Do you have missing teeth? Are any of your chompers cracked or chipped?
You may be wondering if you're a good candidate for teeth implants. Many patients find these are a comfortable, effective alternative to other options like dentures or bridges.
What are the advantages of dental implants, and would they be a good fit for you? And how about all-on-4 teeth implants? What makes this new development in cosmetic dentistry significant?
Here's what you need to know.
1. The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants may seem like a big investment at first. They're generally more costly than bridges or dentures, and having them fitted can take some time. Yet patients with implants find the payoff makes this option much more attractive.
Dental implants look and feel like regular teeth. They are also quite durable and can last a lifetime. Compared to dentures, which will last for a decade at most, dental implants can be a good value.
After your surgery recovery is over, those with implants can return to eating regular foods. With treatments like dentures, you'll need to stay away from some of your favorite snacks, including nuts and candy.
Dental implants can help restore bone health, as the bone loss becomes much less likely. Implants can also ensure that your speech won't be affected.
With dental implants, you won't have gaps between your teeth that will cause food to get stuck and plaque to begin building up. Your chances of developing gum disease will get reduced, and your overall oral health will improve immediately.
2. All-On-4 Teeth Implants
Normally, dental implants are inserted with a screw that acts as a tooth root. The crown, or false tooth, is then attached to the screw.
With all-on-four implants, your dentist will insert four posts into your jawbone and attach a permanent denture at each of these areas. Many folks like them because they can replace all of their teeth with only one surgery in one day. The procedure also doesn't require any grafting.
If you're considering all-on-4 implant surgery, your dentist will begin by giving you a regular exam that includes X-rays. You may need to get gum disease treated or extractions performed before you can begin preparing for implants.
Your implants can then be mounted under local anesthesia. Depending upon the condition of your mouth, your denture could be fitted the same day. If it can't be, you may get a temporary denture.
If you need to return again, your prosthesis can get mounted anywhere from three to six months later. You'll need to eat only soft foods for about three months, and full recovery can take up to eight months.
3. Good Candidates For All-On-4 Dental Implants
Your dentist will let you know if you're a good candidate for all-on-4 dental implants.
Generally, people with missing teeth along their dental ridge or most teeth missing will be good candidates. They will need to have enough of a jawbone structure and sufficient gum tissue to support the dental implants.
Before any type of implant procedure, you'll also need to be in good enough health to undergo general surgery. It's also best to be a non-smoker, as you're strongly encouraged not to smoke after surgery.
4. Finding the Right Dental Implant Surgeon
Your dentist may be able to recommend a dental implant surgeon, or you may need to do some research on your own.
You'll need to find a local dentist, as you'll probably be returning to them several times during the course of your implant treatment. Go online and look over reviews to see what former patients are saying.
When you find a local dentist who seems to be getting good reviews, call them up and ask for at least three references you can speak to about their experience. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
Was the dentist professional and knowledgeable? Did the treatment go smoothly and successfully? Were there any unexpected costs or fees?
Make sure you get estimates from at least three local cosmetic dentists before you decide on one physician. Remember that the cost of your surgery can vary depending on the complexity of our case as well as your geographical area. You should, however, be confident that the price you're being quoted is reasonable for your condition and where you live.
5. Affording Dental Implant Surgery
All-on-4 dental implant surgery can be an investment, so it's important to learn about your affordability options before you get treatment.
While your health insurance may not cover cosmetic dental surgery, your dental insurance may be able to cover at least some of the cost. Make sure you speak with your benefits advisor or insurance representative before considering surgery.
Your employer may also offer a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) that you can take advantage of. These accounts allow you to put aside a certain amount of money each month that you can use for medical expenses, including dental surgeries, co-pays, and vision care. The advantage is that it is tax-sheltered so you'll get to keep more of what's in your paycheck.
The main difference between an HSA and an FSA is that an HSA is owned by your employer and offers greater flexibility. You'll be able to roll over anything you don't use from year to year.
Get Chompin'
If you have missing or chipped teeth, implants can restore your beautiful smile and get you eating your favorite foods in no time. For many, teeth implants provide the effectiveness and comfort they need to get started on a healthier lifestyle.
Don't stop improving your dental health now. For excellent cosmetic dentistry in your area, contact us today.
