Missing teeth are the bane of an otherwise beautiful smile and teeth become lost for any reasons. Accidents happen, leading to chipped, cracked or broken teeth.
If oral hygiene is not up to par, then decay can create a cavity through tooth enamel. In some cases, bacteria can find their way to the dental pulp and infect the nerve deep within the tooth. If a root canal is out of the question, a tooth extraction is inevitable.
Teeth are not the only aspect of a smile that decay can harm. Your gums can become inflamed and infected as well. Gum disease if left unchecked and untreated, can worsen. As severe periodontal disease progresses or gum recession occurs, tooth loss can result.
Once one or more teeth become lost, then what? If you have many missing teeth, you could opt for dentures or a bridge. Yet, they can prove awkward to wear and use for speaking and eating.
Whether you are missing one tooth or many teeth, a better alternative is a dental implant.
What are dental implants?
Dental Implants are titanium tooth roots that anchor to your jaw bone. It often takes six to 12 weeks for your jaw bone to heal before doctor can place the abutment over the implant. The abutment will hold the crown or replacement tooth.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
Dental implants look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth. Once in place, they are often difficult for others to discern from your natural teeth. That’s because doctor will closely match the shade of your natural teeth when creating the crown. Dental implants provide benefits beyond what a conventional denture or bridge provides.
- Appearance
- Better speech
- Improved eating
- Added comfort
- Self esteem
- Better oral health
- Durable
- Convenient
What makes a dental implant so special?
The improved appearance that you gain from a fuller smile can boost your confidence and more. Dental implants that can blend in among your natural teeth are almost invisible in your smile. Yet, that’s not all.
Speech and eating are both dependent on your teeth. Missing teeth affect proper enunciation, particularly with consonants. Dental implants can improve this ability. Unlike dentures and bridges, there is no need to wait for a learning curve to do this. Also, dental implants do not slip or slide out of place. They anchor to your jaw providing a secure and safe hold.
Will the dentist need to alter my surrounding teeth?
There is a big difference in how dental implants fit compared to a bridge. While a bridge often needs the abutting teeth reshaped, this is not the case with a dental implant. A dental implant needs no support whatsoever from the abutting teeth.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are sturdy and durable. When well cared for, a dental implant can last for years and sometimes even a lifetime. How long a dental implant lasts depends on how well you care for it.
How do I care for my dental implants?
Caring for your dental implants is as easy as brushing and flossing your teeth. It is also important to see your dentist for regular dental checkups to ensure good oral health.
Can anyone get dental implants?
Dental implants have a 98 percent success rate for those who have them. Yet, not everyone makes a good candidate for dental implants. For most, if you are healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you are healthy enough for a dental implant. Yet, there are always exceptions to the rule.
Dental implant consideration needs a commitment from you. You must commit to adequate oral hygiene along with regular dental checkups. This benefits your oral health as well as the success of your implant.
If you are a heavy smoker or suffer from a chronic disorder, doctor may need to first exam you on an individual basis. The same holds true for those who have had radiation therapy to their head or neck area.
Will my insurance cover dental implants?
It is always good to know what the expectations are when it is time to pay the bill. Some dental insurance plans do not cover dental implants, but many others will cover part of the cost. Check with your dental insurance provider to determine your coverage before your procedure.