Are you considering dental implants for your tooth replacement? Here, our dentists in Barrie share what you need to know about dental implants, including what they are and their advantages and disadvantages.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are permanent replacements for missing teeth. They are kept in place with a small titanium rod that's implanted into the jaw bone of a patient, this implant works as the root of the artificial tooth.
Titanium is used because this type of metal can bond with the bone. Titanium implants are very stable, secure tooth replacements. We then cap the dental implant with a dental crown, which looks like a natural tooth.
When the implant and cap are combined they look and work like a natural tooth.
The Advantages of Dental Implants
Some advantages to dental implants are:
Versatility
Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or all teeth in the upper or lower jaw. We can combine implants with other treatment options such as a bridge or denture.
Your specific case and requirements, in addition to the density of your jaw bone, will determine the number of actual implants you need/can get. Dental implants are a popular option for many patients as they have many potential configurations.
Long-Lasting
If you care for your dental implants properly they could last a lifetime. It's imperative to maintain a proper oral care routine at home, as well as to visit your dentist regularly for routine exams and hygiene cleanings.
Other contributing elements are genetics, nutrition, or the development of dental diseases that could also affect the longevity of your dental implant.
Natural Feel and Appearance
As stated earlier, your dental implant, when combined with a crown or bridge, will look and operate almost the same way as a natural tooth.
Observers shouldn't be able to notice that you have artificial teeth, and you will be able to speak, eat, and function just as you did before while enjoying a quality of life. Because there aren't any nerves in a dental implant, you won't be able to feel any sensations.
Instead, any feelings you experience related to your dental implant will actually come from the soft tissue around the implant. After your implant has healed and you’ve gotten used to it, you most likely will notice very little difference between your implant and your natural teeth.
Easy to Care For
Similar to bridges, crowns, or other restorations, you can care for your dental implants just like your natural teeth. They’ll need thorough brushing and flossing, and your dentist will need to check them during your regular exams.
The Possible Disadvantages of Dental Implants
Depending on your specific situation, dental implants might not be the best choice for you. Below we share some characteristics of dental implants you might want to take into consideration:
Lengthy Process
While dental implants can have a somewhat more natural feel and appearance than dental bridges, the dental implant process is more invasive and longer.
Based on your individual case and treatment plan, the entire dental implant procedure could take anywhere between 2 to 9 months to complete.
Cost
Depending on your insurance coverage and your specific dental issue, the cost of dental implants can vary. While some insurance companies pay part of the cost, others may cover the entire cost of your implants and still, others may not pay for any part of it.
Check with your insurance provider to learn whether your insurance plan will cover your treatment.
Additional Procedures
On top of the factors stated above, you need to have enough density in your jaw bone for dental implant treatment to be successful. If you don’t, you might still be a candidate for this procedure, however, it will require a bone graft to transplant bone to your jaw to support the implant. This would make the process longer and more invasive.
How to Know if Dental Implants Are Right For You
While dental implants, bridges, and other restorations all have their benefits, the right choice for you will depend on your oral health needs, budget, and other factors.
Ultimately, you’ll need to discuss your case with your dentist to find out which tooth-replacement option would work best for you.