If you have one or more missing teeth and are unwilling to wear dentures, you may be happy to know that your family dentistry Upper East Side provider at Dentistry on Park can help restore your smile. Among the services offered are dental implants, an excellent alternative to other teeth replacement options for both adults and children. Dental implants are metal screw-like posts that replace missing or damaged teeth roots.
They are permanent, meaning you don’t remove them before eating and at bedtime. Like any other procedure, knowing what dental implant placement entails is best for you to make an informed decision. If you are considering dental implants, here are essential things to know.
Dental implants involve a lengthy process
Dental implant surgery is a multi-layered process, so you need to be willing and committed to several appointments with your oral surgeon. The entire process takes several months because the implant needs time to fuse to your jawbone before your dentist can place a crown to give you the look of a natural tooth. For this reason, your oral surgeon may caution against dental implants if you can’t commit several months to the process.
Benefits of dental implants
Dental implants are a popular replacement option due to their numerous advantages. One of the most significant benefits of dental implants is that they are permanent, eliminating the inconvenience of removable dentures. They are also strong since they fuse with your jawbone, so you don’t have to make any diet changes. Another main benefit of dental implants is that they restore natural stimulation, which is vital to prevent bone loss.
Therefore, besides restoring your lost teeth, dental implants prevent jawbone deterioration, a common reason why tooth loss makes one look older than their actual age.
Risks of dental implants
Dental implant placement requires surgery, and like any surgical procedure, it poses several health risks. Generally, surgical procedures may result in infection, bleeding, blood clots, and adverse reaction to anesthesia. Examples of risks associated explicitly with dental implant surgery include:
- Damage or injury to surrounding structures such as teeth and blood vessels.
- Nerve damage. This may result in pain, numbness, or tingling in your teeth, lips, gums, or chin.
- Sinus problems. If you are receiving an implant in your upper jaw, it may protrude into one of your sinus cavities during surgery.
Good candidates for dental implants
Generally, anyone healthy enough to undergo routine extraction or oral surgery may be considered for dental implants. But it is best to consult your dentist or oral surgeon to establish your eligibility for dental implant surgery. Suitable candidates should be in good physical health, and any preexisting problems should be well managed. Your dentist may caution against dental implants if you have uncontrolled chronic issues like diabetes and heart disease; these conditions can affect bone healing.
Good candidates should also have healthy oral tissues and an adequate jawbone. However, bone grafting has made it possible for individuals with an insufficient bone to receive dental implants. Another reason your dentist may advise against implants is if you are a chronic smoker or you are unwilling to commit to several months of the process. If you have one or more missing teeth, consult your dentist at Dentistry on Park to establish your eligibility for dental implants.
