The dental industry today is equipped with so many new technologies that are all geared towards improving one’s smile and oral health. For those with teeth that have already fallen off or had to be removed, gone are the days when the space allocated for that tooth stays empty. You no longer have to be conscious of your smile. These missing teeth can now be replaced with what’s known as dental implants.
Dental implants today are a far cry from the dental procedures from all the way up to a thousand years ago. Before modern technology existed, the Egyptians used gold-wire implants in their jawbones. Thankfully today, the procedure is no longer as primitive.
That said, if you’ve been recently identified as a good candidate for dental implants, you’ve come to the right place. Before going full force with the procedure, it might be worth getting to know in detail what dental implants are for you to be more informed about the procedure you’ll undergo.
What Is A Dental Implant?
A dental implant is made up of a titanium screw that’s implanted on one’s gum through surgery. This is used as a base or anchor for a crown, bridge or a denture. The purpose of this procedure is to replace a missing tooth.
How this procedure is completed depends on a case-to-case basis. It has to be customized to fit the type of implant that you need and to fit the overall condition of your jawbone. When it’s done, you can have real-looking teeth attached right into it.
When an expert performs the dental implant procedure accurately, these teeth can last a lifetime. With that said, the failure rate of dental implants is only less than 5%. However, you may expect some trouble with your implants on the upper jaw, simply because the bones there are less dense.
To start your search for a reputable dentist who can do an excellent job for you, you can visit https://www.durangodmd.com/dental-implants/.
Will The Dental Implant Surgery Be Painful?
Because it’s a surgery, it’s normal to get anxious about the procedure. It’s natural for a lot of people to have some fear and nervousness associated with dental visits. But keep in mind that just like with any other surgery, there’s very little pain associated with implant surgery. Many patients would say that the pain during dental implant surgery is a lot less than that of a tooth extraction. In this procedure, local anesthesia is given.
After the implant surgery, it’s normal for your mouth to feel a little sore. This can be treated using over-the-counter pain medication. Your dentist should also be giving you instructions on how to handle your discomfort.
What Happens During A Dental Implant Procedure?
The dental implant surgery usually has two stages. The first stage is the extraction of the defective or rotten tooth that needs to be replaced. Shortly after this, a metal implant is inserted in your jawbone. The dentist will give you three to six months to heal for the jawbone to completely fuse with the implant. Then, a metal post will be screwed to the implant so that it protrudes quite a bit from the gums. This is needed as an anchor for your dentist to attach a permanent crown or bridge, or a denture.
With advancements in technology, your dentist will now be able to offer you with a one-step dental implant procedure. The implants, metal post, and the temporary crown are all completed and inserted in a day, all in one procedure. It’s only three months later when you’re asked to go back for your permanent crown.
However, if you’re looking for better quality in the long term, the two-stage dental implant procedure is still highly recommended.
Is A Dental Implant Recommended For Me?
If your dentist tells you that you need to undergo a dental implant procedure, perhaps you may ask yourself, “Why do I need one?”
First off, the dental implants serve as the new roots for your missing teeth. The titanium of the implant is given time to fuse with your jawbone so that it won’t slip. This makes for a stable base of the tooth or dentures that’ll be attached. These materials are also of excellent quality, such that they’ll never decay as your teeth do.
A dental implant is generally recommended to patients who meet any of the following requirements:
- You have one or more missing teeth.
- You don’t smoke.
- Your jawbone has reached its full adult growth.
- You’re willing to commit three to six months of going back to your dentist for updates on the procedure.
- Your jawbone is strong enough to fit and secure the implants.
- You’ve got slurred speech because of your teeth, and you want to improve it.
- Your oral tissues are healthy.
How To Take Care Of Dental Implants
Dental implants come at a cost. Also, after all the effort that you’ve gone through, you’ll want it to last for as long as it should. So, it pays also to give your dental implants the same care as you would with all your other regular teeth.
Start with the basics. You can brush, floss, and rinse the implant site and new tooth with an antibacterial mouthwash. A regular visit to your dentist will still also be necessary.
How Much Does A Dental Implant Cost?
The only downside that might turn you away from having a dental implant procedure done is the cost associated with it. In the United States, the average price for a single tooth can run anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000. If you have dental insurance, then you can also check how much it’ll cover, but most also won’t cover the entire cost. For an entire jaw, you can expect to spend around $25,000 to $50,000.
However, the results will definitely be worth the price as dental health is an important factor to living your best life. Just be sure to get to know your practitioner and that you trust them with your procedure. Compare the prices, too. Balancing it out with the cost, two of the most important criteria that you should also look for are the quality and the comfort.
What Are The Benefits Of Having A Dental Implant?
If you’ve been told that you need to have a dental implant inserted, go and have it done right away. Don’t wait it out until later. There are so many benefits that you can gain from having one, and some of these include:
- Improving the overall appearance of your face. Now you don’t have to feel so conscious about your smile because of a missing tooth. Plus, the condition of your teeth can also affect your smile. It contributes to the sagging of the skin around the mouth area.
- Stopping the remaining teeth from moving. When you’ve got a missing tooth, the surrounding teeth around it will start to move, so that it can fill in the missing gap. This can break the overall formation of your tooth and make it look uneven. In the long run, it can be harder and more costly to fix.
- Improving your speech. There’s a reason why a person needs to have a complete set of teeth. When you’re missing one tooth, it becomes harder for you to pronounce words.
- Saving your jawbone. A missing tooth can also lead to problems in your jawbone.
- Boosting your self-confidence. If you’re conscious about talking to others because of your missing teeth, now’s the time for you to make a change. A dental implant can help you feel like your old normal self when you had a complete set of teeth.
What Are The Risks Of A Dental Implant Procedure?
Like any other surgery or procedure, dental implants also come with its own set of risks. These are important to be aware of so you’ll know exactly what it is you’re getting into. However, these risks shouldn’t turn you away from having dental implant surgery done. The benefits still outweigh the risks. If you’re working with a good dentist, they’ll be prepared and completely aware of these risks.
Some of these risks include:
- Sinus problems
- Infection at the site of the implant
- Nerve damage, which can lead to pain and a tingling sensation in the surrounding natural teeth
- Injury or damage to the surrounding teeth and blood vessels
These risks, however, can also be avoided with the right preparation. This would involve a thorough evaluation, which would include:
- A treatment plan, tailored to your current situation, such as the number of teeth that needs replacing and the location.
- Comprehensive dental exam, which includes a dental X-ray, 3D image, and a cast or model of your jaw.
- Review of your overall medical history, just in case you’ve had issues in your medical past that can complicate your dental implant surgery. You’ve got to be transparent about any pre-existing medical conditions you have and medications that you’re taking. For instance, those with heart conditions may need to be given an antibiotic beforehand to avoid infections.
Conclusion
If your dentist recommends you to have a dental implant procedure, you just have to take their word for it. Especially when you know that your dentist is a good one, you can rely on their expertise to give you all the positive benefits that you can gain from dental implant surgery.
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