Interested in Getting Dental Implants? Check This Guide!
Replacing missing teeth doesn’t have to be inconvenient, thanks to dental implants. For the unversed, dental implants are replacement tooth roots, which work as the anchor for replacement teeth. Swedish physician Per-Ingvar Brånemark is credited with inventing dental implants in the 1950s. Since then, the treatment options have only gotten better. If you wonder about the pros and cons, consider meeting an Orlando implant specialist who can evaluate if you are an ideal candidate for the procedure. Below is an overview of the key aspects related to dental implants.
Dealing with tooth loss
Millions of people in the world suffer tooth loss for varied reasons. Previously, dentures were the only viable solution for most patients seeking replacement teeth. Today, with dental implants, the results are far better. How do dental implants compare to dentures? The latter is cheap and easy to get, but patients often complain of inconvenience and discomfort. Dentures can move around in the mouth, which can impact speech. Dental implants, on the contrary, offer a permanent solution for replacing lost teeth. With dental implants, it is possible to mimic natural teeth.
What is the procedure like?
A dental implant is a tooth replacement made from titanium placed in the missing tooth’s bone socket. This procedure is done surgically, and as the jawbone heals, the implant is secured in place. The next step is to wait for the jawbone to heal, and this process is known as osseointegration. It can take up to four to five months for this step alone. Once the dental implant is secured, a replacement tooth is attached to it using an abutment.
How effective are dental implants?
Studies show that dental implants have a high success rate. There is no need for extensive maintenance, and with basic oral care, you can expect implants to last a lifetime. Your dentist can also help in getting the color of the replacement tooth right. Unlike dental procedures that require altering the adjacent teeth, dental implants can be placed surgically to replace one or more missing teeth. You may still need to see your dentist for dental exams every year, but there are no added concerns if you have dental implants.
Are dental implants expensive?
If you compare the cost of getting dental implants to dentures, the difference is substantial. However, implants have numerous advantages that outweigh the costs. You can expect to have a completely normal smile and teeth function by opting for dental implants.
Who can get dental implants?
Almost all healthy adults can consider dental implants. There are some exceptions. For example, if a patient doesn’t have enough gums or jawbone, they may not support the implant. Heavy smokers and those with chronic diseases, like diabetes or heart disease, must speak to an experienced dental surgeon for advice. Some cases have to be evaluated on an individual basis.
There is no pain in getting dental implants. You can discuss the procedure at length with your dentist, who can help understand specific aspects related to your concerns.