Commonly asked questions about dental implants
Getting dental implants allows individuals who have lost their teeth to gain a natural look again. And while the procedure for getting these implants is common, not a lot of individuals know a lot about it. To solve this problem, here are some commonly asked questions about dental implants that we have answered for you.
What are dental implants?
They are prosthetic teeth that are fitted in place of lost or damaged ones. Usually, a small titanium plate is inserted in the jaw bone; this is the first part of the procedure. Once the plate is attached to the bone, and the doctors need to use an abutment to connect the false tooth to the jaw. This prosthetic can include a cap, or crown is fitted. In some cases, depending on the damage, there are many other fittings such as fixed bridges, partial dentures, and even a full denture.
Who can get dental implants?
Dental implants are for anyone and everyone. But, as far as fake teeth go, most individuals who are missing single or multiple teeth are the ones who opt for dental implants. Dental implant procedures can be done from a single tooth to all of them.
Who is qualified to put in dental implants?
While the overall health of your teeth can be checked by general dentists and orthodontists, getting dental implants is a whole different ball game. You will need to get a well-qualified and certified implant expert. You can find an expert through the list provided by the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Any practitioner on their registry has undergone stringent criteria of requirements. These including education, training, examination, and even competency.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
We naturally have two sets of teeth: milk teeth that grow out when we are children and permanent teeth that grow out once we are older. Once our permanent set falls out, this is when dental implants come in. Think of them as the much-needed third set of teeth that can last a lifetime. Dental implants are made of titanium, which is why you don’t ever have to worry about decay again.
What are the disadvantages of getting dental implants?
While getting dental implants is a great overall option, they can come with a few drawbacks. Just like any other surgical procedure, the individual could be at the risk of infection, inflammation, and even pain. The other drawback is the cost of the procedure which can depend on the type of implant that is required. If the doctors cannot find a bone to put in the implant, there will be extra charges for a gum-and-bone grafting procedure. Fortunately, there are certain insurances that cover these costs.
How long does it take to get dental implants?
While many think that the procedure is a one-time thing, it just isn’t so. Getting dental implants requires multiple sessions. And the number of sessions depends on the requirement. Most procedures get done within four sessions on average.
For how long do they last?
Considering the fact that dental implants are made from titanium, dental implants are usually free of decay and decomposition. This means if you were to care for the dental implants well, you could well be using them for a very long time. To ensure that they last for a long time, individuals need to take good care of their implants by going to the dentist periodically and taking conscientious care of them.
Are dental implants removable?
Unfortunately, dental implants are not removable. They are fitted into the jawbone with metal screws. They can also not be made into dentures. It is, in fact, possible to have implants beneath dentures as they allow the dentures to stabilize and stay in place for longer periods of time. Dental implants used with dentures reduce or eliminate the use of dental adhesive. You could check with your dentist for more information on this.
