What to Expect when Getting Tooth Implants

What Can I Do About My Tooth Loss?

The goal of modem and contemporary dentistry is to return patients to oral health in a predictable fashion. The partial and complete tooth loss (edentulous) patient may be unable to recover normal function, esthetics, comfort, or speech with a traditional removable denture. The patient’s function when wearing a denture may be reduced to one-sixth of that level formerly experienced with natural dentition; however, dental implants may return the function to near-normal limits.

The esthetics of the edentulous patients are affected as a result of muscle and bone loss or atrophy. Continued bone resorption leads to irreversible facial changes. Dental implants allow normal muscle function, and the implant stimulates the bone and maintains its dimension in a manner similar to healthy natural teeth. As a result, the facial features are not compromised by lack of support as often as required for removable dentures.

In addition, implant-supported restorations are positioned in relation to esthetics, function, and speech, not in neutral zones of soft tissue support. The soft tissues of the edentulous patients are often very tender from the effects of thinning mucosa, decreased salivary flow, and unstable or unretentive prostheses. The implant-retained restoration does not require soft tissue support and improves oral comfort. Speech is often compromised with soft tissue-borne prostheses because the tongue and perioral musculature may be somewhat limited in the movement of the lower dentures. The implant alternative s stable and retentive without the efforts of the musculature.

In fact, implant prostheses often offer a more predictable treatment course than traditional restorations. Thus, the profession of dentistry and the public are becoming increasingly aware of this newer dental discipline. Manufacturers’ sales have increased from a few million dollars to more than several hundred million dollars. Almost every professional journal now publishes refereed reports on dental implants. All United States dental schools now teach implant dentistry to all interfacing specialties. Implant dentistry has finally been accepted by organized dentistry. The current trend to expand the use of implant dentistry will continue until every restorative practice uses this modality for support of both fixed and removable prostheses. It will become a regular basis as the primary option for all tooth replacement initiatives

What are dental implants and how they work?

Dental implants are the next best thing to your healthy, natural teeth.  Strong and stable, a dental implant restores a lost tooth so that it looks, feels, fits and functions like a natural tooth when implanted by an experienced implant dentist. Other options such as dentures or bridges can lead to bone deterioration and may interfere with eating, smiling, speaking and other activities of everyday life. A dental implant is a titanium post to anchor a porcelain crown. This procedure is performed in two stages. First, the surgeon will place the dental implant into the bone and allow it to heal. Then, the dentist will place the permanent crown onto the implant and adjust your bite to ensure it is perfectly aligned. Over time, the titanium post will fuse to your jawbone in a process called osseointegration, helping the dental implant last a lifetime.

In the most basic of terms, dental implants are simply replacement tooth roots that are surgically placed. Implants are highly successful because they provide a robust and stable foundation that is fixed and permanent where replacement teeth may then be attached. In some instances, replacement teeth are of the removable variety while in other cases they are permanently attached and made to look exactly like your natural teeth. Here are just a few advantages of dental implants that must be considered when making dental health decisions regarding this type treatment.

What are the advantages of dental implants?

• Improved appearance.

• Improved speech

• Improved comfort

• Easier eating

• Improved self-esteem

• Improved oral health

• Durability

• Convenience

Are you missing one or just a few teeth? If you answered yes then a dental implant may be an excellent way to help you regain that natural look and feel to your chewing, speaking, and smile!  No matter what your age, choosing to have dental implants is a positive life choice. Your Omega Dental Specialists are here to help you decide if dental implants are a choice you may wish to make.

Dental Implants Integrate With Your Bone

One of the most obvious reasons to consider dental implants is that they simply improve appearance. Implants are permanent in nature, they ultimately look and feel more like your teeth than other options. Most importantly, dental implants are designed in such a way that they fuse with your natural bone and become a permanent part of your body. Also, implants are highly regarded because of their ability to improve speech. Dental implants are far superior to poorly fitting dentures. When dentures slip and slide, they may cause an individual to mumble or slur words making it difficult to communicate. Implant technology allows patients to speak without concern that teeth may slip and affect speech.

DentalImplants Improve Comfort

Unlike other types of dental appliances, implants are innovative and unique because they provide for improved comfort. Due to the very nature of implants and the fact that they become a part of you, they eliminate the discomfort and inconvenience associated with removable dentures. Best of all, it is easier to eat and enjoy life to the fullest when taking full advantage of all that dental implants have to offer. It is a known fact that dentures that slide can make chewing difficult and cumbersome. Conversely, implants are intended to function exactly like your natural teeth. This allows you to eat with confidence and enjoy your favorite foods without pain or problems. Another distinct advantage of choosing implants is that they provide for greater levels of improved self-esteem and self-confidence. Getting back your original beautiful smile helps you to feel better about whom you are as a person.

Dental implants do not require modifying existing natural teeth

Equally impressive when it comes to dental implants is that they largely improve oral health as a whole. Simply stated, they do not require modifying existing natural teeth. It is a known fact that tooth supported bridges require modifying and reducing other healthy teeth to accommodate a bridge or denture appliance. Implants are highly desirable because nearby teeth are not changed or altered in any way to support the implant. The patient enjoys greater oral health because their teeth are left perfectly intact ultimately improving long-term oral health and hygiene. Further, unlike bridges and dentures, implants make it easy for patients to access areas between their natural teeth ultimately ensuring better oral hygiene.

Dental Implants Last An Entire Lifetime

As an added note, dental implants are remarkably durable and can last for years and decades. When implants are maintained in the right way with good dental care, they can often last an entire lifetime. Unlike removable dentures, implants eliminate the potential for embarrassing and inconvenient moments when dentures have to be removed given others. This combined with having to deal with messy adhesives makes dentures less desirable than dental implants simply due to the maintenance and upkeep involved. Many of the benefits associated with implants will help patients to determine if this type of treatment is right for them.

Dental Implants has a really high success rate

Another clear advantage of choosing implants over other options is that implants enjoy a high success rate. Depending on where the actual treatment is required along the jaw, dental implants enjoy a very high overall success rate of up to 98%. Perhaps most encouraging of all is that virtually anyone who is healthy can get dental implants. Any patient who can tolerate a simple routine dental extraction or outpatient oral surgery may be considered for implants. That said patients are expected to have sufficient bone mass and the healthy gums needed to hold dental implants firmly in place. As an alternative, bone grafting can be incorporated into dental implant surgery as required.

Some dental insurances cover the implant treatments

Anyone considering dental implants should speak with their dental care provider to determine if this type of technology is right for their specific dental health needs. Another consideration when it comes to choosing whether or not implants are right for you is if the cost is covered by insurance. While some insurance companies will cover dental implants, in general, they may not be covered by some insurance companies.

Moving Forward With Dental Implant Surgery

Talk with your insurance provider and your dentist to determine whether or not implants will be covered under your existing medical plan. The cause of tooth loss is sometimes taken into account when considering whether or not insurance will cover this type of treatment. Finally, the first step in moving forward with dental implant surgery is to meet with your dental care provider for an initial consultation. This will help to determine whether or not you are an eligible candidate for this innovative and highly successful dental procedure.