While we would all like to think our teeth are permanent, they can be lost through natural means or through neglect to keep them properly cleaned. Either way, the loss of teeth has been an issue throughout human history. Since teeth do not grow back, modern dentistry has sought out methods of replacing these lost teeth. The most effective method has been to utilize dental implants. While this is a great solution, there’s something you should know prior to deciding on the procedure.
Here’s what to know before getting dental implants, a fully comprehensive guide to understanding the procedure and how it can benefit you in the long-term.
What are Dental Implants, and Who Should Get Them?
These are also known by endosseous implants, or fixtures, but the basic idea of a dental implant is to craft a surgical piece that allows a dental prosthesis or a crown to be affixed to the bone of the jaw or skull.
The process involves using materials like titanium in the form of a screw shape, to bond with the bone through a process called osseointegration. Once the implant has been placed, and the bone has bonded to it, a permanent prosthetic can be attached.
Dental implants can be attached to something removable like dentures, or something more permanent like All-on-4 implants. For the removable options, they are usually held in place by lag-screws or cement to keep them from falling out. These implants can be used to replace entire arches or to place individual teeth or crowns into the patient’s mouth. This procedure, assuming the patient is in good health, has had success rates of up to 98%.
The proper patient for this kind of procedure is one that requires a single tooth replaced, or a set of them. Beyond a natural tooth, this is the best option to replace a tooth that is gone. Once the implant has been installed, there is no need to remove it. Let’s consider some things you should know before deciding on a dental implant.
What to Know Prior to Receiving Dental Implants
Since this is, in and of itself, a permanent procedure, you should think careful before deciding to go through with it. Make sure you are in good physical health, and always consult a dentist or a prosthodontist for the best advice. That being said, here are some things to know prior to the procedure:
1. Dental Implants are far more effective than dentures or bridges
The purpose of all these terms is to provide a solution for missing teeth. Dentures, while effective, have the downside of falling out while eating. Bridges are good, but they rely on other teeth, placing increased pressure on them. An implant is simple: it is a titanium screw placed in the bone with a prosthetic attached. It looks natural, and it can be cleaned like a normal tooth.
2. They cost more than other options
While it is true that the cost of dental implants is higher than other options, a qualified physician can truly create a permanent and lasting solution. You save money immediately with the other options, but you pay more in the long-term when you have to fix them or have them repaired.
3. There is a healing period
The process of obtaining a dental implant is somewhat long. When they titanium anchor has been placed in the bone, there is usually a period of time between four to six months where the bone bonds to the screw. During this time, a temporary tooth is place on the implant and when the time has passed, the final prosthesis is attached. This timeline, while lengthy, is necessary given the importance that the bone and implant bond.
The Trusted Doctor Ace
In some cases, patients have to see multiple doctors to have their procedure done. Luckily, the educated and talented Dr. Ace Jovanovski and his team at Jovan Prosthodontics are capable of both dentistry and prosthodontic related procedures. An on-site lab also ensures that wait times for prosthetics are minimal.
The doctor and his team are always in the know about the latest technological breakthroughs and procedures. The team regularly attends seminars and conferences to discover these new opportunities to help their patients. We’ve told what to know what to know before getting dental implants, but speaking with Dr. Ace will help you make your decision.
Your teeth are more important than you know, and if you’re missing some of them, this can greatly affect your health. Our teeth are responsible for maintaining our facial structure and the integrity of our jaw bone.
Dr. Ace and his team know how important it is to maintain that perfect smile. With so many skills rolled into one, all of your dental, cosmetic and prosthetic needs can be met by one doctor and one very skilled team. Visit us online at the Jovan Prosthodontics website and see how your life can be changed for the better.
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