Dental implants are a shining example of the amazing progression made in the dental industry in recent years, and have made it possible for millions of people worldwide to build a smile that they love. Many people have heard of dental implants in passing, but might not be informed on exactly what they are. Continue reading for more information on dental implants and a thorough comparison of the pros and cons.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a titanium device that is placed directly into the bone in order to replace a missing tooth in the mouth. The titanium device is selected by the dentist or oral surgeon to fit perfectly inside the patient’s bone to most closely mimic the structure of a natural tooth.
Placing the implant into the bone provides a close imitation of the way a natural tooth sits in the bone, which helps prevent the degeneration of bone. Once a tooth is removed from the mouth, the bone that once surrounded the tooth begins to recede, and when allowed to progress, the bone loss has the potential to cause the looseness or eventual loss of other teeth in their entirety. It is for this reason that it is important to preserve bone structure, and dental implants provide the perfect solution.
How Are Dental Implants Placed?
The procedure behind placing dental implants may seem a bit intimidating and complicated at first, but with the treatment and guidance of a skilled dental professional, the process of getting a dental implant can be simple and relatively painless.
Before beginning treatment, a 3D bone scan will be conducted in order to determine if the patient has enough bone structure to hold a dental implant. If the dentist is confident in the bone’s ability to support the placement of an implant, the patient will be scheduled to return for the placement procedure.
The dentist makes a small incision in the gums and places the implant in the bone. Dental implants are screw-like devices with ridges that ensure a sturdy placement that will not budge. A healing cap is placed over the top of the implant, and after a brief healing period, the patient will return to have a crown placed over the implant. The crown is designed to perfectly mimic a natural tooth, and once the crown is placed, the tooth that has been restored using implant technology is virtually impossible to recognize with the naked eye.
Pros vs Cons
Implants are an excellent treatment option for those who are candidates, but like with most treatment options, there are pros and cons to consider when contemplating having implants placed in the mouth. Below is a detailed recollection of some of those pros and cons to help you decide if having an implant placed is right for you.
Pros
- Prevents bone loss
- Mimics natural tooth
- Can last a lifetime if properly placed and cared for
- No damage or work needed to be done to adjacent teeth
- Fills missing space in mouth
Cons
- Requires drilling into the bone
- Invasive placement surgery
- Can be costly if not covered by insurance
- Extensive healing period
Going forward with the information you learned here, you will be able to better understand dental implants. If you have a space in your mouth that you wish to fill or a broken tooth that you wish to correct, speak to our in-house dentists and oral surgery experts to determine if dental implants are a good treatment option for you. At New Hyde Park Dental, Dr. Gregory Bangiyev and Dr. Artur Bababekov will ensure that you are as informed on the subject as possible, and will help design a treatment plan that works best just for you.
