In the United States, it is estimated that as many as 120 million people are missing one or more teeth while a whopping 36 million people do not have any teeth at all. Thankfully, there are effective and sophisticated dental solutions for this type of problem. One such popular solution is dental implants. If you are considering getting dental implants to restore the beauty of your smile and the function of your teeth, here are some helpful answers to commonly asked questions.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
A dental implant is a titanium “screw” that goes in to your bone with a ceramic crown attached that resembles a natural tooth in many ways. We begin with a 3D digital x-ray we take in office (a cone beam/CT scan). With this we are able to measure the height and width of your existing bone in the specific area to see if a bone graft will be needed. With other digital imaging we then make a “surgical guide” which allows us to incorporate the previous 3D x-ray and give the doctor a guide on where exactly the implant should be place. Every case is different but from the time of implant placement to getting the final restoration (i.e. crown/bridge) is roughly six months.
What Are the Benefits Dental Implants?
Dental implants come with many benefits. The most important benefit is that they are as effective as natural teeth. People will not be able to tell the difference and you will have no problem with your teeth when it comes to everyday functions, such as chewing and speaking. You will find that dental implants will greatly improve the quality of your life and your confidence.
Are Dental Implants a Safe and Viable Option?
Yes. Dental implants have been around since the 1980’s and they have improved the quality of life for so many people with the ever advancing dental technology and research. Dental implants are long lasting and biocompatible with your body because of their unique titanium material which the body naturally does not reject.
In addition, dental implants have a 95% success rate, which is why they are one of the most recommended options for missing teeth. We hope that these detailed questions have helped you understand dental implants better. The good news is most people are good candidates for dental implants. Get in touch to learn more about our tooth-replacement options.