Dental implants are a common choice for those who are missing teeth, but what exactly are they? Our Glace Bay dentists share some helpful information about dental implants and why they may or may not be the right choice for you.
Replacing Missing Teeth With Dental Implants
Dental implants permanently replace missing teeth. Held in place with a tiny titanium rod implanted into the patient’s jaw bone, the implant serves as the root of the artificial tooth.
Titanium is used because this type of metal can bond with bone. Titanium implants are very stable, secure tooth replacements. We then cap the dental implant with a dental crown, which looks like a natural tooth.
These two pieces will work together to behave like a natural tooth.
Dental Implants and Their Advantages
Dental implants offer several advantages, including:
They Are Versatile
Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or all teeth in the upper or lower jaw. We can combine implants with other treatment options such as a bridge or denture.
Your specific case and requirements, in addition to the density of your jaw bone, will determine the number of actual implants you need/can get. Dental implants are a popular option for many patients as they have many potential configurations.
A Long Lasting Option
The key to making your dental implant last a lifetime is the proper ongoing care of it and your other teeth. A proper at-home oral care routine is a must, as are regular visits to your dental office for cleanings and exams.
Other factors including nutrition, genetics or the development of dental diseases can also impact the longevity of your dental implant.
Keeping a Natural Appearance
As mentioned above, your dental implant, paired with a bridge or crown, will look and function just like your natural tooth.
No one should be able to tell that you have artificial teeth, and you can eat, speak and function as you did before while enjoying quality of life. Since there are no nerves in a dental implant, you will not feel sensations.
Instead, any feelings you experience related to your dental implant will actually come from the soft tissue around the implant. After your implant has healed and you’ve gotten used to it, you most likely will notice very little difference between your implant and your natural teeth.
They Make Brushing & Flossing Easy
Similar to bridges, crowns or other restorations, you can care for your dental implants just like your natural teeth. Along with daily brushing and flossing, your dentist will need to perform routine exams on your teeth including your dental implant.
Dental Implants and Their Disadvantages
Depending on the nature of your case, dental implants may not be for you. Here are some of the potential downsides of dental implants:
The Process is Long
While dental implants may look and feel somewhat more natural than dental bridges, the dental implant process is lengthier and more invasive.
Depending on your treatment plan and your specific case, the entire dental implant procedure can take anywhere from 2 to 9 months to complete.
They Can Be Expensive
The possibility that insurance will cover your dental implants will vary. You should reach out to your insurance provider to learn more. While some insurance companies pay part of the cost, others may cover the entire cost of your implants and still others may not pay for any part of it.
Check with your insurance provider to determine whether your insurance plan covers your treatment.
Additional Procedures May Be Needed
In addition to the items above, you must have enough density in your jawbone for a dental implant treatment to be a success. If you don’t, you may still be a candidate for the procedure but would require a bone graft to transplant bone to your jaw to support the implant. This would make the process longer and more invasive.
So are dental implants the right choice for me?
While dental implants, bridges and other restorations all have their benefits, the right choice for you will depend on your oral health needs, budget and other factors.
Speak with your dentist. They will have a better idea of what tooth replacement option will be best for you.