Dental implants have gained much recognition as one of the leading procedures for tooth replacement and restoration. Having missing teeth can have adverse effects on overall health, self-confidence, and appearance, so finding the right solution is crucial to prevent more significant issues from arising. You may have heard about dental implants and the many benefits it offers if you have been looking for ways to replace your missing tooth or teeth. With more modern technologies available today, dental implants have become a popular choice for many patients.
A dental implant is a fixture inserted into your jawbone to act as a root for an artificial tooth. It is usually made of titanium to ensure stability, and since it is fused to the bone, it will not slip or move while you are eating or speaking. Today, dental implants are one of the most recommended long-term solutions to replace missing teeth as they can last over 20 years with proper care.
As a patient, it is essential to know about the dental treatments you get, so that you know your teeth condition and understands how you can maintain your oral health. Though you can always ask your dentist for professional advice and recommendations, it will help you familiarize yourself with the procedures you want to get. As such, here are some things you should know about dental implants if you are planning to get one.
Your Jawbone Condition is Crucial
Dental implants act as a root for replacement teeth, so they require ample support to latch onto, which means your jawbone is crucial. Since the implant will be fused to it, you need to have enough jawbone to provide the required support. However, missing teeth can cause one’s jawbone to shrink and weaken over time, so the longer it is left unaddressed, the more the bone will shrink. To determine the condition of your jawbone, your dentist will likely ask for an X-ray.
The Process Takes Time
Dental implant surgery takes time to complete, especially with the many steps that need to be done. Aside from this, each step will require healing time before the next step can be performed, making it time-consuming. If you have a decaying tooth, for instance, then you will need an extraction before the implant process begins. After, the implant is inserted in your jawbone, and you need to give time to let them fuse and allow your gum tissues to heal. The healing time can take as long as three to six months to ensure the implant is stable to support a tooth. Only then will your dentist be able to place an artificial tooth to complete your smile.
You Need to Return for Regular Check-ups
Even though each step of the implant procedure requires healing time, you need to visit your dentist to check on your teeth condition regularly. For instance, your dentist will check to see if your implant is fusing with your bone correctly to make sure you are still on track to fulfilling your treatment plan. Even after the false tooth is placed on the implant, you need to go back for check-ups to make sure everything is in order and that your implant is healthy and strong.
You May Be Able to Save Money
If you have asked your dentist or searched on the cost of dental implants, you may notice that they are relatively expensive. However, the high upfront cost is often offset by the fact that the implants can last you a long, long time. Many tooth replacement options tend to be less expensive, but they have to be replaced more often, so you may spend more on them. As a result, you may be able to save money in the long-run if you choose to get dental implants since they will last you longer than other treatment options.
You Can Eat Freely
When you think of dental implants, one of the concerns you may have is whether you can still eat comfortably after the procedure. The answer is, yes! Dental implants are designed to look and feel like natural teeth, so you will be able to eat freely, without having to take special measures. The common complaint with dentures is that they tend to slip while chewing food, making it inconvenient to eat. However, with implants, you will likely not experience this problem since they are stably fused to your jawbone.
This article is written by David Smith, a copywriter and content strategist. He helps businesses stop playing around with content marketing and start seeing the tangible ROI quickly. He loves reading books and car racing.