Dental implants are one of the best ways to replace lost and missing teeth. The results of a successful dental implant will provide an individual with a replacement tooth that looks natural and that will last for a long time. The benefits that are offered by dental implants make it a good choice but it is not always perfect.
Dental implants are very expensive when compared to other dental restorative procedures. A dental implant can cost between $2,000 and $4,000 a tooth. A complete dental implant procedure will run $30,000 or more. That is a significant investment for anyone that is considering it. There are some cheaper alternative. Dentures and dental bonding are not as expensive, but they do not provide the results that a dental implant will. If a person can afford to have dental implants done, it is the best option.
Dental options have a 98% success rate when they are done by a qualified dentist or dental surgeon. The procedure is relatively safe and it carries few risks and side effects. A person may experience some pain, discomfort and swelling after the procedure, but that should subside in a few days.
When you talk to dental surgeons about why some people have dental implants that fail, they will often put at least part of the blame on the patient. This is not because they don’t think they can do any wrong. The real truth is that if the patient does not follow the proper aftercare procedures, the implants are more likely to fail.
Immediately after the surgery
When the dental implant procedure is performed, the titanium implant is put into place. A cover screw is placed over the implant to protect it as the gum and bone heal. It can take up to 6 months for the bone to become integrated with the implant. It will also take time for the gum tissue to heal and to form a bond with the implant. If everything goes right, a person will be able to get their temporary crown and their permanent crown put into place. It will be strong and secure, but the total recovery time can be 8 months or more.
During the healing time, a person will be eating and will be doing things they normally do. During this time, it is essential for the individual to keep the implant area clean and free of any dirt particles. They also need to eat only soft foods for seven days and to be careful about disturbing the stitches that have been put into place.
A person should brush and floss their teeth to keep the area clean. If the area around the implant is not kept clean, it could cause an infection which could cause the implant to fail. Another common cause of failure is smoking. If a person does smoke, they should refrain until after their implant has healed.
Long term care
A dental implant that is done properly can last 40 years. The crowns that are put into place can last 10 to 15 years. The care for the implant is no different than for the natural teeth. Brushing and flossing are important and regular visits to the dentist for professional cleaning are also a good idea. When a person does this, they can look forward to a great smile for many years to come.
