Dental implants are a great option for many patients who need to replace one or all of their existing teeth. There are many advantages of dental implants that are quickly making them the most popular choice for patients and dentists highly recommend their use in many situations.
Many patients don’t understand what dental implants are though, so we have compiled some of the most common questions and their answers here. Of course, if you would like to know more about dental implants, call today to schedule an appointment.
Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
There are some significant advantages to dental implants over dentures or bridges. This can mean that not only are most patients who are missing one or multiple teeth good candidates for dental implants but that dental implants may also be their best option.
What are the Advantages of Dental Implants?
When we lose teeth, the body begins to resorb the bone that once supported the roots of those teeth. Over time, this resorption can cause the neighboring teeth to become loose and fall out. In extreme cases, bone resorption can be so drastic that it changes the appearance of your face. Dental implants not only limit resorption but also help to promote new bone growth around the implant site. This helps to keep the neighboring teeth healthy and secure, while many other tooth replacement options don’t help to maintain the integrity of your jawbone.
What are the Disadvantages of Dental Implants?
Dental implants require a surgical procedure. Anytime that you experience surgery, there is an increased potential for infection, inflammation, and additional discomfort. Additionally, dental implants may need to be paired with bone grafting to ensure that there is enough available bone to hold your implant in place securely. This can impact the total cost of your dental implant, but many insurances also recognize the importance and impact of dental implants, so it is important to see what your out-of-pocket cost may be.
How Successful is the Procedure?
Dental implant success rates vary widely based on the follow-up care provided by patients. There is a significant difference in patients who follow a dental regimen that includes regular dentist visits and those who don’t. With all the post-operative care aside, dental implants have a success rate of around 95%. Some patients will never require an additional implant if they take good care of their first.
Do you Take a Dental Implant Out at Night?
No, dental implants are designed to stay in your mouth permanently, unless they need to be removed by a dentist. However, most patients enjoy the hassle-free care of their dental implants. Their care is actually very similar to the care of your natural teeth.
How do you Care for Implants?
Implant care is like traditional tooth care. This means that you brush them twice a day, floss daily, and attend your regular dentist visits. Your dentist will provide you with care instruction after your implant has been installed, but this typically consists of ensuring that you aren’t using toothpaste or other dental implements that can harm your implant. Some toothpaste is too abrasive for implants and can scratch or discolor the surface of the implant.
Does Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Typically, dental implants are considered a necessary procedure and many dental insurance plans will cover at least part of the cost. However, this can vary widely depending on your coverage. It is important to work with your dentist to get an accurate estimate of how much you will need to pay for your dental implants.
Overview
If you think that dental implants might be an option for you, schedule an appointment and talk to your dentist today. Dental implants offer a wide variety of benefits, and you shouldn’t wait to start reaping the benefits of your dental implants.
