Missing a tooth? Well, a smile makeover with a cosmetic dentist, like the ones at Macleod trail dental, can change all that.
A dental implant is put in by a cosmetic dentist when a patient loses a tooth. When you consider visiting a cosmetic dentist, like the ones at Macleod trail dental, he/she will carefully examine your mouth and teeth.
You might have heard about dental implants and how useful they can be in replacing missing teeth. However, everyone is not a good candidate for these strong, life like tooth replacements. Here are some important points you need to know about dental implants before you want to replace the gaps, or the awkward dentures and replace them with artificial, permanent and natural looking dental implants.
Dental implant or dental implant surgery is a surgical procedure that replaces damaged or missing tooth roots and teeth with artificial teeth that looks and functions like natural teeth. It replaces the root of your teeth with metal and screw like objects, to anchor the teeth firmly. The implants fuses with your jaw bone and is a nice alternative to cases where bridgework does not fit well, or at times when the root of a tooth is missing.
When should you get a dental implant?
Dental implants are placed surgically on your jaw bone; once they are placed they function as the roots of missing teeth. Dental implants may be the right fit for you if:
- You have one or more tooth missing but cannot or you do not want the bridges or crowns
- To prevent a larger problem that might grow due to an extraction of a tooth
- Have jaw bones that have reached full growth
- You have enough bones to do the procedure
- You are looking forward to improve the speech.
- You want to improve on the way you look.
What are the advantages of dental implant?
Dental implants come with a host of advantages including:
Help you to improve your appearance: A dental implant looks like your natural tooth and since the implant gets fused with your jaw bone, they become permanent so you might not look awkward with a missing tooth or teeth.
Improves your speech: Missing teeth can cause a mumble or slur while speaking. Dental implants can prevent the slip and allow you to speak smoothly.
Help in easier eating: You might have noticed how difficult it is to chew any food if you have a tooth or teeth missing. Dental implants function as your own teeth and are instrumental in proper chewing of food.
Better your oral hygiene: Dentists do not require reducing other teeth, like they do in tooth supported bridgework. Since much of the tooth is left intact, dental implants improve oral hygiene.
Dental implants are more durable: Typically a dental implant is very durable and can last for many years and if you take good care then dental implants can last for a life time.
More convenient: Once you have successfully got a dental implant, you do not have to remove them and you can eat, floss, drink and even sleep with your dental implants.
How to prepare for dental implants?
Dental implants are a surgical procedure so just like any surgical process dental implants will require a thorough evaluation. Make sure that you consult a proper specialist before going for a dental implant. You can check out Dental Implants Toronto for a good clinic. Dental implants takes time so be prepared to have that time in your hands. Smoking, especially heavy smoking can cause impediments in having a successful dental implant so smokers beware! Most practitioners will require you to quit smoking before the implant and during the healing process. General Health is also a key factor which facilitates speedy recovery, so ensure that you discuss with your practitioner if you have diabetes or any immunity related diseases like HIV.
Your oral and maxillofacial surgeon along with other specialists might require you to undergo a set of evaluation process like:
Complete dental X ray : You will be required to take a comprehensive dental X-ray and have 3D images done to make a model of your teeth and jaw and also to determine the how much jaw bone you have. Bone loss is a common reason why some people are not considered good enough for dental implants.
Examination of your medical history: Your dental surgeon will review your medical history and conditions before going for a dental implant. You should consult with your dentist and tell him the prescribed drugs that you might be taking including the supplements. Do not forget to let him know about any kind of drug allergies and other heart conditions so that your doctor can prescribe proper antibiotics.
Treatment Plan: As mentioned earlier dental implant is a procedure, and will not get over in a day or so. Dental implants will take time to heal up so you have to plan a visit with your doctor and undergo regular check-up. Time is required to let the implant and bone merge together so frequent check up is a must. Even after the implant, regular check up is necessary for the dentist to evaluate whether the implant is staying healthy and free from complications.
Are dental implants covered in health insurance?
Generally dental implants are not covered by dental insurance. However, your medical plan may provide the coverage, in such cases, it all depends upon the insurance plan that you have taken and the cause of your tooth loss.
How much does a dental implant cost?
Dental implants are growing popularity among people who have lost a tooth or teeth. The cost of an implant depends on a lot of variables like (a) the practitioner who might be doing the implant. (b) Materials used (c) Number of implants needed. (d) Laboratory costs. Since there are so many variables, it is difficult to give the exact cost unless you consult a proper dentist. According to authoritydental.org a single tooth dental implant can cost anywhere between $1000 and $3000 in USA. The abutment and crown can range between $500 and $3000 so a complete dental implant may cost around $1500 and $6000. This is an average estimate for your dental implant. The cost includes dental implant surgery and some associated charges, however, the actual cost may vary depending upon your circumstances. Multiple implants will attract higher costs.
Dental implants are a good investment towards your oral hygiene. Although there are pros and cons to this process, dental implants have a very good success rate and if you take proper care, it should last a life time. Insurance companies are currently considering the long term benefits of dental implants and are taking into account to provide coverage towards the cost of such kind of surgeries.