Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth. If you have missing or badly broken teeth, you can have a solid, non-movable solution that functions the same as your own teeth. A dental implant is a titanium post that can replace your tooth root. Implants provide a strong foundation for fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth that are made to match your natural teeth. It is surgically placed into the jawbone beneath the gum line that allows your dentist to attach replacement teeth or a bridge into that area. An implant does not come loose like a denture can.
Dental implants also benefit general oral health because they do not have to be anchored to other teeth, like bridges. They also help preserve the bone in your jaw, unlike a denture, which causes your jawbone to recede.
What Are the Advantages of Dental Implants?
There are many advantages to dental implants, including:
- Improved appearance. Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. And because they are designed to fuse with bone, they become permanent.
- Improved speech. With poor-fitting dentures, the teeth can slip within the mouth causing you to mumble or slur your words. Dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that teeth might slip.
- Improved comfort. Because they become part of you, implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.
- Easier eating. Sliding dentures can make chewing difficult. Dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain.
- Improved self-esteem. Dental implants can give you back your smile and help you feel better about yourself.
- Improved oral health. Dental implants don't require reducing other teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does. Because nearby teeth are not altered to support the implant, more of your own teeth are left intact, improving long-term oral health. Individual implants also allow easier access between teeth, improving oral hygiene.
- Durability. Implants are very durable and will last many years. With good care, many implants last a lifetime.
- Convenience. Removable dentures are just that; removable. Dental implants eliminate the embarrassing inconvenience of removing dentures, as well as the need for messy adhesives to keep them in place.
How Successful Are Dental Implants?
Success rates of dental implants vary, depending on where in the jaw the implants are placed but, in general, dental implants have a success rate of up to 98%. With proper care, implants can last a lifetime.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
In most cases, anyone healthy enough to undergo a routine dental extraction or oral surgery can be considered for a dental implant. Heavy smokers, people suffering from uncontrolled chronic disorders, such as diabetes or heart disease, or patients who have had radiation therapy to the head/neck area need to be evaluated on an individual basis. Healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant are important factors in the evaluation for implants. If your bone is too thin or soft and unable to support an implant, you may require a bone graft. Or if there is not enough bone height in the upper jaw or the sinuses are too close to the jaw, you may require a sinus lift.
Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Dental Implants?
In general, most dental insurance plans do not cover dental implants. However, some dental plans may cover implants. Coverage under your medical plan may be possible, depending on the insurance plan and/or cause of tooth loss. Detailed questions about your individual needs and how they relate to insurance should be discussed with your dentist and insurance provider.
Next Post: We’ll discuss what’s involved with getting a dental implant, any discomfort with getting them, and how to take care of implants.
Dr Craig P. Aebli, DDS, MS, FAGD has been restoring dental implants for over 25 years. He is located at Oakport Dental in Sanford, FL (407)323-5340
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