Dental Implants – What You Need to Know





Are you wondering if you are a good candidate for dental implants? Would you like to restore your smile and the functionality of your teeth? Not only do missing or damaged teeth detract from a person's appearance, they also interfere with proper chewing, which can result in malnutrition. Whether you've lost a tooth due to age, decay, or trauma to the mouth, getting a dental implant can be an effective and durable treatment solution. Implants can also be used as a stable foundation for crowns, bridges, and dentures.


If you're considering dental implants, you'll want to be aware of the following factors:

Cost. Dental implants are expensive and are not usually covered by insurance.

Finding the right dentist. Make sure you're dealing with a qualified and experienced professional. It may be best to find a Board Certified Prosthodontist for the highest quality care.

Risks. Dental implants may fail to root, and in a small percentage of cases may cause nerve damage in the jaw. The implant site may also be susceptible to infection.

Time. The process of ossiointegration (the implant root bonding to the jawbone) may take three to six months, after which a crown or replacement structure can be fitted in position.

Your overall health. Check with a professional to see if you would be a good candidate for dental implants. Smokers are strongly recommended to quit smoking before undergoing the implant process.

Bone density. If your jawbone is not strong enough to support an implant, bone grafts may be necessary, adding to the cost, treatment time, and overall risk.

Since dental implants offer the only permanent solution to tooth loss, many people decide that they are well worth the time and expense. Dental implants are stronger and more durable than bridges and dentures, they look natural, and they do restore the function of real teeth instead of just filling in a gap. Advances in implant dentistry have resulted in an extremely high success rate for this procedure.


Want to learn more about dental implants and other restoration options? You'll find a selection of books on the subject at Amazon.com.

 

Dental Implants