Are Dental Implants Right for You?

Are Dental Implants Right for You?

If you have missing or broken teeth, you may feel embarrassed and avoid social interactions with others. Dental implants are a proven solution for these issues. By removing broken or decayed teeth and filling the gaps with dental implants, you can enjoy an attractive smile. Your new artificial teeth can also make it easier for you to bite, chew and speak with confidence.

Who Needs Dental Implants?

Statistics compiled and released by the CDC indicate that about one-fifth of all adults over the age of 65 have lost all their permanent teeth. By age 20, more than half of all Americans have lost at least one permanent tooth. Losing permanent teeth causes embarrassment and stress for most people.

At our dental practice, we provide our patients with the most practical approaches for replacing missing teeth. If you have lost teeth due to tooth decay, gum disease or an accident or injury, we will work with you to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants and if they are the right solution for your needs.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants consist of three separate parts:

1. The crown is the part of the dental implant you can see. It is composed of artificial teeth that are designed specifically to look like your natural teeth and to fit perfectly into the gaps left by missing teeth. Crowns can consist of a single tooth, multiple adjacent teeth or an entire row of teeth.
2. The body or post of the implant is placed into the jaw and resembles a small screw. This part of the dental implant is usually made of titanium, which poses little risk of rejection and is a lightweight and durable metal.
3. The abutment connects the crown with the post of the implant. This allows the most secure attachment for the artificial teeth.

The post is inserted directly into the jaw for endosteal implants. Alternatively, your dentist may recommend subperiosteal implants, which are secured beneath the gum tissue.

What Happens During Dental Implant Treatment?

• The first step in the dental implant process is an examination of your teeth and gums. We will also evaluate the condition of your jaw to determine if the bone is strong enough to hold the implant in place securely.
• If you need bone grafts, we will talk with you about the proper timing of these surgical procedures and provide information about the bone-grafting process.
• If any teeth are broken or damaged and need to be replaced, our dental experts will create a customized plan for safely removing them.
• The post will be placed into the bone of your jaw in a procedure that requires a small incision to be made in the gums and a hole to be drilled in the bone. The incision will then be closed using stitches and allowed to heal for a few months.
• After the process of healing and integration of the implant into the jawbone is complete, the abutment will be attached to the post. This requires a small incision and a shorter healing process than the initial placement of the implant.
• Your dentist will take measurements and impressions of your teeth and your gums to make sure your crown will fit perfectly and comfortably.
• Finally, the crown will be attached to the abutment. After this, your dental implant procedure will be complete.

Will I Need Bone Grafts?

A thorough examination is required to determine whether bone grafting procedures will be required for your dental implants. Our dental professionals will provide you with the information you need to make the best decision about replacing your teeth with advanced dental implants.

The bone used during these procedures may come from your own body or could be a substitute material that is designed to promote bone growth. Grafts may be performed a few months before your initial surgery or at the time your implant is placed in your jaw.
Recovering from Dental Implant Surgery

After each of the oral surgery procedures performed in our office, you may experience some discomfort, pain or swelling. The dentist will recommend the best approach for dealing with discomfort and pain through medications, ice packs and other treatments designed to help you feel better during the recovery process.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants provide some real benefits:

• Unlike traditional dentures, implants cannot slip out of place or fall out when you speak, eat or chew. This eliminates the risk of embarrassment in professional or social interactions and allows you to feel more confident.
• Implant teeth feel more natural and work much like your own teeth, enabling you to enjoy greater comfort.
• Removable dentures can make it more difficult to speak clearly. Dental implants allow you to talk and be understood more easily.
• Dental implants offer a more natural appearance that can help you feel confident about your smile. These dental appliances allow broken, damaged or missing teeth to be replaced in the most comfortable way possible.

Potential Drawbacks of Dental Implants

The primary disadvantage of dental implants is the high cost of these procedures. A single implant can potentially cost thousands of dollars and might not be covered by dental insurance.

Our Dental Practice Can Help

Our dental team is committed to keeping the cost of dental implants as low as possible to ensure the most affordable dental care possible. We offer payment options that will work within your budget. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation with our team. We are here to help.