Your Penticton Invisalign® Provider
Are you missing teeth and in need of a tooth replacement option? Dental Implants may be ideal for you. Here, our Penticton dentists share some information about dental implants and how you will know if they are right for you.
The Purpose of Dental Implants
Dental implants permanently replace missing teeth. Held in place with a tiny titanium rod implanted into the patient’s jaw bone, the implant serves as the root of the artificial tooth.
Titanium is used because this type of metal can bond with bone. Titanium implants are very stable, secure tooth replacements. The dental implant is then capped with a dental crown, which should look and function like a natural tooth.
What are the Typical Benefits of Dental Implants?
Some of the frequently mentioned advantages of dental implants include:
They Can Be Versatile
Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or all teeth in the upper or lower jaw. Implants are combined with other treatment options such as a dental 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.
Your Implants Can Last a Lifetime
Provided you properly care for your dental implant, it can last a lifetime. A proper at-home oral care routine is a must, as are regular visits to your dental office for cleanings and exams.
Other factors including nutrition, genetics or the development of dental diseases can also impact the longevity of your dental implant.
These Tooth Restorations Can Look Natural
Once your dental implant is finished with a crown or bridge, it will behave just as your natural teeth do.
No one should be able to tell that you have artificial teeth and that you can eat, speak and function as you did before while enjoying the quality of life. Since there are no nerves in a dental implant, you will not feel 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.
Dental Implants Can Be 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. Wehn cared for properly and if you follow all recommendations you can help ensure that your dental implants last as long as possible.
The Common Disadvantages of Dental Implants
Depending on the nature of your case, dental implants may not be for you. Here are some aspects of dental implants you may want to consider:
It Can Take A While To Complete
While dental implants may look and feel more natural than dental bridges, the dental implant process is lengthier and more invasive.
The duration is different for each patient but on average it can take anywhere from 2 to 9 months from beginning to end.
You May Need More Than One Procedure
In addition to the items above, you must have enough density in your jawbone for a dental implant treatment to be a success. If you don’t, you may still be a candidate for the procedure but would require a bone graft to transplant bone to your jaw to support the implant. This would make the process longer and more invasive.
Dental Implants Can Be Costly
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.
How to Decide If Dental Implants Are a Good Fit 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.
You dentist will be able to help you make the final decision on whether or not dental implants are right for you.