Smiling confidently can truly be a game-changer, but what if missing teeth are keeping you from showing off your beautiful smile? Enter dental implants, the revolutionary solution that has transformed countless lives. If you’ve ever wondered how dental implants work and how they can help you regain your smile and confidence, this comprehensive article will be your guide.
How Dental Implants Work?
Losing a tooth due to an injury or disease can not just be a painful experience but also affect your self-esteem and may stop you from appearing in public.
Dental implants are composed of a small titanium post that integrates with the jawbone and gives a solid and permanent foundation for a custom-made dental crown. This pairing replicates the shape, size, and coloration of natural teeth, resulting in a seamlessly integrated restoration.
The procedure, performed by our skilled dental surgeons, involves the surgical placement of the implant into the jawbone and the subsequent creation and attachment of the dental crown, resulting in a complete and functional replacement for a missing tooth. This process allows you to enjoy restored dental function, from full eating capacity to proper speech.
In comparison with traditional dentures or bridges, dental implants stand apart in their longevity and natural look and feel, providing you with a discrete and long-term solution for tooth loss. With their ability to improve both the dental function and aesthetics of an individual’s smile, dental implants represent a game-changing advancement in dental restoration.
What Are The Benefits And Risks?
Dental implants have become a popular alternative to traditional dentures and bridges for those seeking to replace missing teeth. There are many benefits to it but they also have some associated risks and complications.
Benefits
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Give A Cosmetic Appeal
Tooth loss or crooked teeth can make you conscious of how you look. A dental implant can replace your lost teeth and give you your smile and confidence back, improving your self-esteem and cosmetic appearance.
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Prevent Bone Loss
When a tooth is absent, the jawbone in that area gradually deteriorates because it lacks stimulation. If a dental implant is not placed within the first year after tooth loss, the bone in that specific area can experience a reduction in volume by approximately 25%.
A dental implant helps the jawbone from shrinking, restores chewing, and stimulates the area to promote bone growth.
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Last A Long Time
Dental implants last for up to 20 years, as compared to dentures which only last for around 10 years, making them a cost-effective investment in your long-term oral health.
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Provide Support To The Adjacent Teeth
The absence of a tooth may lead to neighboring teeth shifting into the gap, potentially resulting in issues when chewing and biting. This gap can disrupt the functioning of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and affect your appearance. Opting for a dental implant can offer stability and bolster adjacent teeth, preserving their function.
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Improves Oral Health And Quality Of Life
Traditional dentures and bridges can contribute to the deterioration of the jawbone and surrounding teeth. Whereas, dental implants stimulate bone growth and anchor the implant into place, preserving the strength and stability of the surrounding teeth. Plus, good oral health because of dental implants leads to a better quality of life.
Risks
While dental implants are generally regarded as safe and boast a high success rate, it’s important to be mindful of certain associated risks. These risks include
- Infection at the site of dental implant
- Damage to blood vessels or nerves that surround the implant
- Implant failure or rejection
- Sinus problems if upper jaw implants protrude into the sinus cavities,
- Complications related to the anesthesia used during the procedure
Other potential risks include gum recession, bone loss, and the possibility of needing further dental procedures such as bone grafting or soft tissue augmentation. It’s important to note that these risks are relatively rare and can often be minimized with proper planning, thorough evaluation, and skillful surgical techniques.
What Dental Implants Look Like?
Dental implants consist of three main components: the implant fixture, abutment, and dental crown. The implant fixture is usually made of biocompatible titanium, and it serves as the artificial tooth root, securely anchored into the jawbone. The abutment, crafted from either metal or ceramic, links the implant fixture to the dental crown, serving as a connecting link between the implant and the visible portion of the tooth replacement. The dental crown, typically made of porcelain or ceramic, is tailor-made to match the shape, size, and color of the neighboring natural teeth.
Our dental implants are made of materials that align with the international consensus standards of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) or ASTM International. The material mostly used is titanium or zirconium oxide but may also use other materials depending on the individual needs.
Dental Implants Vs. Dentures And Bridges
Dental implants are considered a more advanced and effective tooth replacement option than dentures and other alternatives. While dentures are removable, imitation teeth that sit on the gums and require adhesives to stay in place, implants are surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots. This stability allows for a more comfortable and secure fit, and they also feel and function more like natural teeth.
Other tooth replacement options, such as bridges, rely on support from nearby healthy teeth, leading to possible harm and weakness in those teeth. Since implants stimulate the jawbone, they can help prevent bone loss, whereas dentures can expedite bone loss, leading to other dental problems. The downside to implants is the higher cost of the procedure compared to dentures and other tooth replacement options.
Overall, dental implants provide more benefits than other tooth replacement options and are a worthwhile investment for individuals who want a long-lasting, natural-looking solution to tooth loss.
Are Dental Implants Covered By Insurance?
Short answer, sometimes.
Dental implants come under cosmetic dentistry and most insurance plans do not pay for cosmetic surgery. Dental insurance plans mainly cover the costs of preventive care like x-rays and cleaning.
However, some insurance plans may cover the cost of high-ticket dental procedures like implants and root canals but there may be a waiting period for it. It’s best to read your insurance policy to see how long the waiting period is and the dental procedures they will cover for you.
How We Consult?
To determine if dental implants are the right choice for you, it’s crucial to schedule a consultation with your dentist or oral surgeon. At Arvada Dental Center, our dental surgeons conduct a comprehensive assessment of your oral health, including a thorough examination of your teeth and gums, as well as an evaluation of your bone density and quantity. This evaluation may involve utilizing X-rays and computer tomography scans (CT scans) to ensure there’s adequate bone structure for implant placement and to determine the precise location for placement.
Depending on the condition of your teeth, your oral hygiene, and your willingness to stick to the post-treatment care, we will recommend the most suitable treatment plan for your specific situation. In some cases where there’s insufficient bone or gum tissue, additional procedures like bone or soft tissue grafts may be required, or smaller diameter implants, often referred to as mini implants, may be considered.
We will also discuss an estimate of the overall treatment duration, the number of appointments you need, and what you can expect before and after each procedure. Throughout the consultation, we will explore choices for local anesthesia (to numb the affected and neighboring regions) and, if necessary, delve into the topic of sedation dentistry. Additionally, the estimated cost of your dental implant treatment will be outlined, keeping in mind that costs can vary depending on the chosen treatment approach and other factors.
Choosing Arvada Dental Center For Your Dental Implants And Restoration
We at Arvada Dental Center take pride in our expertise and ability to make you feel confident and smile like never before. Along with a thorough consultation for dental implant surgery, we also specialize in rejuvenating failing dental implants. We’re equipped to assist you in addressing or preventing peri-implantitis through advanced laser gum surgery and dedicated periodontal maintenance. In cases where preservation isn’t possible, we offer top-tier implant replacements.
Our skilled team is committed to rejuvenating your smile to its former radiance through a personalized treatment approach!
