Getting To The “Root” Of Tooth Replacement!
Getting Dental Implants To Replace Your Tooth
What Are Dental Implants?
Getting Dental Implants can be a big decision for those looking to replace aging, decaying, or damaged teeth. While some may opt for dentures, getting dental implants is a way to restore your missing or decaying tooth, replacing a root while allowing the appearance of a real tooth. A dental implant is a small component that is placed in your jawbone to serve as an artificial tooth root, typically made of a material such as titanium. A connector is then placed on top of the dental implant, followed by a crown to mimic the appearance of a real tooth. The crown will be specifically constructed to match the appearance of the rest of the teeth.
What Can Getting Dental Implants Improve?
Benefits To Bring A Smile To Your Face
Considered to be a durable, long-lasting solution to restore the look of a healthy smile, implants can also be used to support loose, removable dentures. But why consider getting dental implants in the first place? There are many advantages to dental implants over other options, including:
Better Overall Appearance
Having a missing or unsightly tooth can affect anyone’s confidence level. When you smile for a picture, your focus should be on your memories, not on a missing or damaged tooth. To varying degrees, the appearance of our teeth is an important part of how we feel about ourselves. Getting dental implants is a great way to restore your smile and boost your confidence in every aspect of your life!
Overall Comfort
Whether your damaged tooth causes stress when eating or pain when talking, it can be unpleasant to live with. It isn’t rare for many patients to give up the food or drinks they love in order to avoid mouth pain or discomfort. Alleviating the pain and returning to eating the foods you love is a major advantage when you opt for getting dental implants.
Improved Oral Health
Finally, and potentially most importantly, getting dental implants can affect your overall oral hygiene and health. When you lose a tooth, the entire integrity of your dental structure is affected. Your teeth may shift, and the introduction of stuck food can mean uncomfortableness or even oral health problems. Bone loss, chewing problems, and shifting teeth can all be avoided by properly replacing your missing or decaying tooth with a dental implant.
Considerations To Make When Getting Dental Implants
So You Can Choose With Confidence
Dental implants may come with a variety of benefits when it comes to aging, decaying, or missing teeth, but how can you know if they are right for you? Before you commit to getting dental implants, it is important to consider different factors to determine if you are a good candidate. If you aren’t completely sure about receiving implants on your missing or decaying teeth, here are some factors to consider that can help guide you toward the right solution for your smile:
Cost
Understanding the costs associated with typical dental implant procedures will be important to consider whether it is a viable option for your teeth. While the actual cost can vary based on location, dentist office, type of implant, number of implants needed, and your dental insurance coverage, researching prices in your area and consulting your dentist will always be the best option to determine the price for your dental implant procedures.
Understanding Of Process
Dental implant surgery is a multi-step process that requires multiple sessions over time. Depending on your pre-surgery needs, you may require extra sessions to prepare your mouth for dental implants. The time needed for consultations, the actual surgery process, healing time, and installing the custom crowns all take time, so it is important to understand the length of the process to figure out if it is right for you and your schedule.
Pros And Cons
As with all surgical procedures, there can be a risk of side effects and other complications during or even after the procedure. While no one wants to deal with extensive side effects, knowing the pros and cons before you go can help you better prepare and make sure you’re a good candidate for dental implants. Many pre-surgery routines can help prevent issues before the procedure, so noting things such as allergies, sinus issues, or other issues you may have will be essential to disclose before your procedure.
Adequate Bone
It’s important to get your jawbone checked out to see if it is ready for a dental implant. Your jaw can act as a foundation for your dental implants, but once you lose a tooth, your jawbone could start to shrink. An X-ray or 3D imaging can check if you need a bone graft, which may be the first stage before an implant process for your missing tooth. This will determine if more time is needed before your procedure, so it is an important consideration to take into account for your schedule and time before you consider getting dental implants.
Oral Health
The better your oral health, the higher your chances of successful healing after a dental implant. Even certain lifestyle habits, such as smoking, can create complications after the procedure. Brushing, flossing, and avoiding harmful habits will be essential before and after your procedure, so checking to make sure you’re following all the steps to prevent gum disease, cavities, and implant failure will be crucial to a successful dental implant.
Healing Process
A dental implant is a big procedure that could take anywhere from 5 to 8 months to fully recover from. Listening to all necessary steps and instructions after your procedure will be important to help boost your recovery speed. Sticking to soft foods and avoiding smoking will help you to recover within the anticipated time frame, but it is important to consider how much time you have set aside for the healing process before you go through with the dental implant procedure.
Different Types
There are three common types of dental implants, which are endosteal, subperiosteal, and zygomatic. Each procedure has a different method and healing time and can last for varying amounts of time. Figuring out which one works the best for you is an important conversation to have with your dentist to make sure you’re getting exactly what you want out of your dental implant procedure.
Maintenance
Taking care of your dental implant the same way you would your regular teeth is important to preserve the longevity and investment of your procedure. Flossing, brushing, and considering the right toothpaste for your dental implants can make sure they are kept clean and healthy. You can also schedule regular professional cleaning with a dentist to ensure that your dental implants remain well cared for.
Experience Of Dentist
Finding the right surgeon fit to perform your procedure is one of the most important considerations. Make sure you’re working with a reputable surgeon when it comes to dental implants. Checking reviews, asking friends and family, and researching your surgeon options are all great ways to make sure you have the best possible option. A trained and licensed professional, such as an oral surgeon, is your best option to perform any mouth surgery. During a consultation, you have the opportunity to ask questions to determine which surgeon you feel most comfortable getting dental implants from.
Regain Your Confidence And Smile
How Russo Dentistry Can Help
Deciding to get dental implants is a significant step that requires careful consideration of a variety of factors. However, the benefits of dental implants, such as improved appearance, comfort, and improved overall oral health, can make getting dental implants a worthy procedure. Understanding these factors that go into dental implant procedures will help you make an informed decision about your eligibility and help you figure out the best solution to regain your healthy smile.
Considering everything from cost, surgeon choice, oral health, maintenance, healing length, and bone density will all be important factors to determine if dental implants are right for you. Each aspect plays a crucial role in making an informed choice. Consulting with a reputable and experienced dentist or oral surgeon is vital to determine if dental implants fit your individual needs and preferences. By carefully weighing these factors and seeking professional guidance, individuals can confidently proceed with their dental implant journey, enjoying a functional and aesthetically pleasing smile for years to come.
Russo Dentistry provides exceptional solutions to your oral health, including dental implants to brighten your smile and help you feel confident once again. We believe in education and providing solutions to oral health to address and prevent oral disease. If you are in the Raleigh, North Carolina, area and are suffering from a lost, decaying, or aging tooth problem, Russo Dentistry is happy to answer any questions you may have and schedule a consultation to determine if dental implants are right for you. A beautiful and healthy mouth is one step closer to total overall health!
