For those who are missing a tooth, here are several reasons why a tooth implant is recommended:
A missing tooth can affect how a person chews and speaks.
If not replaced, the teeth around the missing tooth can move. This will not only affect the bite, it can also put more stress on the jaw joints.
Teeth that have drifted or tipped can become harder to clean. This can put them at a higher risk for gum disease and tooth decay.
It is possible for bone loss to occur around the tooth that is missing.
A missing tooth can also affect the way an individual looks.
While a tooth implant is now considered one of the best options to replace missing tooth, not much is still known about it. For instance, what’s the approximate tooth implant cost? What is the procedure like? When is it considered the best time to get one? Are you a good candidate for the procedure?
If tooth implant is an option for you, it is ideal that you know all the basics so you can really gauge if it is indeed the right option for you. This article will explain the basics of an implant procedure and if you are a suitable candidate.
Are you a good candidate for tooth implants?
Generally, you are considered a good candidate if:
You are in good health. Some illnesses especially chronic ones might slow down the healing process and hinder the successful placement of the tooth implant.
You have enough bone in your jawbone to support the implant. If there is no sufficient bone in your jaw, it is still possible for you to get an implant. However, you might need to undergo another process known as bone grafting to ensure your jaw will have sufficient bone to support the implant.
You don’t smoke. In some cases, chewing or smoking tobacco has been known to increase implant failure rate significantly.
You can commit to regular dental visits. In addition, you also need to have and adhere to a good oral hygiene.
Patients who have had radiation therapy done to the neck or head area will have to be evaluated on a case-to-case basis. People who have other significant medical issues need to check with their dentist so they can get expert guidance.
Are dental implants painful?
Many people who have received dental implants reported very minimal discomfort during the procedure. Since local anaesthesia is used during the procedure, most patients report the procedure was less painful than tooth extractions. After the procedure, a mild soreness or discomfort may be felt. However, it can be easily remedied using over-the-counter pain medications.
What is the success rate of dental implants?
Understandably, a few factors can affect the success rate of dental implant. In many instances, it would depend on where in the jaw the implants are placed. Generally, dental implants have a massive success rate of 98 percent. In addition, if it is looked after properly, dental implants ccould last a lifetime.