Tooth decay is a common problem affecting adults and children, and one of the best options to replace missing or decaying teeth is dental implants.
Don’t worry if you aren’t sure whether or not you must get them. We’ve prepared a list of 8 things you must consider before deciding to get implants done for your missing teeth.
Don’t rush into implant treatment
Dental Implant treatment requires plenty of planning, so you should have a thorough discussion with your dentist before you decide to go for this treatment. It would help if you took the time to have a deep discussion with your dentist and ask about alternative treatments that can help your dental condition.
Learn the Procedure
To understand what you are signing up for, it is essential to learn the procedure of dental implants. The surgery will begin with removing your damaged teeth, and if the need is needed, your dentist will suggest jawbone grafting. Next, the dentist will place a tiny bit of bone into your jawbone.
The dentist will put dental implants based on which type of implant matches the most to your teeth. Bone growth and healing require a few months, so you must be patient with the procedure. In addition, you must meet your dentist for multiple check-ups and possible artificial tooth placement.
Discuss which technology will be used to ensure the safety of implant treatment
Various technological advances may be used to ensure safety during implant treatment.
- Dentists may use low-dose in-office 3-dimensional CT scans to avoid placing the implants into nerves or other vital structures.
- Low-dose radiation and digital x-ray machines may be used to create a lower dose of radiation compared to older devices.
- Computer planning software allows for better predicting the outcome before the surgery begins.
- To subside post-operation discomfort, lasers, microscope, and fine instruments may be used.
Enquire about the implant brand and type of crown material that will be used
There are many implant manufacturers. However, the most reputable ones produce components tested in research and used for decades. Therefore, patients should choose implant components from the most reputable implant manufacturers having a long history as these components have performed excellently over the past years.
Crowns are made of different materials, some of which are stronger and ideal for use in the back teeth. At the same time, some are aesthetically appealing and great for the front teeth.
Check the dentist’s experience
This is one of the most important things to consider. Always ask the dentist about their experience handling dental implant cases to gauge their performance capacity. You may check the internet to see the reviews and ratings their existing clients have given them. In addition, you can ask your dentist about their level of training, in-hospital experience, and the number of implant surgeries they have performed. Remember that most dental practitioners may not be experts in handling dental implant cases. It is best to approach an oral surgeon to get implants done as they must have performed more operations in their career.
Request your dentist to show you before and after photos of work performed by them
You are having a look at the before and after photos of implants done by your dentist will give you a clear idea of what to expect as the outcome. Apart from helping you understand the results, these photos will help you gauge your dentist’s experience in this clinical situation.
Understand the pros and cons of the treatment
Like most surgeries, dental implants, too, have their pros and cons. So before you go for this treatment, ensure to analyse the advantages and disadvantages of implants.
A common risk involved with dental implants is the risk of infection. If thorough cleaning isn’t performed during the procedure, the chances of an infection increase. Other reasons for infection could be maintaining poor oral hygiene, misalignment, or an allergic reaction to the material.
In some cases, upper jaw implants may poke into the sinus cavity, leading to sinusitis. In addition, the anaesthetic needle or implant drills may damage the patient’s nerve, causing the area to bleed. Swelling, bruising, and minor bleeding may follow after the surgery.
While the chances of the above-mentioned side effects are less, you must consider them before deciding. Also, with proper care and maintenance, implants are a long-term fix that may last for 25 years. They will feel and look like your natural teeth allowing you to eat and talk comfortably. To know more, you can also go through our blog on why permanent dental implant is a right choice.
Discuss the post-treatment maintenance regime
Dental implants require a post-treatment maintenance regime. Ensure to ask our hashtag dentist about the routine you will have to follow. Implants function just like your natural teeth, which are prone to infections if they aren’t regularly checked and cleaned.
If you are unsure about getting implants done, consider a second or third opinion. Different specialists may offer other options depending on your dental health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental implants are one of the most reliable treatments for missing teeth. They look natural, resist decay, and offer a comfortable and secure fit. Before you get dental implants done, you must know that they demand a high investment. However, they provide long-term benefits, which means once you have invested, you will enjoy natural-looking implants throughout your life. Out of the many dental procedures, implants have a high success rate and are ideal for cosmetic improvement and restoring the mouth’s function. Another thing to remember before getting your dental implants is that not everyone is a perfect candidate for this procedure. On examining your mouth, your dentist will tell you whether or not implants are for you.
Dental implants made of titanium are considered the best option because they are biocompatible. They closely match the human body and fuse effortlessly with the bone. In addition, findings show that titanium implants properly promote bone growth. Since their discovery, these implants have been the most popular choice. They offer long-lasting results and are affordable, too, and these reasons to make them the best type of dental implant available today. If you wish to get titanium dental implants done, speak to your dentist, and they will be able to tell you more benefits of this implant type for your specific condition.
Endosteal Implants – These are the most common dental implants for almost all patients. They demand a good, healthy jawbone to which the post can fuse. Endosteal implants are placeholder posts that are of the shape of a screw. These implants are fixed into the jaw to which false teeth are attached.
Subperiosteal Implants – Subperiosteal Implants are the main alternative to Endosteal Implants. However, these implants aren’t fixed into the jawbone; instead, they are set on top of the bone under the gum. A metal frame is placed below the gum to which a post is attached. After the gum heals, a false tooth is secured to the poles that come from the gum.
Zygomatic implants – are the least common type of implants available today. They involve a complicated procedure and must be done if the patient doesn’t have enough jawbone for the Endosteal implant. Zygomatic implants are placed in the patient’s cheekbone instead of their jawbone.
Adults of all ages can get dental implants done as the treatment has no upper age limit. As long as the patient is healthy and capable of handling a routine dental procedure known as extraction, they are suitable for dental implants. Not smoking, good oral hygiene, healthy gums and enough jaw bone to anchor the implant makes anyone the perfect candidate for dental implants. People on certain medications like steroids or drugs aren’t a candidate for dental implants because they are likely to have a suppressed immune system. To know whether or not you are a suitable candidate for dental implants, speak to your dentist.
