At some point in your life, you’ve probably heard about dental implants. You may even be considering getting them right now. Unfortunately, getting implants is a treatment that a significant amount of patients do not fully understand.
You might ask yourself what an implant is, why you would get one, or some other critical questions. Below, we answer these questions and more. Once you understand implants, you can decide if getting them is right for you.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant procedure is one in which an oral surgeon installs an artificial tooth into your mouth. This new tooth acts exactly as a natural one would because it is fused to your jaw bone.
Why Would I Get One?
The primary reason why people get dental implants is losing an entire adult tooth. This can happen in a variety of ways, but the most common is poor oral health. If you skip out on brushing, flossing, and eating a healthy diet, there is a good chance that you will develop a gum or tooth disease. If this goes untreated, it could mean losing a tooth and needing an implant.
Am I a Suitable Candidate?
The most important factor in whether or not you are a suitable candidate for a dental implant is gum health. If your gums are relatively healthy, you should have no problems. If not, you may need to work with your dentist to get to a place where an implant is safe. A rare case that sometimes keeps people from getting implants is a disease or habit that will interfere with the healing process. The most common of these are diabetes, leukemia, and smoking.
The Many Advantages
For those who lose a tooth, getting dental implants is a decision that can significantly change their lives for the better. The top reasons for this effect are:
Appearance – If you are missing a tooth, there is a good chance that you are not happy with how it looks. When you get an implant, your surgeon will color and shape it so that it looks natural in your mouth. The result will be a full, attractive smile.
Speech – Missing teeth or using dentures tend to negatively impact people’s speech. With an implant, this is something that you won’t need to worry about. Your voice will sound just like it did before you lost your tooth.
Comfort & Convenience – Because of the way it is crafted and installed, an implant will feel exactly like a natural tooth. This will make your mouth much more comfortable than missing a tooth or having a denture. Additionally, implants are much more convenient than dentures because you can treat them exactly like a regular tooth, rather than needing to take them out and clean them.
Durability – Implants have an incredibly long life, meaning you may never have to replace yours. If you do, it will likely be a minimum of ten years before that happens. This allows you to live a regular life for a very long time, rather than constantly having to keep tabs on your dentures.
You Will Undergo a Careful Process
If you are at all nervous about getting a dental implant, you should know that they are completely safe. Before your procedure, your dentist will prepare you by taking X-Rays and molds of your mouth. This will allow them to see if you are a suitable candidate, and if so, how they should approach your surgery. During the treatment, you will be sedated and comfortable. Once it is over, you will be put on a treatment plan to ensure safe healing.
Now that you are informed on dental implants, you can go forward with confidence. That might mean deciding that you don’t need them, but it could also lead to you getting a procedure that vastly improves the quality of your life. If you are still confused about whether or not getting dental implants is a smart decision, you should consult with your dentist.
