
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth that is designed specifically to your mouth to replace a missing tooth. It is set in place with a small titanium fixture that is inserted in your jawbone. There are three parts to a dental implant: the implant itself, the structure, and the artificial tooth.
Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Having good jawbone health, no signs of gum disease, and someone who does not use tobacco, are several factors around being a good candidate. Most importantly, if you are missing one or more teeth, maybe even all of your teeth, you will be a good candidate for dental implants.
What are the Advantages of Dental Implants?
If you lose a permanent tooth, or multiple teeth, due to reasons such as dental decay or gum disease, dental implants can replace them. They are also made to last your entire life, so you don’t need to worry about coming in every few years for a replacement to be set. Implants can also improve your appearance, confidence, and your ability to eat your favorite foods.
What are the Disadvantages of Dental Implants?
There can be a risk of infection, inflammation, and pain. Before your procedure, your oral surgeon will discuss how these can be managed. If you do not have any healthy bone for the implant to be placed on, you may need a bone graft and gum graft procedure first. This will increase the cost of your procedure.
Will Insurance Cover the Cost?
Dental implants might qualify for some insurance coverage, but it is unlikely that they will cover the entire cost. The total price will vary by what you need to have completed, and what the insurance company will take into consideration when deciding your coverage.
What is the Success Rate of Implants?
Success will vary from person to person based on overall health and habits. For a perfectly healthy person who has good oral hygiene, dental implants are around 90-95% successful. Also, as long as you take care of your teeth and gums with regular dental cleanings and check-ups, you will have a very high chance of a successful implant.
Is there a Metal Free Option?
Unfortunately, there is no metal-free option for a tooth implant. All of the materials used to replace teeth have some kind of metal in them. Dental implants are made from titanium alloy, which is highly unlikely to cause any kind of reaction.
Can Dentures Be Made Into Implants?
Dentures cannot be made into implants because they are two different types of treatment. Implants are placed in your jawbone, and it may be an option to have implants placed beneath your dentures to create more stability and support for your dentures.
If you think implants sound like a good option for you, call Northview Family Dental at (509) 590-1763 to set up a consultation for implant installation.