People lose their teeth for different reasons, varying from having a nasty bite, infected teeth, diabetes, smoking, or just because of growing old. A missing, bad, or cracked tooth can affect your smile and make it difficult for you to chew, and most times could lead to more devastating oral health problems.
A good solution to this problem is getting dental implants. They are the most efficient tooth replacement option for people that cherish teeth preservation, convenience, durability, comfort, and independence. Implants will help restore your pride and give your teeth a natural look.
Do you have missing teeth and not sure if dental implants will be a good option for you? Here are some tips to help you decide. But first;
What exactly is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is actually a prosthesis that is used to replace a missing tooth – they are not real teeth. It is placed in the exact place where your tooth is missing, The implant is composed of 4 parts, the fixture, abutment, the screw and lastly, the artificial tooth, called the crown, that matches the size and shape of your natural tooth.
Advantages of Dental Implant
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), more than 5 million implants are conducted annually in implant dentistry. The body also stressed that lots of advantages are associated with using this surgical procedure. Some of the popular advantages associated with dental implants are:
- Implants are very easy to clean. You don’t need to detach to clean or soak them every night. You will be cleaning them just the same way you clean your natural teeth.
- Like your natural teeth, implants are the most stable alternative and don’t slip or shift.
- You don’t lose any tooth structure when you use implants, and they don’t rely on neighboring teeth for support.
- Dental Implants last a lifetime, unlike partials and dentures. Once you get them, you don’t have to go to the dentist or doctor every year or so for correction or upgrades.
Dental Implant vs. Dentures; which is better?
Far more than dentures, dental implants are considered a better option for tooth replacement, and here is why.
Dentures
- Dentures look more fake
- Dentures cause a decrease in jawbone
- Often cause a lot of discomforts
Dental Implants
- Dental implants are permanent
- Look and feel just like your natural teeth
- Restore normal chewing capacity
- Preserve your jawbone and facial structure
Who Can Take an Implant?
There are some important factors that need to be considered before using an implant. According to the ADA, American Dental Association, the ideal candidates for implants are people with healthy gums because it is a sign of good general health. But in cases when a patient with inadequate jaw bone height wants to have the procedure, the jawbone can be built before the surgery.
However, there may be delayed healing process in patients who have diabetes or leukemia after an implant. ADA also made it known that smokers have a high tendency of losing the healing process altogether, and so should be well considered before having the procedure.
Placing Your Implant
The placing of a dental implant is an in-office procedure, and local anesthesia or Novocaine is used for the surgery. You may likely experience some pain and swelling, but pain medications can be prescribed to take care of that. You will also be required to eat soft cold foods and lukewarm soups and during the healing process. (great time to catch up on your favorite Netflix shows)
There is a waiting time of about two to six months before the artificial tooth or crown will be inserted to allow enough time for your implant fixture and your bone to grow together. However, you may be given a temporary crown, denture, or bridge for the meantime to aid speaking and chewing.
How Painful Is the Treatment Going to Be?
The Doctor will place you under local anesthesia, or possibly Novocaine shots which will prevent you from feeling any pain during the procedure. If you had ever had a tooth extraction or root canal, the feeling will be similar, if you survived either of those two procedures, you will be just fine! .
When Can I Return to Work After Treatment?
It takes between 30 minutes to 60 minutes to start the implant process . After treatment, you may return to work the next day. However, some doctors may put you under prescription for some days to relieve you of any minor discomfort you may be feeling.
How Costly is a Dental Implant?
The cost of dental implants often depends on so many factors, and thus could vary. A few of such factors include the state in which you are having the procedure and the number of the tooth you’re replacing. Is it a single tooth or multiple teeth?
Another thing that can also affect the price is if you need any particular procedure before the implant. However, after your consultation with a doctor, you will be given an estimate to work with.
What Is the Success Rate of Dental Implants?
Dental implants have a very high success rate – up to 99.2%. You, however, need to make sure that you’re dealing with experienced professionals who know what they’re doing and will give you the best.