Dental implants are increasingly becoming the go-to option for replacing a lost tooth or teeth for the right patients. Anyone can lose a tooth, whether it’s due to blunt force injury, disease, or gradual tooth decay over time.
If you haven’t lost a tooth (and you aren’t a dentist), you may not even know what a dental implant is. Essentially, implants are replacements for the root of the tooth—not the tooth itself. Dental implants are small, metal implants implanted into your jaw bone.
The implant acts as a kind of anchor for an artificial tooth. And, because the implant actually “fuses with your jawbone,” it serves as a powerful anchor and a welcome alternative to other, less sturdy replacements.
The implants are placed during a surgical procedure. The procedure is relatively straightforward and performed as an outpatient (“same day”) operation. However, like with any treatment, there are reasons why the procedure may not be right for you.
Of course, to be a candidate for implants, you need to have a missing tooth or teeth. There is simply no other indication for the procedure.
Furthermore, the patient needs to be healthy enough for the procedure. Any surgical procedure carries with it certain risks and complications, including infection. Your dentist and a team of other specialists will evaluate you to ensure that you are cleared for this type of procedure.
There are multiple reasons why someone may not be the right candidate. For example, smokers may not be suitable candidates for dental implant surgery. Further, the patient needs to have relatively healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implant. Without healthy gums or solid bones, there is an increased chance that the implant might fail.
While the procedure only takes a matter of hours, there is a substantial time commitment before and after the procedure and a requirement that you practice excellent dental hygiene. Some patients may not have the time or inclination to devote so much time to the procedure and may opt to pursue simpler alternatives.
Before the surgery, you’ll need to meet with multiple specialists, including your family dentist, oral/maxillofacial surgeons, healthcare providers who may need to evaluate and clear you for surgery, and more. This can take time.
After the surgery, you’ll likely need to allow several months for the healing process. You need to give your bone enough time to grow and create a base around the implant—to fuse. This patience will pay off, as the implant will ultimately be anchored to your jawbone, providing a sturdy base for the artificial tooth.
Many family dentists are recommending l implants as alternatives to the more traditional dentures. Most everyone has heard of dentures—removable artificial teeth that you need to slip in and out multiple times a day.
Despite the time commitment required, implants have a lot of advantages over dentures and other treatments. The implants are a more permanent, long-lasting solution, which doesn’t require constant management. Further, successful implants can help improve comfort while eating and speaking. It’s important to note that they are also reported as having an extremely high success rate among patients.
Request an appointment here: https://www.yourhuntsvilledentist.com or call René A. Talbot, DDS at (256) 382-6690 for an appointment in our Huntsville office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Implants in Huntsville, AL.
There is a lot to think about when it comes to dental implants. This tooth-replacement treatment is an effective way to revitalize your smile and restore the ability to chew. The process can take several months, and the recovery can be lengthy. As you learn more about this procedure, you can make the right decision…
Implant dentistry procedures have the highest rate of success among all the options available for replacing missing teeth. The process of replacing a single missing tooth is straightforward and involves using an implant as artificial tooth roots and supporting it with a dental crown. Continue reading to learn how the process works.Regardless of the number…
Dental implants can improve your oral health and appearance. There are many benefits to choosing this tooth-replacement method. Of course, implants are not the only way you can restore your smile and the function of your mouth. However, as you learn more about them, you will see why so many people choose this treatment. Living…
Dentures and dental implants are two of the most common methods of single tooth replacement. Both are effective, but one might be preferable to the other, depending on the specifics of the patient’s situation and the patient’s preferences and needs. When determining whether dentures or dental implants is the most appropriate for tooth replacement, you should…
Want to know what symptoms are associated with TMJ? Many symptoms are linked to this commonly diagnosed jaw-related disorder, including jaw pain. However, other symptoms are important to be aware of as they can help the general dentist make a diagnosis and treatment plan. Many are surprised to learn that a general dentist can diagnose and…
Lumineers® give you a less invasive way to transform your smile than conventional veneers. A veneer is a tooth-shaped cover that is cemented on the front part of teeth. It serves as a mask, hiding any flaws on the front of your teeth.Placing conventional veneers on teeth requires removing portions of enamel from the patient’s…