Getting dental implants: All you need to know!

Cosmetic dentistry has come a long way over the decades. Millions of people suffer tooth loss every year for varied reasons. Restorative and cosmetic procedures fix various dental concerns, including replacing lost teeth. For the uninitiated, dental implants are artificial tooth roots surgically placed in the bone socket of a missing tooth. As the jawbone heals, the dental implant secures, which serves as the anchor for the replacement tooth. If you are interested in dental implants, check with clinics for cosmetic dentistry in Waterford. A dental surgeon can explain the various aspects of getting dental implants. Below is an overview before you consider the treatment. 

Are dental implants better than dentures?

The answer is very subjective. Dentures are more affordable but have specific issues. Removable dentures can move around in the mouth, impacting speech and a person’s ability to eat comfortably. Also, dentures are not always aesthetic. On the contrary, dental implants work as a permanent solution, and the dentist can replace one or many teeth at a time. Implants made of titanium can last a lifetime. However, it can take considerable time to get a replacement. The whole process of getting the dental implant fused to the jaw bone (called osseointegration) can take many weeks or months. 

Who is the ideal candidate for dental implants?

If you are healthy, can undergo tooth extraction or other dental surgeries, you can get dental implants. Since these implants get fused to the jawbone, you need to have enough bone to keep the implant in place. While there is no extreme need for maintenance, one must keep up with standard oral hygiene standards. Also, once you get dental implants, you have to see a doctor at least once every six months. Patients who have diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and heavy smokers may need a detailed evaluation. 

Does insurance pay for dental implants?

Typically, insurance doesn’t pay for dental implants unless you have specific coverage. One of the major concerns with the procedure is the cost. It can take time and money to get dental implants, and it is best to talk to your dental surgeon about the overall treatment cost. 

What to expect during the procedure?

Once the dental surgeon has placed the dental implant into the missing tooth’s bone socket, the next step is to wait. It can take as many as sixteen months for the healing process. When the implant is in place, your dentist will take an impression of your bite and order a replacement tooth. The replacement tooth will be secured to the now-fixed dental implant through an abutment. It is possible to replace as many missing teeth as needed using dental implants.

Consulting a cosmetic dentist

If you are worried about your missing teeth or need a better alternative to dentures, talk to a cosmetic dentist immediately. They can do a detailed check to determine if you can get dental implants. Healthy individuals are usually good candidates for most cosmetic dentistry procedures, including dental implants. 

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