrounding areas – Dental implants are only placed over the area where a tooth is extracted, and it fuses with the cavity over time. This is unlike other dental treatments such as tooth-supported bridges. While it also sort of replaces a lost tooth, tooth-supported bridges require the dentist to grind on one or both teeth on the sides of the affected area, so there is a slight chance that the healthy teeth might get damaged.

Should I get a dental implant?

Most often, dentists will say that for lost teeth, dental implants are the best solution since it is a permanent one. However, dental experts will still need to check if you are a suitable candidate for a dental implant, as the procedure may be considered as a quasi-major surgery.

You will need to be healthy enough to be a candidate for a dental implant, as there are health conditions that will bar you from one. Some of the health conditions that are disadvantageous to dental implant treatment include uncontrolled diabetes, cancer, smoking and alcoholism, and an uncontrolled periodontal disease. You will need to have your medical history examined since the procedure also requires medications, some of which may induce an allergic reaction on your part.

In addition, it pays to check if your clinic will offer a complete procedure for dental implants. Replacing teeth via this treatment is not just limited to drilling and placing a crown on the extracted area. Heavy planning is involved, and a top-tier clinic should have complete facilities to do the procedure. Dental implant treatments also include other procedures like specialized radiographs, 3D scans, and study models of your teeth and bite. These steps help the dental staff make sure that the dental implants will replace your teeth as naturally as possible in terms of location, bite, shape, and position.

Are implants expensive?

The cost of dental implants varies since the treatment requires specific factors per patient. Sadly, some insurance companies do not cover major surgeries, much less dental insurance. However, there are dental clinics that have comprehensive lists of insurance companies that they accept – this raises the chances that a dental implant treatment at these institutions is accepted.

In addition, the cost of dental implants may seem over-the-top at first, especially when compared to other teeth replacement procedures. However, the price will be worth it as dental implants offer a long-term solution.

To get the best dental implants, it pays to check out first-rate dental clinics in your area. Go for a treatment center that will not stop with just replacing your teeth with implants, but will also guide and help you in proper oral care and management to make your dental implants last a lifetime.