Dental Implants 101: A Quick Guide
Getting the Right Information on Dental Implants
If you’ve been considering dental implants for quite some time, there are some things to
consider. The procedure is a serious one and you’ll need to know what to expect in order for
the process to be successful. Here are a few things you should talk about with your doctor
before you get dental implants.
What Exactly Are Dental Implants and Do I Qualify for Them?
It’s important to know that a dental implant alone is not an actual tooth. The implant is actually
a prosthesis that is used to replace teeth that are missing. The implant is a post that is usually
made from titanium. The post is fixed into the jawbone and a denture, partial denture or single
crown can be attached to it. The implant needs time to integrate into your bone, and once this
process is complete, the dentist will connect an abutment to the dental implant. This is when
the artificial tooth is attached to the implant. So, there are three parts to the dental implant:
the actual implant, the abutment and the artificial tooth.
You’re likely a good candidate for dental implants if you’re missing a tooth, missing multiple
teeth, or want to have all your teeth replaced with the implant. You’ll have to meet with your
prosthodontist to talk about the exact implants and procedures that will produce the desired
results.
The Pros and Cons of Dental Implants
As you know, humans have two sets of teeth. We get teeth as children, and these teeth start to
fall out, usually before adolescents. This is when our adult or permanent teeth come in. Once
we have our permanent teeth and they are lost due to conditions like gum disease or tooth
decay, dental implants can be used to replace these teeth. This is why dentists often refer to
the implants as a third set of teeth. If you’re suffering from missing teeth, dental implants can
help to boost your confidence, since they can last for a lifetime. The implants can improve your
smile and appearance, and restore your ability to eat certain foods. Some people also get the
implants so they can continue to live an active life without having to be concerned about their
teeth. Also, since the implants are made from titanium, they will never become decayed.
However, there are some disadvantages to getting dental implants that you should be aware of
as well. Having the implants installed can be painful, since it is oral surgery. This means there is
a risk of inflammation and infection. The surgery can also be painful. Your dentist and
prosthodontist will let you know how to manage pain and reduce the risk of infection. If the
oral surgeon finds that there isn’t a bone for placing the implant correctly, you may have to go
through a procedure to graft your bone and gums. This will make treatment more expensive.