Losing a tooth can be an emotional experience. In addition to being painful, it can change the way you smile, speak, and feel. The good news is you have several options to restore both your confidence and your oral health, including dental implants.
Dental implants are one of the most trusted ways to replace missing teeth. They consist of small threaded posts that are placed in your jawbone, creating a strong foundation for your new teeth. With a success rate of over 97 percent for a 10-year period, they’re a great solution to help you feel like yourself again.
How do I know if I need dental implants?
Only your dentist can confirm if dental implants are the best choice for you, but here are a few signs that it may be time to schedule a consultation:
- You’ve lost a tooth (or several) due to cavities, gum disease, or injury
- You’re noticing facial changes like sunken cheeks or wrinkles around the mouth
- Missing teeth are making it hard to talk or eat
How do I know if dental implants are right for me?
Wondering if you’re a good candidate for dental implants? The Mayo Clinic outlines a few general characteristics to look for:
- A fully grown jawbone
- Enough bone to securely hold the implant in place
- Healthy mouth tissue
- No health conditions that interfere with bone healing
- No tobacco use
- A commitment to the full surgical and healing process
If you check most of these boxes, dental implants might be the right choice for restoring your smile and protecting your long-term oral health.
Comparing your options: Partial dentures or dental implants
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, partial dentures and dental implants are the two most common options your dentist might recommend.
Some people may be drawn to the idea of partial dentures instead of dental implants because they are often the more affordable option. But dental implants offer several benefits, including:
- A higher success rate
- Better preservation of jawbone density after tooth loss
- Reduced tooth sensitivity
- Protection for surrounding teeth from shifting or developing cavities
Be sure to talk with your dentist to explore the pros and cons of both options based on your needs and budget.
What to expect during surgery for dental implants
Surgery for dental implants can take several months, as it’s done in stages with time to heal in between each step. The process may include removing a damaged tooth, preparing the jawbone (sometimes with a bone graft), and placing the implant.
After this initial surgery, a patient undergoes a process called osseointegration, where the bone will begin to grow around the implanted post, securing it in place. This part of the process can often take several months and is vital to a successful surgery. If osseointegration isn’t successful, your dentist may recommend removing the dental implants and trying again at a later date.
Pro tip: Smoking, age, certain systemic diseases, and poor bone density can all cause osseointegration to be unsuccessful. Be sure to speak with your dental team about any concerns.
Healing time varies from person to person, depending on the jawbone and whether bone grafting was needed.
Once the implant is stable, a second procedure is done to place an abutment, which is what your new artificial tooth will connect to. Then your custom-made tooth will be connected. Artificial teeth can be either fixed or removable, depending on your needs and preferences. Fixed artificial teeth are securely attached to dental implants and remain in place permanently, while removable options can be easily taken out for cleaning or maintenance.
After the artificial teeth are placed, you may experience pain, minor bleeding, and swelling or bruising on the gums or face. You will also need to eat soft foods during the healing process. Be sure to adhere to your surgeon’s recommendations to reduce the risk of infections or other complications.
Pro tip: Maintaining a good oral health routine is an important part of making your dental implants last. Check out “Oral Health Basics: Techniques for Proper Brushing and Flossing” to learn how to take great care of your oral health.
Are dental implants worth it?
Yes! When properly placed and cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime. They look, feel, and function like natural teeth, making them one of the most reliable investments you can make for your oral health.
Does dental insurance cover dental implants?
Some employer-sponsored dental insurance plans include partial or full coverage for dental implants. However, coverage varies widely by plan. If your plan doesn’t include implant benefits, talk to your dental office about financing or payment plans that fit your budget.
