Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth. They consist of a titanium post that is surgically implanted into the jawbone, and a dental restoration (such as a crown, bridge, or denture) that is attached to the post. Implants can be used to replace one or more missing teeth.
If you are considering getting dental implants, there are some things you should know before making your decision. Here are six important things to keep in mind:
1. Research Is Required
Before you get a dental implant, it is important to do your research and find an experienced dentist in your area. Make sure they have experience placing implants and creating dental restorations that attach to the implants. Ask around – check with friends and family members who live in your area to find out if anyone has had dental implants. You can also search online for “dentists in your area” and check out the dentist’s website to make sure they are qualified to do this procedure.
Furthermore, you would probably like to find a dental implant specialist that would give you a good deal. Many dental insurance policies won’t cover the entire cost so you should check the pricing on places like The Dental Implant Place before making a decision. Remember to ask your dentist for a quote and don’t be afraid to negotiate prices.
2. The Procedure Is Not A Quick Fix
Dental implants are not meant to be temporary fillings. They can last a lifetime if they are taken care of and your dentist does their part to make sure the implant is healthy and strong. If you want implants, remember that this procedure will require surgery and some time to heal. Once the implant has been placed in your jawbone, it takes several months for it to bond with your bone (osseointegration). During this time, the implant may feel loose and it will probably ache a little. Once the healing process is complete, you can have a dental restoration attached to your implant.
The surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia, which means you stay awake during the procedure but do not feel pain. Afterward, your jaw might be sore for a few days, but you will be sent home with any necessary medications. If the implant is placed in your upper jaw, it is very important not to dislodge or disturb the healing process after the surgery. You are required to wear a special appliance that guides and stabilizes your jaw for several weeks.
3. Expectations Must Be Set
If you have missing teeth, it is important that you set realistic expectations with your dentist about what can be achieved. Make sure you know exactly what teeth can be replaced, how many implants are required, and what the final outcome will look like. You don’t want to get an implant for a tooth that has no root structure – some teeth may need to be extracted before implants are placed in their place. You also don’t want to get an implant for a tooth that is missing too much bone. This would prevent the implant from bonding with your jawbone, which will decrease its lifespan.
4. Implant Quality Matters
The quality of implants can vary widely – some are made of titanium and others are made of titanium alloy (this means other metals and elements have been added to the implant). Titanium is safe and biocompatible with your body, but just like any metal, it can corrode.
The alloy implants are cheaper than pure titanium implants, but they come with a higher risk of corrosion and poorer osseointegration between the implant and bone. This decreases the life expectancy of the implant. If your dentist recommends an alloy implant, make sure you let them know you want a pure titanium one instead.
5. The Quality Of Dental Work Matters Too
After an implant has been placed, it is important to make sure any restorations that are attached will be high quality and biocompatible with your body. You should never go with a cheap solution because it will cause you more problems in the long run. Dentists that offer implants typically use crowns and bridges to cover your implant and restore your missing tooth, but sometimes they use other materials such as ceramic or porcelain. The cheapest implant dentist is not always the best option.
6. Any Implants Placed Will Need Continuous Care
Once an implant is placed, there are several things you will need to do in order to maintain it. You should brush your teeth as normal and floss regularly, but it’s also important that you brush around the dental restoration (the crown or bridge) and make sure nothing gets trapped underneath it. Your dentist may recommend that you replace your dental restoration every few years, especially if you grind your teeth or eat hard foods like apples.
It’s important to make sure there is no bleeding the first time you floss around an implant (or any dental restoration). Bleeding can happen because the gum tissue next to dental implants doesn’t have a good supply of blood vessels, so it might take a little longer to heal. If you notice any bleeding, stop flossing and wait until the gum tissue has fully healed.
Dental implants can be a great way to replace missing teeth while also boosting your self-esteem. However, you need to know the facts before getting one – such as how they work and what to expect from implant surgery. We hope this article was helpful.