The Comprehensive and Unadulterated Dental Implants Guide

While most adults start out with 32 permanent teeth, the CDC found that the mean number of teeth adults have is somewhere between 23 and 27. In other words, plenty of adults lose at least a few teeth in their life.

In the past, our options were limited to gaping holes that led to further dental issues or removable dentures.

Now, dental implants allow us to replace individual teeth with permanent or removable fixtures that look and feel just like our real teeth.

If you're considering dental implants but want to know more about the process, read on for our dental implants guide.

Dental implants are synthetic tooth roots made from titanium or titanium alloy. They are fixed to the jawbone in the space where a tooth has fallen out. The jawbone grows around the implant as it heals so that the implant becomes fixed.

Once the implant has healed, they act like a tooth root for the replacement tooth.

There are two types of dental implants that dentists often use. The first is permanent, meaning you will not be able to remove it after it has been attached. The second is removable.

Why Dental Implants are Better Than Dentures

Dentures are removable fixtures made up of more than one replacement tooth. They slide in and out of your mouth for cleaning purposes but this means that they may become loose when you don't wish them to be. This can result in difficulty eating as well as slurred speech.

Dental implants, even when removable, are much sturdier than dentures. They are designed to match your natural bite as well as the color of the surrounding teeth, which means they're unnoticeable and comfortable.

Dental implants don't require reducing or filing surrounding teeth. This process can weaken tooth enamel and put pressure on the roots of your healthy teeth, causing dental issues down the road. Dental implants do not come with these negative side effects.

Now that you know what dental implants are, let's talk about the process of getting them.

Who Can Get Dental Implants?

If you have healthy gums and maintain good oral hygiene, you are likely qualified for dental implants. However, certain medical conditions require that dentists evaluate patients on an individual basis before proceeding with dental implants.

Smokers, diabetics, and people who suffer from heart disease fall into this category. These conditions may present complications during the dental implant process. For example, certain types of diabetes cause a delay in healing as well as an increased risk of infection.

Ultimately, your first step is to make an appointment with a dentist who specializes in dental implant work. They will decide if you are a good fit for the procedure.

Dental Implants Procedure

Your dental professionals will create a specialized treatment plan. The first step is to implant the replacement tooth root in the bone socket where your permanent tooth has fallen out. The jaw bone must heal around it before the next steps can be taken, which tends to take six to twelve weeks.

Installing the Abutment

Once the jaw bone has healed around the implant, your dentist will create an abutment (or connecting post) to attach to the implant. The abutment will hold your replacement tooth in place.

Creating Your Custom Replacement Tooth

Your custom replacement tooth will likely be designed the same day your abutment is installed. To create the tooth, your dentist will take an impression (or mold) of your mouth to construct a realistic model of the way your teeth naturally come together.

Then, the replacement tooth will be cast and set in this model so that it fits perfectly with the rest of your teeth. That means it won't be too wide for the hole it is going into or tall enough to disrupt the look and feel of your natural bite.

This new tooth (or crown) will then be attached to the abutment.

Caring for Dental Implants

Once the tooth root has healed, you will not have to worry about recovery time. Most patients report that the healing process is low on the pain scale and, as long as you follow your dentist's recovery instructions, uncomplicated.

It's imperative that you care for your dental implant the way you are supposed to care for the rest of your teeth. That means flossing and brushing to avoid harmful levels of plaque buildup.

You should also visit your dentist every six months so that they can check on the way your implant is settling in and provide a thorough, full oral cleaning.

If dental implants are not cared for properly, they can develop deposits that are deteriorative. These deposits can lead to an infection in the inner gum surrounding the implant. They can also lead to bone deterioration, pain, and bleeding.

When cared for properly, dental implants can last several decades. Many patients will find that they last for the rest of their lives.

Dental Implants and Insurance Coverage

Most dental insurance does not cover dental implants. However, your medical insurance might cover some of the costs. Talk to your insurance provider about the procedure and the source of your tooth loss to find out if you qualify.

We also offer 0% interest on our extended payment plans, making it easier for you to get the dental care you need now.

If you think you may qualify for dental implants or want to know more after reading our dental implants guide, we'd love to help you out!

Located in Laurel, Maryland, we are a full-service dentist's office that offers dental implants, Invisalign, and more. Make an appointment with us today and we'll get you started on the path to improved dental health!