Dentists recommend replacing missing teeth as soon as possible. Dentures and bridges remain the conventional choices for restoration, but if you are looking for a more permanent solution, dental implants are better. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss dental implants in more detail so that you can meet your Philadelphia, PA dentist for a consultation.
A look at dental implants
A dental implant is a post, usually made of body-safe material such as titanium. It is placed inside or just over the jawbone, and the treatment requires oral surgery. As the implant site heals, the post becomes a part of the jawbone. Implants are not visible unless someone, like your dentist, checks your mouth. Getting a replacement tooth on a dental implant requires one more component, called the abutment. The abutment connects the prosthetic teeth to the post.
Treatment procedure for dental implants
First, your dentist will do a detailed oral exam to check the positions of missing teeth. They will then order X-rays and additional imaging tests to review the treatment. Patients may need additional pretreatments before they can get dental implants. For instance, if someone has lost bone mass after losing one or more teeth, they may need a bone graft before they can go for implants. Some patients may need sinus lift surgery or must remove a few decayed or broken teeth to prepare the implant site.
If the jawbone is healthy, the dentist will administer local anesthesia first to numb the surgery site. If you have dental anxiety, you can talk to your dentist about sedation options. They will then create incisions according to the treatment plan and place implants. The jawbone may require three to six months to heal, during which the implants will become a part of the mouth. Next, they will plan how to replace the missing teeth.
Restoration choices with dental implants
Once dental implants are secured, your dentist may recommend options like implant-supported dentures, crowns, or bridges. If you are missing just a single tooth, you will benefit from a crown that will be secured to the post using an abutment. For many lost teeth in a row, a dental bridge with two crowns on both ends is better. Implant-based bridges don’t require buffing or prepping the adjacent teeth, which makes them better than traditional bridges. Dentures are great for replacing many missing teeth, and implant-supported dentures can be fixed or removable. Today, it is possible to replace a set of missing teeth on one arch using just two posts.
Are dental implants worth paying for?
Many patients feel concerned about the upfront costs of getting dental implants, but if you consider the numerous benefits, the price is worth considering. Firstly, implants become a part of the jawbone and are permanent. They prevent adjacent teeth from shifting and restore the facial shape. Secondly, most patients can consider the treatment, even those in their older years. There are also multiple ways of getting replacement teeth, and these restorations on dental implants will not move or slip, ensuring optimal comfort. You will enjoy better speech and chewing functions.
Talk to your dentist today
If this post made you curious about dental implants, it is time to discuss the option with your family dentist. You can expect them to offer a complete overview of the treatment plan, along with risks and costs. If you have specific questions, feel free to ask questions. As for the cost, if your insurance plan doesn’t cover the entire treatment, you can always ask the clinic for flexible payment options. Just make sure to select an experienced and qualified dentist in Philadelphia who specializes in dental implants.
