Patients often have concerns when it comes to replacing missing teeth. While dentures are often flimsy and move & slip inside the mouth, traditional dental bridges affect abutment teeth in the long run. If you are looking for a more permanent and better option, dental implants could be an ideal option. Clinics like dental images Harker Heights offer implant-based restorations, and before you step in for a consultation, here are some facts worth knowing.
A dental implant is not a prosthetic tooth
Getting a replacement tooth with a dental implant requires three components – an implant post, a connector or abutment, and a prosthetic tooth. The implant is actually a replacement tooth root, which is placed inside or above the jawbone surgically. It works like a base and strengthens the jawbone for prosthetic teeth.
Dental implant surgery is not painful
Contrary to popular belief, dental implant surgery is not painful, and only a handful of patients experience minimal discomfort. As for the pain, it is no different than that of a tooth extraction because both procedures are performed under local anesthesia. If you still have dental anxiety, you can talk to your dentist about sedation options. After the surgery, your dentist will recommend over-the-counter pain medications, which will help with discomfort and pain after the anesthesia effects wear off.
Most patients can consider dental implants
Dental implants are ideal for most patients, and age is not a factor. In fact, it is a common myth that only older people can get implants. Even if you have lost bone mass due to losing your teeth, your dentist can recommend pretreatments, such as bone grafting. These procedures may prolong the time required to get replacement teeth, but you will still achieve great outcomes.
Dental implants can cost more
Compared to dentures and dental bridges, the cost of getting dental implants is significantly higher, as the procedure requires oral surgery. There is also the cost of restoration. If your insurance doesn’t cover all expenses, you can use flexible payment plans that many dental clinics offer. The overall treatment cost depends on factors like the number of implants and whether you need additional pretreatments.
You can get different types of restorations
Once the implants are secured in the jawbone, your dentist can recommend a wide range of restoration options, such as crowns, bridges, and dentures. Unlike regular dentures, implant-supported dentures don’t move around inside the mouth and offer much better results. The same is true for bridges placed on implants. There is no need to prep additional abutment teeth, which is a huge advantage.
Dental implants don’t need special care
Implants eventually become a part of the mouth and don’t need additional care or replacement. As for the restorations, none of the options are permanent. Dentures, crowns, and bridges supported by implants have to be replaced at some point, but most last for a decade or more. Proper oral care is necessary, and you have to ensure you brush and floss every day, even if you have prosthetic teeth.
Dental implants have many benefits
Besides replacing missing teeth, dental implants prevent remaining teeth from shifting out of positions and prevent the loss of bone density. Despite the cost, implants are better and offer permanent outcomes. The surgery has a high success rate, and you can get prosthetic teeth immediately after the jawbone heals.
Final word
If you are interested in replacing your missing teeth with implant-supported restorations, it is always ideal to consult your dentist as soon as possible. Select a dental clinic in Harker Heights with good reviews and ensure they have experienced dentists who specialize in the procedure.
