The causes of damaged or missing teeth are many – injury, gum disease, tooth decay, etc., and many people are affected at least once in their lifetime. For so many years, the exclusive treatment preferences available are dentures and bridges, but due to technological development, there are modern options to choose from and one of them is dental implant. Dental implants are substitute, tooth roots inserted into the jaw to provide a firm base for natural-looking fabricated teeth. They were invented in 1962 by Per-Ingvar Branemark and can be used for the replacement of one tooth, many teeth or a whole set of teeth. Majority of them are made from titanium and are inserted through surgery.
The process starts with an in-depth consultation and series of tests, including x-ray, to assess the jawbone for suitability. As soon as the jawbone is ready, the implants are surgically placed to replace the missing tooth or teeth. After the surgery, it is important to keep follow-up appointments in order for your dental surgeon to check the healing status so that infections are prevented.
Dental implants are highly successful with a success rate of about 98% but it is advisable to consult a certified and licenced expert. Upon successful completion of the surgery, the implants will feel like natural teeth and you can eat as well as talk with them without any problem. They are durable and if properly taken care of, they can last for a lifetime, hence, they offer permanent solutions. They boost appearance, self-esteem, speech and comfort, which may not be easily attainable with old methods of treatment.
The surgery is pain-free because of the administration of the right anaesthetic, consequently, patients should not be afraid that they will pass through a lot of pain. The only discomfort that can be experienced is mild soreness after the surgery and there are medications that will handle this very effectively. Also, the post-surgery discomfort varies from one patient to another and any of them can be properly managed.
In addition, the cost implication of dental implants needs to be considered. They are far costlier than other replacement options but they last longer than all of them. Their success rate is the highest and they provide permanent solutions for patients. Consequently, if all these benefits are put into consideration, it is glaring that dental implants are still the best options. You can discus convenient payment plan with your dentist if your insurance does not cover implants.