Missing permanent teeth can affect people of all ages. This is not just a cosmetic problem, but a problem that is likely to cause oral issues down the road. A popular and effective solution to replace missing teeth is dental implants. This is a surgical procedure in which a titanium rod is placed in the gum and fused with the jawbone. Once the rod has properly bonded with the bone, an artificial tooth is attached.
Below are some doubts that people may have when considering dental implant services.
Unsure about qualifying for the procedure?
A dentist will evaluate each patient to see if they qualify. (Most adults will!) Adults with relatively healthy gums and enough bone in the jaw are likely to be candidates if they are willing to be dedicated to keeping up their oral hygiene. It is important to be honest with the dentist about habits and health history because people with certain illnesses and habits like excessive smoking, heart disease, and radiation near the jaw may not qualify or may need special considerations.
It takes so long! Is it worth it?
It is true that dental implants don't happen overnight. Once the rod is implanted, it has to have time to connect and form a bond with the bone. It might take as long as 6 months for that to happen. Once completed, though, the implant is a permanent and solid fixture in the mouth. The tooth will look completely natural and will even match the color of the rest of the teeth!
What about the risks?
Infection and nerve damage could happen in rare cases. When a foreign object is introduced into the body's tissue there is the possibility of the body trying to reject it. The failure rate of implants is as low as 2– 3 %, though, and implants will last a lifetime if taken care of properly.
It costs too much!
Dental insurance likely won't cover the entire procedure, if it covers any of it. In some cases, medical insurance might cover some of the cost. There is no denying the procedure can be pricey, especially without adequate insurance coverage. It is important to check with insurance providers for details on coverage. Choosing an in-network dentist can help reduce costs since insurance may at least be able to negotiate a lower price. Some places will offer financing. Dental schools may provide the service for a discounted price.
Dentures and bridges are cheaper. Why not stick with that?
Dentures and bridges come with some disadvantages implants don't have. They tend to move around, especially when chewing. Since dentures cover the roof of the mouth, they can affect taste. Dentures and bridges do nothing to protect the jawbone. Implants make the bone think a tooth is still there, so the bone won't deteriorate. Bone deterioration can happen with bridges and dentures and may cause the facial structure to collapse and make a person look older. Bridges can also negatively affect surrounding teeth, and they do nothing to prevent surrounding teeth from shifting. Shifting teeth can cause more problems in the long term. Also, bridges and dentures require more care than a dental implant, which relies on regular good dental hygiene alone!
Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth and help preserve the jawbone. They are designed to look, feel, and act like regular teeth, and they typically have a high success rate and last a lifetime. Consider the benefits of this procedure and don't dismiss the idea of dental implants!
Share8 October 2018
