Dental Implants
What the heck are dental implants?
“Dental implants—aren’t they just dentures? How do I know if I need them?” Don’t worry; we’re here to answer any questions you may have about dental implants so you can avoid any confusion and make a sound decision on whether you want or need them.
No really, what are they?
A dental implant is a fake tooth put in place of the original and it is the option that most closely resembles a natural tooth, both in appearance and function. With dental implants, you’ll have a fixed artificial tooth that stays securely in place and cannot be removed from the mouth at home, it is designed to look and function much like your natural tooth you lost.
The 3 most common types of dental implants:
Your choice will be influenced by the accessibility of your jawbone, your preference for surgery, and the number of teeth being replaced.
- Endosteal implants: This is the most common and safest option. A screw-like object is inserted into the jawbone, securing the artificial tooth in place for a more natural look.
- Subperiosteal implant: This surgery places a pole-like stabilizer outside the jawbone, sitting on top of the bone and beneath the gums. A false tooth is then connected to the pole stemming from the gum.
- Zygoma implants: This method skips the jawbone entirely, placing the stabilizer and implant in the cheekbone.
Dental implants can last a long time!
The average life expectancy of dental implants can last from 10 to 30 years, so depending on the age at which you choose to get them, as well as your health condition and oral hygiene habits, they can last most of your lifetime. But they’re not invincible. Just like you can lose a natural tooth, an implant can also fail. That’s why regular care and maintenance are still very important, we need to keep the bone and gum tissue surrounding your implant healthy so it can continue to function properly.
Dental implant surgery can be intricate and complex:
Dental implants do require multiple visits and some time to finish. So, what happens with dental implant surgery?
- The dentist will start by examining the area that requires the implant. This includes X-rays of the jaw and teeth.
- During the first stage of surgery, the dental implant will be placed inside your jawbone, just beneath the gum, this functions like the root of your teeth. You will then wait until the implant fuses with your jawbone before your second appointment.
Your second appointment will take place after the implant has integrated well with your surrounding bone. Once the dentist verifies it has healed well, you will have records taken to make the tooth part that connects to the implant. After another waiting period, you are ready for the placement of the new tooth. It may take a few appointments to find the proper fit, look, and feel, but once it’s in place, your dental implant is in and ready to go!
In total, it could take between 4-9 months to finish the procedure:
Depending on your situation and what is required, a dental implant procedure could take a while to finish; however, most of the time is spent waiting between appointments. The fusion of the implant and jawbone takes time. Although a lengthy procedure, you will be left with a permanent, natural-looking new tooth that feels just like the original.
Dental implant surgery is essentially pain free:
You may not have expected to learn this, given the steps for a dental implant procedure, but it comes with virtually no pain! There may be some discomfort and soreness after the surgery, especially if the original tooth is being extracted, but we find that, in most cases, the pain is not severe.
If you follow these post-surgery care tips, you’ll minimize any risk of discomfort or pain:
- Take any medication prescribed by your dentist
- Periodically apply cold compressions
- Avoid any hot or hard foods — stick to a soft diet for a few days
- Clean gently around the area
- Get lots of rest
Dental implants can be expensive:
One downside to dental implants is the cost. Every dental procedure in Alberta varies, but in most cases, the price for a single implant and the crown could be anywhere between $3,000 and $6,000, depending on your situation.
Some factors that will play a part in the final cost include:
- The materials needed for the procedure
- How extensive your surgery is
- Any additional procedures required depending on your situation
Always plan ahead and learn what steps and requirements are needed for your specific case to get a clearer picture of the cost.
You are never too old for dental implants:
Fortunately, there is no age at which you will be considered too old for dental implants; in fact, there are plenty of cases where individuals can undergo the procedure well into their 80s and even later in life.
Any factors that determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants are based on each case and your ability to withstand the surgery.
Top benefits of dental implants:
Although dental implants can be a long and complex procedure, there are many benefits to getting them, such as:
- They’re the most natural-looking replacement and restoration option
- Prevents jawbone shrinkage due to bone loss
- Preservation of surrounding tooth, bone, and gum health
- keep other teeth stable and prevent it from moving into the gap
- They last the longest of any other option
- Allow you to feel like you’ve never lost a tooth
A few things to consider:
Like any oral procedure, dental implants come with their own list things to consider:
- Lengthy process with multiple dentist visits
- Regularly scheduled checkups over the following years
- Depending on your situation, dental implants can be expensive
- Rare complications are possible, such as bleeding, infection, or an injury in the area or sinus cavity
When deciding if dental implants are right for you, it’s important to have all the information you need. The team at ThirtyTwo Dental provides dental implant care in Edmonton and can help you understand your options and determine the best solution for your smile.
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