Many of us take having a full set of natural teeth for granted. After all, how often do you come across someone who has no teeth at all? Unfortunately, the answer to that question is "often" for an estimated 32 million Americans.
Worse, missing teeth can lead to deterioration of your oral health. If left untreated, tooth loss can have serious consequences such as jawbone deterioration, speech difficulties, eating restrictions, and social isolation. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to avoid or treat these problems, including dental implants.
Dental implants are an excellent new method of treating tooth loss. Implants are titanium posts inserted into your jawbone. They serve as anchors for artificial teeth, such as crowns or dentures, once in place.
Dental implants have grown in popularity recently due to their high success rate and long-term benefits. However, many people are still unsure about how dental implants work or whether they are the best option.
If you have any questions about dental implants or want to learn more about this exciting new tooth replacement option, we've compiled a list of fascinating facts about dental implants that you won't want to miss.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium post that is surgically implanted into your jawbone. It is used to secure artificial teeth such as crowns or dentures.
Implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth, multiple missing teeth, or even a missing jaw entirely. Implants can be placed in one or more areas of the mouth, depending on your specific needs and the wishes of your dentist. They are placed above or below the gum line and remain in your mouth permanently. Although it is most commonly used to replace missing teeth, it can also be used to secure bridgework and false teeth.
The Procedure for Getting Dental Implants
The procedure for placing dental implants will vary depending on your specific situation and the dentist's preferences. However, there are some general steps that most dental implant procedures follow.
Preparing your jaw for the implant is the first step in the dental implant procedure. To make room for the implant, a jaw bone graft may be removed. For this part of the procedure, you will most likely be given local anesthesia.
The implant will then be inserted into the prepared space in the jaw and allowed to fuse with the remaining bone.
Finally, the implant will be covered with a crown or fixed bridge to restore the tooth and restore your ability to eat and speak normally.
Why Are Dental Implants So Popular?
Dental implants are extremely popular due to the numerous advantages they provide patients. The following are some of the most common reasons why people seek dental implants:
Loss of Teeth
Teeth can fall out due to a variety of factors such as disease, accidents, or advanced gum disease that cause surrounding teeth to become loose and fall out naturally. Teeth loss can lead to serious problems. Dental implants, on the other hand, are an excellent way to restore your smile and regain your ability to eat and speak normally!
Loss of Bone
If a tooth has been missing for some time, the bone that was supporting it has most likely decayed. This can be a serious problem because the jawbone is essential to the overall health of your mouth.
Implants are inserted into the jaw and fuse with the bone, strengthening it and preventing further decay. This can help prevent future problems like gum disease, tooth loss, and even jaw bone loss.
Crowding
When several teeth are missing from a specific area of the mouth, dental implants can be used to correct issues such as crowding. Multiple dental implants can be used in these cases to replace missing teeth and help correct the alignment of the remaining teeth in the mouth.
Complete Restoration
Another significant advantage of dental implants is their ability to restore your smile. Implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth, multiple missing teeth, or even a missing jaw entirely. This is especially beneficial for people who have lost teeth as a result of gum disease.
When Should You Get Dental Implants?
If you lose a tooth or several teeth, you should consider getting dental implants. Waiting until tooth decay or gum disease has progressed to the point where more teeth fall out will almost certainly increase the cost and complexity of the implant procedure.
Getting dental implants while you still have healthy teeth can make the process easier and less expensive. Furthermore, having healthy teeth nearby will assist the bone in fusing to the implants more quickly and easily.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
While dental implants are a very effective and long-lasting tooth replacement option, they are also a costly treatment option.
Depending on your specific needs, you may need to pay anywhere from $4,000 to $40,000 or more for implant treatment. Fortunately, many dental insurance policies will cover a portion of the cost of dental implants. It is also important to note that the price of dental implants varies greatly depending on the dental office performing the procedure.
The best way to get affordable dental implants is to shop around! Visit multiple dental offices and make sure you’re getting the best deal. Be sure to ask about any special offers and inquire about financing options.
Reach out to Smile 4 Me Dental for Dental Implant Treatment.
Dental implants are the most successful tooth replacement option available today. They are an excellent way to restore your smile and replace missing teeth. So, if you're looking for a permanent solution to your missing teeth and want to regain your confidence and smile, Smile 4 Me Dental could be the answer. We specialize in dental implants, as well as teeth cleaning, whitening, extraction, and root canal treatment, among many other dental services, using the best in modern dental technology. Dr. Michael Davis can help you rediscover the joys of eating, speaking, and smiling, so don't hesitate to call our dental office today at 352-243-9930.