If you have lost all or a few of your teeth to advanced gum disease, decay, or injuries, you need to talk to your dentist about restoration options. Dentures, dental implants, and bridges are some of the common options, although, in recent years, the popularity of dental implants has soared significantly. If you are considering dental implants Glen Oaks, NY, here are three essential things to know.
A dental implant is not a replacement tooth
The first thing to understand is the very nature of dental implants. A dental implant works like a tooth root and is placed inside the jawbone. It then becomes the foundation for your replacement teeth. There are several ways to replace your missing teeth with implants. If you have lost one tooth, you could get a crown, while for two to three lost teeth, a dental bridge works better. You also have the option of implant-supported dentures that can replace an entire set of teeth on one or both jaws.
Getting dental implants involves surgery
Unlike removable dentures, which can be designed and adjusted within two to three appointments, replacing your teeth with dental implants will take time. If you have lost bone mass, the first step is to do a bone graft, which can take time to heal. Even with dental implants, you will have to wait for at least 6 to 12 weeks to get your replacement teeth. This is a time-consuming treatment, but the good news lies in permanence. Once secured in the jawbone, dental implants remain in place and do not need any additional care.
Dental implants have several benefits
When you get a dental bridge, the adjacent healthy teeth must be buffed to make room for the crowns that are on both ends of the bridge. That concern is not valid with dental implants. Abutments or connectors are used to secure the bridge. Compared to usual dentures, implant-supported dentures don’t move around in the mouth and offer better comfort while eating and chewing. The success rate of dental implants is 97%, and as long as you qualify for the procedure, there are limited risks.
However, as with any surgery, you will have to discuss the pros and cons with your dentist. Overall, dental implants offer a much better and more advanced way to restore your smile, and the high upfront cost is worth paying for. Ask your dentist if you need a bone graft.
