Losing one or more of your teeth can dent your confidence and impact your ability to chew, eat, and talk properly. If you are looking for a more permanent way to replace missing teeth, dental implants are the best choice, but only your dentist can take a call on whether you are an ideal candidate. If you are consulting your dentist in Cotswold, Charlotte, NC, about the procedure and treatment, here are some essential things to discuss.
The need for dental implants
What happens when you lose a tooth and don’t replace it? Besides the impact on your eating and oral hygiene habits, not replacing a missing tooth can also cause the adjacent teeth to shift in an attempt to cover the vacant space. This can cause misalignment, increasing the risk of gum disease and decay. Ask your dentist if you should consider an implant for one missing tooth.
Whether you can benefit from dental implants
That’s another aspect to talk about when you see a dentist for dental implants. With dental implants, you can restore your smile efficiently and permanently. However, in some cases, a dentist may recommend other restorations, such as crowns and bridges, depending on the position of the missing teeth. Ask the dentist if dental implants are an option for your case, and if yes, they should explain why that is better than other alternatives.
The actual procedure
If you have an innate fear of dental procedures and are worried about implants, you are not alone. More often than not, talking to a qualified and experienced dentist is all you need. Ask the dentist what to expect during the procedure, whether there are risks that you need to worry about, and how to manage your anxiety. Implant surgery is done under local anesthesia, which means it doesn’t feel any different than root canal therapy, fillings, or an extraction. However, your dentist can also recommend other options, such as IV sedation, which can help you relax better.
Pros and cons
Your dentist will usually take advanced scans of your mouth and do a complete oral exam to decide whether you are an ideal candidate for dental implants. As a patient, you should, however, ask about the pros and cons of the decision. Discuss whether you need any extra care for your implants, how long the replacement teeth will last, and if there are any additional risks that you must worry about. Some patients, especially those with heart disease, diabetes, and a long history of smoking, may not qualify for implants.
Time & number of appointments
Getting replacement teeth with dental implants can take a lot longer than traditional dentures. The treatment is divided into two segments. The first phase is when the posts are placed inside the jawbone, while the second phase begins after three to six months after the jawbone has healed. You may need multiple appointments, even after the surgery, to track the progress. As for the time for dental implant surgery, a single post-placement takes about an hour.
Costs and payment options
If your insurance doesn’t cover the cost of dental implants, you may want to talk to the dentist about flexible payments. Many clinics have different options for patients, which is a good relief. In general, the upfront cost of getting implants is high, but if you consider the benefits and the fact that implants last a lifetime, the treatment price is worth paying.
Make sure to choose a qualified dentist in Cotswold who has credible experience in implant treatment. You can also consider comparing options based on reviews and how you feel during the first appointment.