In many ways, dental implants are one of the greatest investments you can make into your future well-being. With that in mind, asking your implant dentist plenty of questions before choosing this treatment as your preferred tooth replacement is especially important. Not sure where to start? Check out these top 5 questions that can help solidify whether this treatment is the best one for your smile.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Before you embark on this major investment, it’s important to know if this treatment is right for you. Luckily, dental implants are a smart decision for almost any patient who’s missing teeth. Only in extreme circumstances of tooth or bone loss do we require that patients undergo preliminary treatments like bone grafting or sinus lifts. Even in these cases, most experienced implant dentists are able to complete these treatments in their office within one or two appointments.
What is my dentist’s experience with dental implants?
When it comes to placing dental implants, experience matters. Rather than choosing a dentist just because they offer the lowest price, choose an implant specialist who has hundreds of cases under their belt. When doing your research, look for continuing education courses that focus on oral implantology, oral surgery, or periodontology. Asking for before and after photos of previous cases is another excellent way of exploring your prospective implant dentist’s experience.
How long do dental implants last?
One of the major reasons why patients prefer dental implants is because of their longevity. With proper care and regular visits to the dentist for professional cleanings, it’s not unheard of for dental implants to last for decades. In the off-chance damage occurs to the dental implant, it often happens to the crown or restoration. This can be easily corrected with a quick visit to the dentist and doesn’t require that the full implant be replaced.
Are there any risks with dental implants?
Like any other surgery, placing dental implants comes with risks. Peri-implantitis (infection at the implant site), as well as chronic conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, untreated osteoporosis, alcohol consumption, and smoking, can all contribute to implant failure. Successful, experienced implant dentists can reduce these risks by being thorough before and during the implant procedure. They’ll also provide patients with a post-surgery recovery plan to keep your smile as healthy as possible and reduce the risk of failure.
How will dental implants improve my life?
Dental implants go well beyond replacing missing teeth. From strengthening jaw bone density to improving self-confidence, dental implants improve almost every aspect of a person’s well-being.
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