Contents
- 1 Why choose dental implants? What are their benefits?
- 2 Are there any drawbacks of dental implants?
- 3 Why are dental implants expensive?
- 4 What is the difference between dental implants and other tooth replacement options?
- 5 Tips for caring for your dental implants and making them last long
- 6 Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re considering dental implants, you probably have many questions. How much do they cost? What is the procedure like? How long will it take to heal?
Here’s what you can expect from implants, from start to finish:
1. The first step is to consult your dentist or oral surgeon to see if you’re a good candidate for implants. This usually involves a physical exam and X-rays of your mouth.
2. If you are a good candidate, the next step is to have the implant placed. This is a minor surgical procedure that is typically done under local anesthesia.
3. Once the implant is in place, it will need to fuse with your jawbone. This process, called osseointegration, can take several months.
4. Once the implant is fully fused with your jawbone, you will need to return to your dentist to have an artificial tooth (crown) placed on top of it.
5. The final step is to care for your dental implants just like you would your natural teeth. This includes brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
Why choose dental implants? What are their benefits?
There are various reasons to choose dental implants, but the most common is that they look and feel like your natural teeth. Other benefits of dental implants include:
Improved speech: Dental implants are anchored in your jawbone, so they don’t move around like dentures. This can help with your speech and make it easier to eat.
Improved appearance: Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth! They’re also designed to fuse with your jawbone, which helps to give them a natural appearance.
Increased comfort: Dental implants feel comfortable and stable because they’re fused with your jawbone. You won’t have to worry about them slipping or moving around in your mouth.
Improved oral health: Dental implants don’t require special care as dentures do. You can brush and floss them just like your natural teeth. Plus, they help to keep your jawbone healthy and strong.
Are there any drawbacks of dental implants?
The main drawback of dental implants is the cost. They are usually more expensive than other tooth replacement options, such as dentures or bridges. Another potential downside of dental implants is that the surgery to place them can be complex and may require many visits to the dentist or oral surgeon. There is also a risk of implant failure, which can occur if the implant does not fuse properly with your jawbone. This can lead to pain, infection, and the need for additional surgery.
Dental implants are an excellent option for many people who want to restore their smile despite these potential drawbacks.
Why are dental implants expensive?
Dental implants are expensive because they are a complex and delicate procedure. The surgery to place them requires precision and skill, and the implant itself is made of high-quality materials that increase the overall cost of the treatment. However, in most cases, the cost of dental implants is worth it because of the long-term benefits they provide.
What is the difference between dental implants and other tooth replacement options?
Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that looks and feels completely natural. They are also the only option that helps to preserve your jawbone and prevent bone loss. In addition, dental implants don’t require special care like dentures; you can brush and floss them just like your natural teeth. Other tooth replacement options, such as bridges or dentures, can’t offer these same benefits.
Tips for caring for your dental implants and making them last long
1. Brush your teeth twice a day: This will help to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth, which can cause implant failure.
2. Floss daily: This helps remove food and plaque between your teeth, which can also lead to implant failure.
3. Visit your dentist regularly: Your dentist can check for any implant failure signs and provide the proper care and cleaning.
4. Quit smoking: Smoking increases implant failure risk and can cause other oral health problems.
5. Eat a healthy diet: A healthy diet is essential for overall health, but it’s necessary for dental health. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your dental implants last for many years.
If you’re considering dental implants, be sure to consult with a Designer Smiles dentist to see if they are right for you. Then, call us at (02) 8074 1722 to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental implants offer several advantages over other teeth replacement options. In addition to looking and functioning like natural teeth, they are designed to provide a lifetime of service. Other benefits of dental implants include:
1. Dental implants are the only teeth replacement option that preserves the health of your jawbone. Other options, such as dentures and bridges, can lead to bone loss in the jaw due to the absence of stimulation from the tooth root.
2. Dental implants are durable and can last a lifetime with proper care.
3. Dental implants don’t require special care; you can brush and floss them just like your natural teeth.
4. Because dental implants fuse to your jawbone, they provide stable support for artificial teeth. Dentures and bridges can slip and move, making it difficult to eat and speak.
5. Dental implants can support a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even complete dentures.
Implants typically cost between $1,000 and $3,000 per tooth. Insurance typically does not cover the full cost of implants but may cover a portion of the procedure. Implants are a popular dental treatment because they offer several benefits over other treatments, such as dentures or bridges. For example, implants are permanent, do not require adhesives like dentures, and look and feel more like natural teeth than bridges. However, the cost of implants can be prohibitive for some people. If you are considering getting implants but are concerned about the price, talk to your dentist about financing options or payment plans. Many dentists offer affordable monthly payments that make it easier for patients to get the treatment they need.
Success rates for dental implants vary depending on the implant type and the dentist’s experience. Overall, however, dental implants have a success rate of about 95%.
That being said, some risks are associated with dental implants, including infection and nerve damage. In addition, the chances of complications are high in patients who have diabetes, smoke cigarettes, or have a history of periodontal disease. Therefore, you must talk to your dentist about your risks before getting dental implants.
However, dental implants are a safe and effective way to replace missing teeth. With proper care, they can last a lifetime. Your dentist will examine your mouth and take X-rays to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. If you are, they will develop a treatment plan specifically for you.
No, your teeth will not be shaved down to “sticks” to receive a veneer. A veneer is a thin, tooth-colored shell custom-made to fit over the front of your teeth. It is typically made of porcelain or composite resin.
The dentist will first take an impression of your teeth to create a model on which the veneer will be based. The model will then be sent to a dental lab, where the veneer will be made. When it is ready, you will return to the dentist’s office for installation.
Your dentist may suggest that you have your teeth whitened before receiving a veneer. This is because the veneer will be made to match your natural tooth colour. If your teeth are discolored, the veneer will appear stained.
A good dental implant candidate is good oral hygiene, healthy gums, and adequate bone mass.
Your dentist may refer you to a specialist if you don’t have enough bone in your jaw to support an implant. In some cases, bone grafting may be required before implants can be placed.
Having healthy gums is also essential because gum disease can increase the risk of implant failure. In addition, if you have periodontal disease, it will need to be treated before implants can be placed.
If you’re a smoker, you may still be able to get dental implants. However, your dentist will likely recommend quitting smoking before and after the implant procedure to improve healing and decrease the risk of complications.
If you’re considering dental implants, talk to your dentist about whether they’re right for you.