About 20% of people worldwide suffer from trauma to their teeth at some point in their lives. If you recently lost a tooth, your cosmetic dentist might suggest implants. What are dental implants, exactly, and how can they help? Keep reading to find out!
In this guide, we’ll review everything you need to know about dental implants before you seek treatment. By learning more about this treatment option, you can find the orthodontic care that’s right for you. Read on to learn more about dental implants today!
What Are Dental Implants?
First, let’s answer the question that’s on your mind: what are dental implants, exactly?
Dental implants are designed prosthetics that can replace your missing teeth. Through surgery, these implants are fixed within your jawbone. After a few months, the implant fuses to the bone.
This ensures the implant remains in place, allowing you to experience lasting results.
The fusion process, or osseointegration, allows the implant to replace a missing tooth’s previous root. Once this process is complete, your dentist will use a bridge. The bridge maintains the replacement tooth’s placement.
Bridges are used to replace multiple teeth. They’re also ideal if you need to secure dentures. Otherwise, your dentist will use a single crown to replace a lone tooth.
Fusing the implant to your bone will stimulate and preserve your bone structure.
Why You Need Implants
Before scheduling your dental implant procedure, it helps to determine if you’re an ideal candidate. Are dental implants right for you?
If you’re healthy enough to undergo oral surgery, your cosmetic dentist will likely consider you an ideal candidate. They’ll need to make sure you have healthy gums as well.
If you don’t have enough bone to keep the implant in place, they might suggest other treatment options.
Let your cosmetic dentist know if you have a severe bleeding disorder, liver, or heart disease. Are you a heavy smoker? Your dentist will need to evaluate you before your procedure to determine if you’re a candidate.
Types of Implants
There are different dental implants you might need to consider. Visit a cosmetic dentist to determine what type of implant you need. They’ll review your options based on your:
- Current health
- Jawbone health
- Personal preference
- Location of your missing tooth/teeth
- Budget
You can discuss two types of dental implants with your cosmetic dentist: endosteal and subperiosteal implants.
Subperiosteal implants rest on top of your jawbone. Endosteal implants, on the other hand, are placed within bone. Subperiosteal implants aren’t used very often today, though.
You’ll likely experience better results with an endosteal implant.
What are mini dental implants? They’re exactly as they sound. These implants are smaller than normal dental implants.
Your cosmetic dentist might suggest mini implants if your teeth require anchorage for a short period of time. Once they’ve completed their task, your dentist can remove the mini implants.
When you ask your dentist “what are dental implants,” ask about all-in-4 implants, too.
All-in-four dental implants are ideal if you need to replace teeth that are connected in an arch. This implant option will ensure your teeth remain stable.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Now that we’ve answered the question “what are dental implants,” let’s discuss the benefits of implants! Before you start searching for “dental implants near me,” consider these advantages of adding implants to your orthodontic care plan.
1. Like Natural Teeth
Many people elect to receive dental implants because they behave like natural teeth. You won’t have to worry about people recognizing you have implants.
Once your crown is in place, you can start enjoying your favorite foods again. Leaving a gap between your teeth, on the other hand, could cause discomfort.
Implants are also biocompatible. Your body will accept the implant as if it’s one of your natural teeth.
How much are dental implants? The cost can range between $3,000 and $4,500 for a single implant. However, the cost usually varies based on your location and cosmetic dentist.
This cost covers the surgery, components, and implant crown.
Usually, dental insurance doesn’t cover dental implant placement. Make sure to check with your insurance company before scheduling your appointment.
2. Keep Teeth Stable
When there’s a gap between your teeth, the surrounding teeth can start to migrate toward the gap. Unfortunately, this could cause your teeth to become crooked. You might notice changes in your bite and appearance.
Consider dental implants. Adding an implant will keep your teeth straight and stable. You won’t have to worry about the issues associated with crooked teeth.
3. Avoid Bone Loss
Your jawbone will lack the stimulation it needs when there’s a gap between your teeth. This can lead to deterioration. Instead, talk to your cosmetic dentist about implants.
An implant can help you avoid losing volume and experiencing bone loss. Instead, the implant will replace the tooth and tooth, giving your jawbone the stimulation it needs.
4. Dodge Facial Sagging
Getting a dental implant will allow you to preserve bone. You can then avoid facial structure deterioration. When you’re missing a tooth, however, your lower face could start to shrivel inward.
This can cause wrinkles.
Instead, get a dental implant right away. Implants can improve your appearance and help you maintain your smile.
5. Prevent Gum Disease
Gaps between your teeth could make it easier for bacteria and food particles to hide away. Over time, this could lead to plaque and tartar build-up.
Plaque could cause gum disease, which can develop into periodontitis. You could lose teeth as a result!
Dental implants can help you avoid gum disease in the future.
6. Immediate Results
If you develop problems like gingivitis, you’ll need to visit the dentist more often. Getting a dental implant will allow you to experience results right away. At the same time, you can minimize appointments and reduce potential costs.
Dental implants also have a high success rate. Their success rate can vary based on your cosmetic dentist and where on the jaw the implant is placed. Generally, the success rate for implants is 98%.
With proper care, you can ensure your dental implants last forever.
7. Restore Your Self-Esteem
By restoring your smile, you can also restore your self-esteem. You’ll feel more confident with your new, full smile!
What Are Dental Implants?: Your Guide to a Stunning Smile
To recap, what are dental implants? They’re your opportunity to restore your smile. Fill in the gaps between your teeth with implants today!
Want to discuss your options with an orthodontist in Newbury Park, CA? We’re here to help.
Contact us today to get started.