What to Know Before Getting Dental Implants
Dentals implants are a great solution after losing a tooth due to injury or other causes. They help to restore the ability to eat and speak properly, improving a patient's quality of life. However, not everyone is a prime candidate to receive dental implants. There are pros and cons to getting dental implants, along with important factors to consider.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant consists of a simple three-piece system, consisting of a two-piece implant body and the artificial crown. The body of the dental implant consists of an abutment and a fixation screw to secure the implant in the jawbone. The abutment often extends through the gumline, helping to provide support for the artificial crown. The simplicity, yet durability, of this advanced technology has allowed for the process of one day dental implants, whereas dental implants surgeries used to take weeks to perform and heal.
What to Know Before Receiving Dental Implants
Your health could impact your eligibility for receiving dental implants. Your dentist will take into consideration your current and past dental health, as well as your overall wellbeing, before deciding to proceed with the implants. This will help them to determine how long it will take the implant area to heal and how long the implants will hold in your mouth.
The cost of dental implants may not be fully covered by insurance. Contact your dental insurance provider to learn more about their coverage for dental implants. While a percentage of the cost may be covered, be aware that with consultation, regular checkups, and the procedure itself, dental implants can result in a high quality end result.
Have your dentist provide information about which brand and model of implant they intend to use. Along with walking you through the procedure, your dentist should also provide information about the exact version of dental implant they intend to use. This way, if any complications arise shortly after or years after the procedure, another dentist or medical professional will have a better understanding of what might be causing the problem.
What to Know After Receiving Dental Implants
After receiving one or more dental implants, one of the key factors to remember is maintenance and having a proper oral hygiene routine. Dental implants should be treated in the same way as the rest of your teeth. With an extensive healing process (on average, between five and eight months), dental implants require proper and diligent cleaning. This includes flossing at least twice a day around the area, brushing at least twice a day, using a non-abrasive toothpaste and antibacterial mouthwash.
Contact Our Dentist Today!
Mentor Smiles provides cosmetic dentistry, oral surgery, dental implants, and other services for those in Willoughby Hills, Painesville, Eastlake, Concord Township, Kirtland, and Mentor, OH. If you are interested in implant dentistry, contact our dentist today!
