Answering Top 5 Questions About Dental Implants!

If you have suffered tooth loss, there are two common replacement options – dentures and dental implants. Dental implants, for the uninitiated, refer to replacement tooth roots, which are placed in the bone socket of missing teeth. This is a surgical restorative procedure, and as the jawbone starts healing, it secures the implant in place. Your dentist will then use a small abutment and connect the implant to the replacement tooth, which can removable or permanent. Now that you know the basics about dental implants, here are answers to some of the important questions.

Why consider dental implants over dentures?

Implants are permanent, don’t move around in the mouth and offer better comfort, as far as chewing and talking is concerned. You will notice considerable improvement in your speech and overall facial structure, which is also an advantage. With dentures, the costs are lower for sure, but you don’t get the same results.

Is it painful to get dental implants?

Anyone who can withstand the pain of tooth extraction should have no issues in getting dental implants. The procedure can take time, often as many as 16 weeks or more, but the first surgery to place the implants is done under local anesthesia, and thereafter, the pain is bearable. Although it depends on the threshold of your pain.

Does insurance pay for dental implants?

Depending on the cause of tooth loss and your policy, insurance may or may not pay for the procedure. This is considered to be an elective treatment and is typically not covered under insurance.

Do dental implants need special care?

Yes, and no. With implants, you have to care as much as you would for normal teeth. Brushing, rinsing and flossing must be done as recommended, and it is absolutely necessary to have regular checkups with your dentist.

Can anyone opt for implants?

Each case is different, and your dentist is the best person to take a call on that. If you have enough jawbone and healthy gums, dental implants can be an option. More consideration is required for anyone with history of cancer, heart diseases, and immune problems, besides other chronic conditions such as diabetes. Talk to your doctor for a complete checkup, and he/she can advise if you can consider this choice over dentures.

Final word

Dentures can never match dental implants in terms of comfort and feel. Check with a known dental clinic and get the checkup done to understand better.