Are you worried about your missing tooth, broken tooth, or an extensively decayed tooth? Worry no more because dental implants will address your concern. Dental implants are one of the most natural-looking and natural-feeling dental procedures for missing teeth. A missing tooth can ruin your smile and eat away at your charm. It can dampen your self-esteem and affect how you relate to the people around you. Rather than leaving the jaw bone empty and vulnerable to gum disease, dental implants keep the jaw bone healthy and your facial structure intact.
Before opting for a dental implant, it is advisable to find out whether it is the best treatment for you. When you are knowledgeable about the surgery, you will be more at ease during the procedure and confident about the results. Furthermore, understanding the treatment gives you an idea of what to expect before, during, and after the treatment. Below are ten questions to ask your dentist before getting dental implants.
1. How will dental implants benefit my oral health?
Some people wonder why they need a dental implant and how it benefits their oral health. When you lose a tooth and fail to replace it, you may experience difficulty chewing food, jawbone deterioration, and have a higher risk of getting gum disease. Additionally, the remaining teeth may shift, resulting in an uneven smile and facial skin sagging.
A dental implant acts as a replacement for a missing tooth to preserve the jawbone. It not only feels like a normal tooth but also functions as a tooth. Once the oral tissue of the missing tooth heals, an implant screw followed by a crown is inserted in the jawbone to look and function like other teeth. The result is better oral health, a fantastic smile, and a boost in confidence.
2. How safe are dental implants?
Dental implants are safe and effective. They have been used for more than five decades as a replacement for lost teeth. Nevertheless, it is crucial to choose a well-trained and experienced dental implant dentist for the best results. The dental implant dentist should handle any complications and problems that arise. Importantly, he should examine your health history, habits — like smoking — and lifestyle that have the potential to affect the success of the implants.
3. Can any dentist provide a dental implant?
Dental implants are sophisticated dental devices that require expertise and training to place correctly and minimize complications. In line with this, it is not advisable to entrust any dentist with the implants. Instead, find a dental implant expert with the required education, training, and competence in implants.
4. Where can I find a knowledgeable dental implant dentist?
You can find a trained and experienced dental implant dentist from the free directory of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. The directory has a list of dental implant experts that are vetted and approved for competence and experience. Choose an implant dentist who is available, able, and accommodative.
5. Does it hurt to get implants?
When getting an implant, the dental implant dentist sedates you to ensure the treatment is as pain-free and comfortable as possible. After the procedure, you’ll receive helpful instructions for home care for faster recovery.
You may experience slight discomfort and some bruising, but it is short-term. Many people affirm they feel better than they expected after dental implants and even return to work and other activities almost immediately.
6. How much do dental implants cost?
The cost of dental implants depends on a patient’s unique needs. No two patients have the same dental implant needs, and so the procedure needed will vary. Dental implants cost between $2,000 and more than $10,000 depending on the dentist, implant, and location.
Your implant dentist should carry out a comprehensive examination to determine your implant needs and the associated costs. Also, do not forget to inquire from your insurance provider whether they cover dental implants.
7. Are dental implants noticeable when I smile?
The simple answer is no. Dental implants are not noticeable because the dentist matches the implant to the color and shape of your teeth. Hence, there is no way for others to tell if you have an implant. Additionally, implants have a natural appearance and function, and thus, you don’t feel or notice them.
8. Can anyone get a dental implant?
Not everyone is eligible for dental implants. Patients must undergo a thorough examination to determine whether they are ideal candidates for implants. A good candidate for dental implants should have enough healthy jawbones to support the implant.
If you have one or more missing teeth, loose teeth, or dental bridges that tap a lot of food, you are a good candidate for dental implants. Children can also have dental implants if they have lost permanent teeth. However, in most cases, implant dentists wait until a child’s facial growth and development are complete to install implants.
9. Can my body reject the implant?
The probability of your body rejecting a dental implant is very low. However, when the body rejects the implant, the primary reason is the patient being allergic to titanium, or any other implant material.
In some cases, the patient’s body rejects an implant due to poor oral hygiene. Therefore, it is essential for patients to care for the implant before and after installation to reduce the likelihood of implant failure.
10. How will I care for my implants?
After you get your implants, you must care for them so they last long. Well-maintained implants last for decades. Dental implants are just like normal teeth and hence require proper and regular care. You should care for your implants just like you do your natural teeth; brush your teeth, floss, and go for regular dental check-ups.
A missing tooth can affect your smile and quality of life. It can lower your self-esteem. Also, a bare jaw bone makes you vulnerable to gum disease and facial skin sagging. Dental implants are great options for replacing missing teeth because they resemble and feel like natural teeth. These questions will help inform your decision when you decide to get one.
