A specialist will conduct a full dental examination prior to dental implant surgery.
Many factors play into an individual’s decision to research cosmetic dentistry and, in particular, dental implants. This procedure involves a periodontist or oral surgeon surgically fusing an artificial tooth to the jawbone. For those interested in long-term solutions for tooth replacement, dental implants are an excellent option. Here are a few important things to consider before deciding whether dental implants are right for you.
The Process of Getting Dental Implants
Typically, dental implants are a multi-step process. A thorough exam is conducted, followed by treatment planning, procedure and pain management. Here’s a deeper look at these steps.
Examination: The first step is consulting with a periodontist and having a complete dental exam. Typically, the specialist takes X-rays and will create a mold of your mouth.
Planning for Treatment: The periodontist completing the treatment will create a comprehensive dental plan before your procedure. This plan will include how many dental implants are necessary, and provide detailed information about the jawbone’s condition. The plan also encompasses care for the implants following the procedure.
Surgical Procedure: Because multiple surgical procedures are involved with dental implants, it’s important to understand that the complete process could take between 3-9 months. This accounts for the jaw bone’s healing process following dental implantation procedures.
Pain Management: Throughout the treatment, pain control is necessary, be it local or general anesthesia. Under some circumstances, sedation is also used. Following the procedure, patients should always have a ride home.
#Cost Effectiveness of Dental Implants
According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), there are wide variances in the typical costs for a dental implant. Therefore, it’s recommended by the AAID that patients receive an estimate by their provider following an in-person examination. The long-term cost-effectiveness of dental implants has proven beneficial not only because they are created from a lasting material, but also for their high-quality nature. Patients have found dental implants to be a means of affordably replacing one or more of their teeth.
Long-Term Health Benefits
Quality of life and long-term oral health is a priority for many and, through the use of dental implants; this could become a reality. When implants are bonded to the jawbone, patients will not have to worry about the slipping that occurs with dentures. Additionally, dental implants stimulate healthy bone growth. Conversely, when a patient wears dentures, they could experience bone loss over time. The reason this occurs is because the jaw senses something is missing. The bottom line is that dental implants help patients feel like they have their natural teeth, and provide the best long-term solution for ongoing oral health.
Dental implants look and feel like your natural teeth.
In Summary
Cost is not the only thing patients should take into consideration when thinking about dental implants. Additional factors include their long-term health goals, their jawbone health, and the level of comfort felt with the procedure. Scheduling a consultation is the natural rst step in the process so patients can gather additional information to better understand their options. Contact us today to set up a consultation and discuss dental implants.