Dental implant surgery can offer an option when a lack of natural teeth roots don't allow building a denture. Read on to learn more about dental implants here.

Millions of Americans are losing teeth every day.

Despite years and years of dental and medical advancements, few options remain for patients who experience tooth loss. The newest of these options is dental implants.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about dental implants.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants trace back to 600 AD when shell fragments were implanted into the jaw of Mayan women. Today's dental implants are much different.

Modern dental implants replace the roots of your teeth. This provides a stable and strong foundation for new replacement teeth. These replacements are made to form to your natural teeth and can even be removable.

What Are the Advantages?

Because of their comfortable and easy-to-use design, dental implants have many advantages for patients suffering from tooth loss.

They make eating easier. Dental implants are made to form to your teeth and gums. The implants can even fuse to bone. Because of this stable design, eating with dental implants is much easier than eating with other treatments like dentures.

They are more comfortable. The ability for this treatment to form and implant into your gums also allows for a more comfortable fit. Loose, removable dentures are annoying and get in the way, but dental implants fit perfectly to your mouth.

They are more durable. Implants have the potential to last a lifetime if taken care of correctly, while dentures need to be replaced often.

They are more convenient. Removing dentures in public is embarrassing, but there is no need to remove your dental implant. It firmly sets in your gums without the need to use adhesives.

They make speaking easier. The tight fit that comes with dental implants makes it easier to talk. Dentures can slide around while you're trying to speak, but dental implants stay in place.

They boost your self-confidence. A person's smile is often one of the most memorable and noticeable things about them. Replacing your teeth with implants that fit perfectly will make your smile fuller and your confidence greater.

They improve your oral health. Dental implants making maintaining oral health through things like brushing and flossing easier because of greater spacing between teeth. Other treatments like bridges require moving your existing teeth, but these are left alone with implants.

If you already have dentures and want a more secure and comfortable fit, look into getting implant dentures.

Are You a Good Candidate?

If you're experiencing tooth loss, dental implants could be the answer for you.

Generally, you're a good candidate if you're able to undergo any oral surgery. However, there are a few other things to consider.

Patients who are considering the procedure should have healthy gums. It is also important that you have enough bone to hold the dental implant in place well.

Those who do go through with the procedure have to commit to maintaining good oral hygiene and seeing their orthodontist regularly.

People who smoke heavily or have uncontrolled chronic illnesses are evaluated individually. You should also be evaluated individually if you have ever had radiation therapy to your head and/or neck.

The best way to know if you're a good candidate for dental implants is to simply ask your dentist about the procedure and what your options are when it comes to replacing your lost teeth.

How Do You Pay for Dental Implants?

Many patients worry about how much a procedure like this costs. We completely understand this.

Unfortunately, dental implants are not covered by dental insurance under normal circumstances. However, you may be able to obtain coverage for your procedure. This depends on what insurance plan you have and what caused your tooth loss.

It is worth contacting your insurance provider and having a conversation with your dentist about coverage. If you're having trouble getting coverage, look for dental insurance that covers implants.

How Does the Procedure Work?

Getting dental implants is not a small feat. The procedure can take several months since there are multiple steps that require healing in between.

Installation

Your oral surgeon will make an incision in your gum down into your bone. These incisions will hold the metal poles attached to the dental implant.

Remember that implants are like replacement roots for your teeth. The implants will be placed deep into your bone to ensure secure placement.

Next Steps

After the installation of the dental implant is completed, you need to heal before moving on. This healing process is named osseointegration and requires the growth of your jaw bone into the dental implant.

This can take several months, but it is important since this will be the base for your new teeth.

After these months of healing, you may need an additional operation to have the abutment placed. This is the piece where your oral surgeon will attach the crown later.

If you do have to take this extra step, you will need to heal for two more weeks before getting your artificial teeth placed.

Placement

When you're done healing, your orthodontist will make more impressions of your mouth to make your artificial teeth match your existing teeth. These can be permanent (fixed) or removable.

These teeth, known as the crown, will be placed when your jaw is strong enough to hold them.

At-Home Care

After the procedure, you may have some discomfort. This is completely normal for any kind of oral surgery.

You may have swelling, bruising, and bleeding along with pain in your mouth. Your orthodontist may prescribe pain medications to help ease the discomfort. They may also prescribe you antibiotics to prevent infection after surgery.

If any symptoms persist or worsen for days after the surgery, you should alert your oral surgeon.

Make an Appointment Today

If you're experiencing tooth loss, our team here at Sewell Dental Designs can help you with your treatment journey. We'll assist you with every step in getting your dental implants.

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