Tooth decay is more prevalent than most people think, with approximately 75 percent of children and nearly 100 percent of adults suffering from it at some point in their lives. Should the condition progress, causing the patient to suffer from missing or decaying teeth, dental implants can help restore the comfort and convenience they’ve been missing.
Dental implants have provided a world of benefits to various dental patients, but some are understandably hesitant about the procedure since it can be quite expensive. Here are five considerations to make before sealing your decision to get dental implants:
1. Factor in the Costs
While everyone should invest in improving their health without hesitation, some still get surprised at the cost of getting dental implants, which range from $800 to $6,000 per tooth. Be sure to check your dental insurance to see if it covers the costs of dental implants. It should also cover your payment plans or cash discounts, which would make the process much more affordable.
2. Understand the Procedure
Getting dental implants involves a surgical procedure that starts by removing your damaged teeth. If necessary, the dentist will begin preparing for jawbone grafting, taking a bit of bone and placing it in your jawbone. The dentist will also place dental implants according to the type that matches your teeth the most. You’ll need to wait a few months for the bone to grow and heal completely, requiring regular checkups to monitor its progress.
3. Know the Benefits and Risks
Dental implants are meant to improve your quality of life, but they also come with risks like other surgeries. While these are rare and can be easily treated or resolve on their own, it’s essential to be aware of them.
If your oral surgeon or dentist does not follow proper protocol during the surgery, you’ll be at risk for an infection. Other reasons for infection include misalignment, bad oral hygiene, or an allergic reaction to the material used. The implants in the upper jaw may also jut into the sinus cavity and cause sinusitis, so if this occurs, be sure to inform your dentist right away.
However, despite all this, implants can last for 25 years. They look and feel like natural teeth, which means you won’t lose your ability to eat and talk as you usually do. It can even strengthen your jawbone as time goes on, giving you a sturdier smile.
4. Consult Your Dentist
To ensure you know everything there is to know about the procedure, be sure to speak with your dentist. Find out what your oral health issues are and how they might affect your dental implants. Your dentist will also recommend a dental implant that works best with your jawbone and mouth.
5. Choose the Right Type
Lastly, you’ll need to make sure you choose the right type of dental implant. There are three available: endosteal, subperiosteal, and zygomatic. The endosteal technique is the safest method, but it also takes the longest to heal, at around four to six months. The implants have placeholder posts that look like screws, which attach the implant to your jawbone.
The subperiosteal implant stays on top of your bone and under your gums. It uses a metal frame to go under the gum, carrying a post and false teeth on it. The healing process takes one to three months.
The zygomatic implant is the most complicated procedure as it will be set on your cheekbones instead of your gums or bone. It heals after two to four months and lasts up to 12 years.
Conclusion
Losing a tooth to tooth decay may seem like the end of a beautiful smile for many people, but the good news is that dental implants can give you a sturdy replacement that restores your ability to talk and chew. By considering these factors before pursuing the procedure, you’ll be more comfortable with your decision to get dental implants.
If you need a Raleigh emergency dentist, be sure to let us know at Dr. Thomas E. Cooke Family Dentistry. We provide a full range of patient-oriented dental services, including dental implants, dentures, dental crowns, root canals, tooth extraction, gum disease treatment, and many more. Whether you need a routine checkup or require extensive tooth restoration, we’re here to help. Contact us today to book an appointment.
