One dental service, that allows you to have a natural smile after dealing with a severe and life-changing dental problem such as tooth loss is dental implants. They can easily blend in with the rest of your natural teeth and preserve your smile. If you were thinking about obtaining dental implants in Livonia, these eleven facts will expand your knowledge on the subject and help you make the right decision.
1. Several appointments may be needed
After finding a dental office that offers dental implants near you and making an appointment, your dentist will first examine your teeth. Sometimes, the complementary use of X-ray images is needed. Additionally, they will give you detailed instructions on how to prepare for the surgery. Usually, you will be asked not to eat or drink for a specific amount of time before the procedure.
2. Tooth loss is more common than you think
Tooth loss is one of the most common dental issues worldwide. Luckily, dental implants are low risk and offer a permanent solution to missing teeth, unlike other replacement options. If you’re interested in restoring your smile after suffering from tooth loss, ask your dentist in Livonia if you’re a candidate for dental implants.
3. Dental implants are not only about aesthetics
Missing teeth can affect the appearance of your smile but they can also impact your speech, functionality and bite. This means dental implants also provide you comfort and improved speech. In this way, they are far superior to dentures as they don’t need refitting and restoring in the long run.
4. They are artificial roots
Some patients believe implants are the same as crowns. But in fact, they are metallic structures similar to screws that replace the roots of the teeth. The implant is placed in your jawbone and after the bone tissue has healed around it, an abutment and crown can be placed on top. This artificial roots stimulate the jawbone, unlike other replacement options.
5. The procedure is low risk
Fortunately, dental implants have a high success rate. The cases where the risk of failure is prominent involve poor bone health and old age. Although, if you want to be more informed about potential complications of dental implants, ask a dentist near you. They will provide valuable information and advice on the subject.
6. Bone preparation may be needed
If your dentist determines your bone tissue isn’t apt to receive the implant they will have to perform a bone graft. This means you will have to wait for the bone to heal before continuing the procedure but it will ultimately increase the success rate.
7. The aftercare is relatively easy
Your dental professional will give you instructions on the aftercare of surgery. Usually, they involve keeping the wound area clean and using salt water rinses throughout the day to help keep the area disinfected. Also eating soft foods is recommended to avoid damaging your dentist’s hard work. Your dentist can also recommend using pain medication if you’re having some discomfort.
8. It could take a few weeks to complete
Despite all the benefits they provide, dental implants can take from a few weeks up to a few months in some cases to complete. However, as they offer a permanent and durable solution to dental problems the waiting is worth it.
9. Their cost can be covered by insurance
Ask your insurance if they cover dental implants or at least a part of the cost of the procedure. Some dental offices also offer patients payment plans for reasonable and affordable options.
10. Dental implants need care
Even if implants are artificial teeth, you still need to take care of them. They’re not at risk for tooth decay but you must brush them and floss daily to prevent gum disease around them.
11. They are stronger than natural teeth
In the end, dental implants not only look like real teeth but also work just as well. They are made from durable metals making them a long-lasting solution to many dental problems.