Millions of people lose natural teeth to causes like decay, gum disease, and injuries. Losing your teeth is more than just an aesthetic concern. Once a tooth is extracted, there is a fast decline in bone mass, and the remaining teeth may shift out of position. Dentists always recommend considering restorations as soon as the surgery/extraction site heals. If you want a permanent solution to replace missing teeth, dental implants are your ideal choice. In this guide, we will talk about Philadelphia dental implants through a series of questions.
Are dental implants replacement teeth?
No, a dental implant is not a prosthetic tooth. instead, it is a replacement root made of titanium that’s placed and drilled into the jawbone. Some dental implants are also placed over the jawbone. The implant post is then used as a base to fix the restoration.
Will getting dental implants hurt?
No, the procedure of getting dental implants doesn’t hurt, as the dentist or oral surgeon will use local anesthesia. Some patients may benefit from sedation, and if you have dental anxiety, you can discuss sedation choices with your dentist.
Why do some patients need a bone graft?
Bone grafting is often considered a pretreatment for dental implants for patients who have lost significant bone mass. If your dentist feels that you don’t have enough bone to hold implant posts, they will suggest getting a bone graft, which is a simple procedure.
How long does recovery take?
If you don’t require pretreatments such as bone grafts, you should recover from implant surgery within 12 to 18 weeks. Once the implants are placed, bone growth will secure the posts, and this can vary between patients.
How do implants replace missing teeth?
Your dentist will discuss restoration options with you in advance. Standard choices include implant-supported crowns, bridges, and dentures. Bridges are preferred when you are missing two or more teeth in a single row, but implant-based bridges don’t require preparing natural teeth, as the crowns are fixed to the implant posts. Dentures are used to replace many missing teeth, and dentists can now replace all teeth using just four implants. Crowns are ideal for patients missing just one tooth.
How long do dental implants last?
Implants can last a lifetime, provided you follow oral hygiene habits and see your dentist every six months. As we discussed earlier, implants become a part of the mouth and are made of titanium. However, the restorations on implants will need replacement after some time. Generally, restorations like crowns, bridges, and dentures placed on posts last for a decade or more, depending on the material used.
Is there an age limit for getting implants?
No. Seniors and young adults can get implants easily, provided they have enough jawbone. However, your dentist will do a complete oral exam and order X-rays and 3D images to determine if you are an ideal candidate for the procedure. Your current health condition, whether you smoke or have other concerns like diabetes, are also relevant factors.
Are dental implants expensive?
Compared to traditional restorations like dentures and bridges, implants are expensive. However, the treatment is one of the safest ways to replace missing teeth and prevent bone loss, and the price is worth paying. Even if your insurance doesn’t cover the costs, you can ask the dental clinic for repayment plans that you can follow.
Always select a dental clinic in Philadelphia that has qualified and reputed dentists. If you recently had one or more teeth extracted, schedule an appointment soon to get bespoke advice for dental implant surgery and other aspects. You can also learn more about the procedure.
