Did you know that over 50% of American adults miss all or part of a tooth? You could be one of them! Many experience tooth loss because of periodontal diseases, tooth decay, or injury. For years, bridges and dentures were the only treatment for teeth loss available.
However, today, dental implants have become popular tooth replacement alternatives for many patients. Here is everything you need to know:
What are Dental Implants for Tooth Replacement?
Dental implants are specified structures that replace missing teeth. Dental professionals insert implants into the jawbone using screw-like devices – which act as the anchor for an artificial tooth (crown). Dental implants are made to match your natural teeth.
What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Anyone healthy enough to undergo any oral surgery is a good candidate for dental implants. There are numerous advantages to having dental implants, such as:
Better Oral Health
Unlike tooth-supported bridges, implants don’t reduce your teeth. This will help improve your long-term oral health. Even better, the implants allow easy cleaning of teeth.
Enhanced Appearance
Dental implants appear and feel like your own teeth. Hence, they flawlessly blend with your teeth thanks to their design which fuses with the jawbone. As a result, they improve your appearance and confidence.
Better Speech
Tooth replacement alternatives such as dentures, if poorly fitted, can cause mumbling or slurring. They cause this when they slip within the mouth. Dental implants enable you to speak better since the teeth are permanently fixed on the jawbone.
Better Chewing While Eating
Tooth replacement alternatives such as sliding dentures can make chewing challenging. Since dental implants are permanent, they work just like your own teeth. This allows you to eat your favorite meals without any trouble.
Boost Self-Esteem
If you miss a tooth, it can affect your confidence especially when smiling or talking. Dental implants can give you back your gorgeous smile and build your confidence in social settings.
Better Durability
Since dental implants are permanent, they offer durability and are guaranteed to last for many years. This gives you value for money. It’s important to note that with proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.
Enhanced Convenience
Unlike removable dentures, dental implants eliminate the annoying task of removing them, as well as the need for denture adhesives to hold them in place.
How to Replace Missing Teeth: The Process
The first step in the tooth replacement procedure is the development of a customized treatment plan. A team of dental implant professionals helps prepare the plan by addressing your specific needs. This restorative team provides coordinated care and recommends the best dental implant choice for you.
To make the new tooth or teeth, the specialists make an impression of your teeth. To achieve this, they create a model of your bite and capture all your teeth types and arrangements. The new teeth get based on this model. Afterward, a replacement tooth (called a crown) is then attached to the abutment, a small connector post.
Your dentist will match the shade of the new teeth to that of your natural teeth. This helps dental implants to look, feel, and function just like your own natural teeth. Next, the professionals devise a small titanium tooth root implant that’s inserted in the jawbone socket of the missing tooth.
Over a healing process of 6-12 weeks, the jawbone grows around the implanted titanium tooth root. This attaches it firmly to the jaw. Once the titanium tooth root implant has attached to the jawbone, the abutment gets connected to the post to firmly hold it. With no extra surgeries, dental implant recovery can take an average of four weeks.
Is It Painful to Get a Tooth Replacement?
Many people who have gotten dental implants state that there is very little pain involved in the tooth replacement procedure. Dentists usually apply anesthesia during the procedure to reduce any pain or discomfort. However, after the dental implants get installed, you might experience some mild soreness. This can get treated with over-the-counter pain medications.
What’s the Success Rate of Dental Implants?
Success rates of dental implants differ depending on where in the jaw the implants get installed. However, dental implants generally have a success rate of up to 98%.
Can Anyone Get Dental Implants?
Any individual healthy enough to undergo regular dental extraction is suitable for dental implants. Patients should have healthy gums and a sufficiently sized jawbone to place the implant. Also, they must strive to have good oral hygiene and must visit the dentist regularly.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace Missing Teeth?
Many Georgetown dental implant specialists understand that patients are usually concerned about the charges associated with tooth replacement procedures. The prices vary depending on the procedure selected and the treatment method used. Talk to us to learn more.
How to Save on Tooth Replacement Procedures
If you’re on a fixed budget but don’t desire to get removable dentures, there are several approaches to make dental implants more affordable. One common option is taking out a dental loan. With this, you get all of the funds you require to pay for your dental implants upfront. You then get to repay the loan, normally with interest, in installments over time. You can also take advantage of your dental insurance benefits to pay less.
Tooth Replacement: Schedule an Appointment Today
Whether your tooth got lost through decay, an injury, or gum disease, there are numerous great alternatives to treat your missing tooth. However, each selection has its share of advantages. Luckily, our dental experts can help you make the best tooth replacement solution based on your particular demands and budget.
At Thompson Family Dental, our team of highly skilled and dedicated experts can help guide you towards the best solution for your missing teeth. We strive to help you and your family maintain excellent oral hygiene for life.
If you are missing a tooth or teeth and would like to know more about our dental implant treatment option, schedule an appointment at our dentist office in Georgetown, KY.
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