Everything You Should Know About Dental Implants

Are you worried because of missing teeth? Gaps in the dental cavity can deprive your confidence and raid your comfort. With missing teeth, you cannot smile, speak, and above all, eat well. Nonetheless, you should not be worried at all because the dentist recommends artificial teeth replacement.

Traditionally, dentures were the most popular technique to replace missing teeth. However, you had to wear and remove the dentures constantly. Currently, dental implants are a better option for restoring missing teeth, because this tooth implant procedure is permanent and reliable. Dental implants will still give you a perfect smile once again. The dental implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone, thus resembling natural teeth.

Once the dental implants are fitted and the neighboring tissues heal, you must maintain them properly to ensure they remain durable. Poor oral hygiene will result in plaque deposits which is a major cause of gum infection. Infections are bad for your teeth and implants.

Types of dental implants

1. Endosteal – They look like small screws and are the most popular dental implants. They are made from body-safe materials such as titanium. They are inserted into the jawbone via surgery. The abutment is then attached to the dental implant.
2. Subperiosteal – The dentist considers this option when the jawbone is damaged and can’t hold an endosteal. The implant is placed under the gum and on the bone.

Benefits of dental implants

• Your smile is restored fully.
• Implants are durable and thus offer a long-term solution.
• You can restore more than one missing tooth.
• Implants stimulate the jawbone, thus preventing bone resorption.
• You eat all sorts of foods without any hassles associated with missing teeth.
• Your speech improves significantly.
• The visual of your face improves greatly.
• You won’t apply force selectively when eating. You bite and chew as you do with natural teeth.

How many teeth can be replaced via implants?

Dental implants can be used in the restoration of one or quite a lot of missing teeth. Dental implants support most tooth replacement options, such as dentures and bridges. If you have one missing tooth, a single implant is needed. Alternatively, several implants are required when you need the replacement of more than one tooth.

Cost of the dental implant treatment

Dental implant costs depend on several factors, and they vary from one patient to another. The cost depends on the complexity of the procedure and the number of teeth being replaced. Your dentist will give you the price after a thorough examination.

This procedure is, however, relatively expensive compared to other teeth replacement techniques. On the positive, implants are long-term solutions and thus worth every coin.

Most dental insurances do not cover dental implants. You should, however, ask your dental insurance provider to learn whether it is covered or not. If you are covered, the cost will be minimal.

How to care for your dental implants

Maintaining dental implants requires you to maintain optimal oral hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth daily. Also, schedule bi-annual visits to the dentist for cleaning and check-up. Also, avoid sugary foods and biting tough-solid objects with your teeth. Similar to bridges, crowns, and fillings, your implant-supported teeth may require maintenance after several years.

Is everyone fit for a dental implant?

Dental implants are ideal for the majority of adults with good health. Since the dentist can only fit implants once the jawbone ceases to grow, children are unfit for this treatment.  Also, dental implants are not suitable for anyone who smokes heavily, has diabetes patients (uncontrolled), or is suffering from gum disease.

If you have any of the named conditions, hold on. It would be best if you visited your local dentist before starting any form of treatment. It is only in some instances that health conditions prevent the deployment of dental implants.

An initial consultation is paramount to determine whether you are fit for implant treatment. You give the dentist a detailed medical history used in conjunction with a complete examination to determine which kind of dental implant you require. When you visit a dental implant office, it’s advisable to disclose all teeth-related conditions (past and present), such as bruxism. It helps the dentist to offer quality service.

Conclusion

Although dental implants are not the only way to replace missing teeth, they are the most natural solution. Also, not all conditions require an implant. Your dentist outlines the different options available for your tooth, and he/she advises you accordingly.

Finally, Implants are preferable because they are long-term, do not cause injury to the existing teeth, and rhyme naturally with your teeth. Many dentist offices offer dental implant services. You can visit Wellesley Dental Arts in Washington to access dental implant services.