Despite improvements in dental care, millions of Americans suffer tooth loss — mostly due to tooth decay, periodontal disease, or injury. For many years, the only treatment options available for people with missing tooth were bridges and dentures. But, today, dental implants are available and offer the best option to replace missing tooth/teeth.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implant is a device surgically placed underneath the gingiva (gum) within the alveolar bone; it is a replacement of tooth root to which is attached a permanent or removable artificial tooth or teeth. Dental implants fundamentally serve two purposes the function and aesthetic of your teeth.
What Are the Advantages of Dental Implants?
There are many advantages to dental implants, including:
- Improved appearance: Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. And because they are designed to fuse with bone, they become permanent.
- Improved speech: a poor-fitting denture can slip within the mouth, causing you to mumble or slur when you talk. Dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that teeth might slip.
- Improved comfort: Because the implants become part of you, they definitely eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.
- Easier eating: Sliding and unstable dentures can make chewing difficult. Dental implants function like your own teeth. You can now eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain.
- Improved self-esteem: Dental implants appear like your nature teeth; they can give you back your smile and help you feel better about yourself.
- Durability: Implants are very durable and will last many years. With good oral hygiene and care, many implants last a lifetime.
- Convenience: Dental implants eliminate the embarrassing inconvenience of removing dentures, as well as the need for messy adhesives to keep them in place.
How Successful Are Dental Implants?
Success rates of dental implants vary, depending on where in the jaw the implants are placed but, in general, dental implants have a success rate of up to 98%. With proper care, implants can last a lifetime.
Can Anyone Get Dental Implants?
In most cases, anyone healthy enough to undergo a routine dental extraction or oral surgery can be considered for a dental implant. Patients should have healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implant. They also must be committed to good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Heavy smokers, people suffering from uncontrolled chronic disorders — such as diabetes or heart disease or patients who have had radiation therapy to the head/neck area need to be evaluated to determine if implants are the best option to replace the missing tooth/teeth.
How Painful Are Dental Implants?
Most people who have received dental implants say that there is very little discomfort involved in the procedure. Local anesthesia can be used during the procedure, and most patients report that implants involve less pain than a tooth extraction.
You may be experiencing bleeding, pain and swelling immediately after surgery. It is perfectly normal.
Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Dental Implants?
In general, depending on the individual’s insurance policy and/or cause of tooth loss, dental implants are covered by some, NOT all dental insurances at this time.
How Do I Care for Dental Implants?
Dental implants require the same care as real teeth, including brushing, flossing, rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash, and regular dental check-ups and cleaning.
