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Truth About Dental Implants 101 | All About Dental Implants

Dr. Silverman • Sep 16, 2019

If you are missing teeth, dental implants can be a great way to get back the smile you want. Here is everything you need to know about dental implants.

dental implants

Did you know that about 69% of adults aged 35-44 have lost at least one permanent tooth? The main reasons for this include accidents, gum diseases, failed root canals, and tooth decay. Each year, about 100,000-300,000 dental implants are placed on some of these patients.

If you have missing teeth , you should get dental implants as soon as possible. It’s one of the best things that ever happened to dentistry. After all, they are a better choice compared to bridges and dentures.

Are you ready to learn how dental implants can benefit you? Read on and find out more today.

What Are Dental Implants?

At its core, dental implants are metal posts usually made from titanium. Dentists surgically implant these into your jawbone. After finishing the procedure, your bone will begin growing around the implanted metal.

With this, implants give a more effective means of supporting your replacement tooth. Once the implant becomes stable, the dentist can now mount a permanent tooth. The best part is that the tooth will not shift nor slip around inside your mouth, no matter what you do.

One implant can give solid support to more than a single tooth. What this means is that you don’t need to get more than one to replace multiple teeth.

Advantages of Dental Implants

When you lose teeth, why should you get dental implants instead of other dental procedures like bridges and dentures?

Let's look at some reasons below. Here are some advantages that you need to consider:


  1. Improved Appearance Dental implants will look and feel like your original teeth. It can blend since dentists can make them have a matching natural color. They’re also made to become fused with your bone, making it a permanent solution that can last your lifespan with little to no maintenance.
  2. Improved Speech With a dental implant, you can talk without worrying that your teeth slip out. It’s one of the major drawbacks of using dentures, especially if they are poor-fitting. That means you’re less likely to slur your words or end up mumbling.
  3. Better Eating Habits If you use dentures, you might find chewing hard since they can slide. But with a dental implant, it’s like having a second set of real teeth. That will enable you to eat without experiencing pain.
  4. Improved Confidence With a dental implant procedure, you’ll get your natural smile back. In most cases, this can help you get back the confidence you need to excel in life.
  5. Better Durability Implants can last many years due to their excellent level of durability. If you take good care of them, they can even last your entire lifetime.

Who Qualifies for Dental Implants?

If you’re healthy enough for dental extractions and oral surgeries, you’re qualified for the different types of dental implants. You must have healthy gums and enough bone. This ensures that it can hold the implant securely.

You also need to commit to regular dental visits and have good oral hygiene. In most cases, if you have chronic disorders like diabetes, you need regular evaluation. It also applies to the following conditions:


  • Heavy smokers
  • Heart disorders
  • Radiation therapy patients

The best way to know whether a dental implant procedure and which types of dental implants are best for you is to ask your dentist. Don’t hesitate if you’re considering it for the betterment of your dental health.

Does Insurance Cover Implants?

Right now, a dental implant procedure won’t get covered by most dental insurances. It’s possible to get coverage using your medical plan. It will depend on the type of insurance plan as well as the cause of losing the tooth.

What’s the Dental Implant Procedure?

The dental implant procedure starts by developing a treatment plan especially for you. A team of professionals will prepare it, giving coordinated care depending on the option that works best with your situation.

They will put the tooth root implant into your missing tooth’s bone socket. When the jawbone starts healing, it will grow around the metal post. It becomes anchored in the jaw, and it usually takes about 6-12 weeks to heal.

As the implant bonds to the jawbone, they will attach a connector post. This will hold the new tooth as soon as the dentist makes it from your teeth impressions. They make a bite model, which will show your teeth’s type and arrangement.

To finish off the dental implant procedure, they will attach the replacement tooth to the connector post. Your dentist will secure it within your jawbone. The result is that the teeth will look, feel, and work like your real teeth.

Is a Dental Implant Procedure Painful?

Fortunately, a dental implant doesn’t involve a lot of discomforts. You can use anesthetics, and it won’t hurt as much as a tooth extraction process. Once you’re done, you can treat the mild soreness using regular pain medications.

Also, keep in mind there are different types of dental implants. Each one handles differently, from the procedure to the after-care period.

What After-Care Treatments Should You Do?

After the procedure, you need to maintain your dental implant. It’s like your real teeth, meaning it needs the same type of care. This includes brushing, flossing, and regular rinsing with the use of antibacterial mouthwash.

Most of all, you need to get regular dental check-ups. That way, you’ll know whether you need other dental treatments. It’s also a great time to ask your dentist about how to improve your dental health.

Get an Implant Today!

Dental implants are great if you want a solid solution to restore your smile and improve your oral health. If you’re still on the fence about whether you should get a dental implant, this guide might be the push you need.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to a great dentist for help. We encourage you to contact us today and let us help you out. We have the right set of skills and equipment that can help bring back the beauty of your smile.

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