Are you missing some of your natural teeth? Missing teeth can not only cause gaps in your smile, but they also cause your remaining teeth to shift to compensate for the loss. Over time, your body will reabsorb the bone that was once needed to support your lost tooth, leading your face to look less full.
Dental implants effectively restore your natural teeth and prevent the consequences gaps can create with your smile. What exactly are dental implants, and how do you know if you qualify?
Here are your top dental implant questions, answered!
What Exactly Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a restoration of your missing tooth that consists of different components. The first is the actual implant, which is typically made of titanium or ceramic. The implant is surgically inserted into your jawbone and allowed to fully heal. Once healed, the implant will support a dental crown.
Custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your teeth, your dental crown will attach to the end of the implant. The crown will look just like your natural tooth and will be impossible to differentiate from the rest of your smile. Dental implants have a success rate of over 97 percent and are considered to be excellent, secure replacements for missing teeth [1].
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Once your dental implant has successfully fused with your jawbone, it’s there for life. You’ll need to replace your dental crown eventually, but with the appropriate care, crowns can last 10-15 years or even longer!
Who Qualifies for Dental Implants?
The best candidates for dental implants are those that have good oral health. Your smile should be free of gum disease, and have enough bone in your jaw to support the implant [2].
However, if you’ve been missing teeth for some time and don’t have enough jawbone to sustain the implant, you have options. Your dentist may recommend a bone graft, which can help build up your natural jawbone to safely and effectively house a dental implant.
Can Dental Implants Restore Multiple Missing Teeth?
Yes! Dental implants provide flexible options when it comes to replacing numerous lost teeth. You have the option of all-on-four dental implants, which is a great choice for people missing all of their natural teeth with just a few implants that support a permanent restoration. Or, for numerous missing teeth in a row, you may have the option of an implant-supported bridge to restore your smile.
What Maintenance Will a Dental Implant Need?
Caring for your dental implant is as simple as brushing and flossing your teeth and seeing your dentist for regular visits [3]. Regular dental visits can keep your smile strong and healthy with your dental implant!
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
There are numerous factors that influence the cost of your dental implant. How many implants you need, whether or not you opt for an implant-supported bridge or other alternative, and whether or not you need a bone graft will all factor into the price. Your dentist can let you know what to expect in regards to cost during your consultation!
Dental implants give you the option to securely restore your smile for life. If you’re missing one or more of your natural teeth and are interested in dental implants, get in touch with your dentist today to see if you qualify for these secure restorations!
Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470448/
2. https://www.perio.org/consumer/dental-implants
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dental-implant-surgery/about/pac-
