Your dentition can make or break your smile. When you have issues with your teeth, a dentist will recommend a solution. Sometimes, it may become necessary to get dental implants to restore your smile. If you’re considering visiting the dentist for this purpose, you should prepare by reading our valuable tips.
When Does It Become Necessary To Get A Dental Implant?
It can be embarrassing to have a gap because of a missing tooth. You need to fill it up, whether it’s due to some injury, decay, or other reasons. Dental implants allow you to function well, especially when chewing food. The space in the teeth can be pretty uncomfortable, but with the implants, you won’t have any difficulty chewing.
Another reason why doctors recommend implants is to prevent bone loss. If this happens, there’s a chance that the jawbone will continue to deteriorate over time. Implants are comfortable, and they help improve your mouth’s appearance.
They can last long, and you will use the implants for many years with care. Usually, doctors recommend it as a long-term solution compared to other tooth replacement options. They feel natural and don’t require any removal to clean since they are fixed.
Things To Consider If You’re Getting A Dental Implant
When considering a dental implant, factors to ponder include:
Bone and Gum Health
Before you get the implant, you must consider your bone quality and ensure your gums are healthy. The density of your jawbone will affect your results after the procedure. Usually, the dentist will check for this with X-rays or CT scans to see if there’s sufficient bone density.
They will also want to check your gums for infection, inflammation, or other issues. These checks are important because the process will require them to carefully expose the underlying bone when they place the implant.
Overall Wellbeing
You must share your medical history with the dentist before they begin any procedure. For instance, they will need to know if you smoke or have a history of alcohol use. Also, there’s the issue of diabetes, which can affect the healing process of the gums after the implant. Doctors also consider those who are pregnant so they don’t go through the hassles of the procedure. They may have to delay the implant for the mother and baby’s wellbeing.
Costs and Insurance
Factor in the cost of dental implants so you can plan adequately. Consider your budget before, during, and after the implant is successful. You will need follow-up appointments as well, so it’s best to see if your insurance covers them. Your insurance provider will let you know if you will need to spend additional money from your pocket to cover the expenses.
Dentist’s Experience
Ensure you do some research on the experience of the dentist you will be choosing. The success of your dental implant is higher when an experienced practitioner does it. They usually have the skill set to accurately treat you and attend to any complications that may arise. Also, patients feel more comfortable knowing they are placed under experienced hands.
Maintenance After Implant
Also, consider the next step of your care plan after a successful dental implant. The implants can only last long if you follow the guidelines suggested by your dentist. They will usually give you instructions on managing pain or discomfort due to the procedure.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, this guide has given you some insight on how to prepare for your dental implant. Remember to practice oral hygiene to maintain the confidence the implants will provide you. Also, do not disregard any instructions given to you by your dentist. If you can avoid habits that will compromise your implant’s stability, you will enjoy having them for a long time.