7 Questions to Ask Before Getting Dental Implants

1 January 2021

It’s always best to catch problems early on. One ounce of prevention is worth ten doses of the cure, and nowhere is this truer than your dental health.

Everyone knows they should make sure to floss their teeth and brush regularly, that they should avoid sugary, acidic foods and that they should try their best to take care of their health before larger issues balloon up and appear.

However, the gap between perfection and human behaviour can be large, and for one reason or another, you might find yourself with issues like cavities or even a complete loss of a tooth. Thankfully this isn’t the end.

Modern technology, like dental implants, can help deal with this type of problem. But before you spring for an installation, you should ask yourself if you know the answer to a few key questions.

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is an artificial base root constructed out of metal titanium. It is typically driven into the jawbone to replace the lost root of the original tooth. Once they’ve installed this implant, an artificial replacement tooth is fashioned on top, providing chewing performance equivalent to the original jaw structure. The implant is an essential element in this process as it is the anchor that holds the replacement tooth in place.

How will a dental implant help my dental health?

Aside from the apparent improvement in filling in for a missing tooth and acting as a chewing mechanism, implants are an excellent choice for preserving the remainder of your oral health. Compared to alternative tooth replacement options like bridges and dentures, the implants don’t rely on the ability to attach to neighbouring teeth, significantly reducing discomfort, as well as weakened jawbones. It also requires much less maintenance and replacement.

Since their inception 40 years ago, titanium implants have significantly impacted the state of dental treatments.

Suppose your tooth is lost for some reason, and you do not get it filled in with a new dental implant. In that case, you will likely run into issues with chewing foods. The jawbone in that area will significantly deteriorate, increasing the potential for decay, gum disease, and even losing neighbouring teeth. The area’s teeth may shift entirely, causing problems with your bite, resulting in sagging of facial skin and even an uneven smile.

Are there other advantages?

An improved tooth appearance is a significant boon in this area. They look and feel like real teeth, and as they fuse with your bone, they become a simple, permanent addition. Unlike dentures, which can slip and result in mumbling or slurring, dental implants allow you to speak easily.

Implants are much more comfortable, which can help in eating as you don’t have to worry about pieces sliding out of place while chowing down. Altogether, implants are a convenient choice packed with lots of benefits and bonuses to even ephemeral things like your self-esteem – you’ll be able to smile without worry.

Are dental implants safe?

As previously mentioned, dental implants have been around for decades now, with no significant complications noted. Furthermore, the tech around these implants continues to get more refined and complex.

The dental implants of today are highly sophisticated parts put into place by well-trained professionals. You can count on this method as one of the most reliable ways to replace teeth that have gone missing.

Can I get dental implants given my current oral health?

Since dental implants rely on attaching and fusing with bone, it might rule you out as a candidate for implants if you have issues with your bone density or strength.

However, don’t be hasty with this determination. The advances in dental implant technology have resulted in rendering more circumstances amenable to implants. Through innovations like non-invasive bone grafting, even those with severe bone loss may be able to receive implants.

Most healthy adults are likely suitable, but the key factors to consider are this:

  • The current health of your oral elements, particularly your gums
  • Having sufficient bone structure for the implants
  • The existence of other health factors like cigarettes or diabetes

Likely you will have to talk to a professional, like those who work at Oakville Place Dental Office, to get an accurate and personalized assessment.

How successful are dental implants?

Dental implant success rates tend to vary and are mostly dependent on where in the jaw the implant is installed. Implants have a very high success rate of around 98%.

Furthermore, this impressive performance is likely to go on with proper care for a very long time. Around 95% of implants have lasted an average of 13 years or more.

How are dental implants done?

First, a dentist or trained specialist will look closely at your mouth, taking x-rays of your skull, jawline, and teeth to determine your candidacy for dental implants.

Once cleared, surgery begins, with a dental implant in the jaw underneath your gums. The dentist stitches the gum back up afterward, and a few months pass for the implant to fuse with the bone and attach to the gum.

From there, a post called an abutment is placed on the implant to connect the replacement tooth. The dentist might do this during the first surgery. Finally, the artificial replacement tooth is created and attached to this pole. All told, this procedure can take several appointments of proper fitting and surgery.

Ask Questions Before Getting Implant Surgery

There are a lot of benefits to dental implants. They’re a method with a very high success rate and a long lifespan of durability. Furthermore, they bring with them a variety of advantages, from dental hygiene to mental health. Just be prepared for close examination of your bone structure and several appointments before they can firmly set everything in place.

To learn more about getting dental implants in Oakville, call Oakville Place Dental Office at 905-842-6030 or contact us here.

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