Are you a good candidate for dental implants?
You must be in good general and oral health. Sufficient bone in
your jaw (to which the implants are attached) is crucial. Also,
persons who are free from gum disease (periodontal disease) make
even better candidates for dental implants. Smokers are reported
to have lower success rates, so discuss that with your dentist.
A good prospect needs to be committed to
thorough oral hygiene and plan on regularly scheduled visits to
their dentist. If you are wanting to replace missing teeth, crowns
and bridges are options, but dental implants are a more permanent
solution. For some, implants give a natural looking and natural
feeling smile. Your dentist will do a full evaluation to determine
if you are a good candidate and then refer you to a periodontal
specialist for the procedure.
Dental implants are quite innovative and are highly successful.
They can be a lifesaver for someone who has been in an accident
and experienced facial trauma. Dental implants are actually fused
with the jaw bone, so it’s nearly impossible
to damage or remove them. Implants are sometimes used to anchor dentures. Bone
loss stops completely when dental implants are set in and decay cannot damage
them. Implants are made from titanium, so when they are placed surgically below
the gums, they naturally fuse with bone, making them a permanent fixture in your
mouth. Implants can also serve as a foundation for replacing individual teeth
or for a bridge or a denture. Facial appearance and actions such a biting and
chewing can be much improved by having dental implants.
I am sure you have heard it said that word of mouth is a powerful tool, right?
(No pun intended!) Before making a decision on dental implants, talk to others
who have already had their surgery in the same clinic or office in which you
plan to have yours done. Make sure your dentist is reputable and has a good track
record by contacting the American Dental Association.
Once the research is done, cost comes to mind. Is there such a thing as free
dental implants? Unfortunately, not only are dental implants not free, they are
cost-prohibitive for some and insurance usually doesn’t cover the procedure
since it is looked upon as a cosmetic surgery. Cost of a dental implant can range
from $1,200 to $5,000. The surgery is very time consuming, the materials used
are pricey and the doctors who perform the surgery have had specific training.
Thus, the cost of dental implants is high. If a clinic claims to give free dental
implants, be wary. You’ve heard the old saying, “if it sounds too
good to be true, it probably is”. If you still decide to go forward with
implants, it is possible to finance them over time. Consider them an investment
since they will last a lifetime when they are done correctly. Just make sure
to do all the research prior to making a decision.
After surgery, you may experience slight discomfort for a short period of time.
Your own teeth need good dental care at home and your implants won’t be
any different. They are similar to your natural teeth, brushing and flossing
are still a must!
Insurance specifically for dental implants is available with most insurance companies,
but the problem with that is the length of time you may have to wait to have
your implants done. The insurance company might offer dental implant coverage
under your regular policy, but you might have to be on the policy for an entire
year prior to having surgery. In addition, if you have any condition requiring
implants before signing up for the policy, they won’t cover the implants
at all. Don’t sign up for implant surgery until you’ve thoroughly
researched your dental insurance policy.
