What to Know Before Getting Dental Implants
If you have dental problems that lead to loss of one or more teeth that necessitate having a false tooth or set of teeth placed in your mouth, you may consider having dental implants. Dental implants involve a procedure where an oral surgeon surgically infuses an artificial tooth into the jawbone, providing a more permanent solution for tooth replacement. Dental implants offer a long-term option compared to other types of procedures such as bridges and dentures.
Since this procedure is permanent, you should think critically before choosing to have it performed. It is important to consult your dentist for advice regarding your dental health before deciding to go through with dental implants. The following are some of the important things to know prior to the procedure.
Are you a candidate for dental implants?
If you have lost one or more teeth, you are a candidate for dental implants. However, there are other factors other than tooth loss that come into play. Generally speaking, it is important that you are in good health before getting dental implants. Certain health conditions and diseases such as cancer, uncontrolled diabetes, gum disease, alcoholism and smoking may affect the way the dental implants infuse into your jaw.
The procedure may also require radiographs, which could be impossible to take under certain health conditions that discourage exposure to radiation. It is important to discuss any health conditions with your dentist that could affect the success of dental implants.
Dental implants are expensive
Dental implants are more expensive compared to other cosmetic dentistry procedures. However, this is outweighed by the fact that they offer a more permanent solution compared to the cheaper options. Before committing to dental implants, it is important to determine your financial solution. Some health insurance policies cover such dental procedures while others do not. You can consult your health insurer to determine whether this procedure is covered and to what extent.
Getting a dental implants specialist
Not every dental health officer can perform the dental implants procedure. The procedure can only be performed by dentists, prosthodontists, periodontists and oral surgeons. It is possible to have the implants infused by one specialist and the crown fitted by another. If you have an extensive bone loss in the jaw or you have a tooth lost near the sinuses, it is important to have an experienced specialist since the procedure will require extra care and precision.
Healing period
The processes of getting dental implants and the healing are somehow long. You will be required to visit your dental specialist more than once before the entire process is complete. The jaw bone will take months to bond to the screw infused in it. During this time, a temporary tooth is placed on the implant, after which the final fixture is attached. The entire procedure requires a lot of patience and availability for your dental appointments.
Once you get implants, you need to maintain them through practicing daily oral hygiene, regular brushing and flowing to control bacteria. This will also save you from loss of other teeth that could necessitate getting another dental implant.
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