The Ultimate Guide to Dental Implants
Mt. Laurel Dental & Implant Center • Feb 10, 2020
Do you think you might need dental implants? Learn everything you need to know in our ultimate guide to dental implants.
More than 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. More than 36 million Americans are living life without any teeth at all.
Dental implants are often a consideration for people with missing teeth. One of the main reasons people fail to move forward with getting them is that they have a lot of questions.
What are dental implants? What are the benefits and disadvantages of having them placed? Continue reading to learn the answers to these questions and more.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants
are replacement tooth roots. They help anchor a single false tooth called a crown. They can also be used to support a set of dentures for more stability.
These "replacement roots" anchor the false teeth into the jawbone. This reduces movement, allowing them to both look and feel like real teeth. Your dentist will work to match a crown to the rest of your tooth for the most natural appearance.
There are different types of dental implants you might receive. The most common types of dental implants are "standard sized." Mini implants are another option.
Pros and Cons of Having Implants Placed
There are many benefits to having the dental implants procedure and few downsides. The downsides are typically attributed to side effects and may vary based on the types of dental implants received.
The pros of having the dental implants procedure include:
- An improved physical appearance, leading to a boost in self-confidence
- Improved speech abilities versus missing teeth
- Increased comfort over missing teeth or traditional dentures
- Easier eating
- Improved oral health
- High durability
- Increased convenience versus other options
The cons of having the dental implants procedure include:
- A small chance of error when implants are placed
- Potential for infection or excessive bleeding (especially if not taken care of properly)
- Risk of movement of the implant
- Increased deterioration of the jawbone in at-risk populations
These are only the most significant pros and cons of having dental implants placed. You should speak to your dentist about other advantages or disadvantages that apply to your situation.
Who Can Get Dental Implants?
Almost anyone healthy enough to undergo routine oral surgery is a candidate for dental implants. Except that to have implants placed, your jawbone density must be a certain amount.
Most people have a high enough jawbone density. Teeth missing for a long time, or diseases causing bone deterioration might cause decreased density.
Who Might Not Be a Candidate?
There are a few situations where someone may not be healthy enough to have dental implants placed. Besides a lack of bone density, as mentioned above, the following may cause a person to be a poor candidate:
- Heavy smoking
- Use of illegal drugs, excessive drinking, and certain prescription medications
- Suffering from an uncontrolled chronic disease like heart complications, diabetes, or osteoarthritis
- Previous or ongoing radiation to the head, neck, and surrounding areas
You should discuss any health conditions you have in-depth with your oral surgeon. They'll help you understand if your chronic health problems make you a poor candidate for dental implants.
How Successful Are Dental Implants?
All types of dental implants are successful up to 99 percent of the time. There is a small risk of the implant not bonding correctly to the jawbone. Improper bonding can sometimes be remedied with a second procedure.
Does Insurance Cover Implants?
No. Most insurances don't cover the cost of any types of dental implants. Some dentists have financing available you can ask about if price is an issue.
Some of the other fees associated with dental implants are often covered in full or part. If you need a tooth removed to receive the implant, this is usually covered by medical insurance. If you're receiving a set of new dentures, most health insurances cover a part of the costs.
Are Implants Painful?
Most patients say dental implants are less painful than a routine tooth extraction. Mild to moderate pain and swelling are typical for a few days after your procedure. Soreness is common for a few weeks but should be mild.
What to Expect During Your Implant Procedure
Undergoing the dental implants procedure is a straightforward process requiring only three basic steps. It does, however, take a period of weeks to months before completed.
Step 1: Developing a Plan
Before the process begins, you'll work with your dentist to develop an individualized plan. If other dental issues need to be addressed, they'll be worked into your program, too. At this point, you'll decide your best options from the different types of implants.
Step 2: Implant Is Placed
The implant itself is a small metal post that resembles a screw. The post will be placed into the bone socket where the tooth is missing. If you're securing dentures, these will be strategically placed to provide the most support.
Step 3: Crown or Dentures Placed
After the dental implants procedure, you'll need to wait until it has fused to the jawbone. The fusing process can take a few weeks or a few months, depending on how quickly your body heals. The types of dental implants used will also effect healing time.
Once the implant has fused, you will return to the dentist to have the crown or dentures placed. A crown will look like a single tooth that fits the gap where your natural tooth is missing.
How to Care for Your Implant Moving Forward
After your dental implants procedure, the implant doesn't have to be removed. If using dentures, they can be snapped in and out of your mouth to clean. They will not need the use of any adhesives to stay in place, however.
Implants are taken care of in the same way as your natural teeth. You should brush them two to three times daily. Remember to floss and rinse with mouthwash. Curious as to
how long implants last?
Regular visits to the dentist are vital. You should get all your teeth checked and cleaned at least once a year. This includes your new implant.
Do You Still Have Questions About the Dental Implants Procedures?
Dental implants are small metal posts that function as replacement roots. They can be used with crowns or to support a set of dentures. There are different types of implants available.
Do you still have questions about dental implants? Or, do you want to set up a consultation to see if dental implants are right for you?
Contact us today. Mount Laurel Dental and Implant Center in Mount Laurel, New Jersey offers dental implant procedure services.
Do you have chipped or misaligned teeth? Teeth reshaping is one of the procedures a cosmetic dentist in Mount Laurel, NJ, might recommend. Learn more here.
There are several things you need to ask when picking a cosmetic dentist in Mount Laurel, NJ. This guide breaks down these questions.
Are you looking for a great dentist in Mt Laurel, NJ? Click through to find out how a cosmetic dentist can improve your smile and your confidence.
When deciding between metal braces vs Invisalign, which is right for your lifestyle, budget, and smile? Get the key considerations here.
If you are looking for a dentist in Mt. Laurel, NJ for an implant procedure, this guide can help. Here is how to get help with dental implants.
When it comes to how much dental implants cost, there are a few things you need to know. Here's a quick guide to help you.
As a dentist in Mt Laurel NJ, we know how important it is to take care of your Invisalign retainers. Keep reading to learn how to clean Invisalign.
As a dentist in Mt Laurel NJ, there are a few things we want you to know when comparing dental implants vs dentures. This guide has covered.
Many people have dentures, but do not understand the different types. This guide shows what you need to know about complete and partial dentures.
What are dental veneers and what does the veneers process look like? We're here to answer all of your cosmetic dentistry questions in this guide!