Getting new teeth can be nerve-wracking. You have known some of these teeth longer than some of your best friends. They are yours. That is why you should take dental implants seriously and why a good dental professional will too.
If you have decided that dental implants are the right choice for you with consultation from a dental professional, there are likely a few questions that you have in the back of your head about what will happen in the front of your head (your mouth!). So let’s talk about some of the most common questions that arise about dental implants!
How Could a Dental Implant Improve the Condition of Your Oral Health?
It is tempting for sure to think that you might not even need a new tooth after whatever reason for it’s loss (decay, accidents, etc). You might have no tooth in a certain place, so what?
The mouth and jaw are actually more delicate than you think. A full mouth of teeth act as a foundation, each tooth in place bracing the ones next to it. When a tooth falls out for any reason, the rest of the teeth may start to shift. When teeth shift, your bite pattern can change, which may be uncomfortable. Shifting teeth can also lead to new problems like further tooth decay. A lost tooth can change the shape of your jaw. For example, if you lose a back tooth, the bone can deteriorate causing the jaw to look different.
Another reason that may be considered: a lost tooth can affect your mental health, especially if you are someone who has previously worked hard to straighten your teeth (for example, through years of costly braces). Losing a tooth can throw off what you look like to yourself which can in turn cause a change in the mental view that you have of yourself. We know that there is a very real link between tooth health and mental health, and everyone should keep that in mind when thinking about dental implants in Greensboro.
How long will it take for my dental implant to heal?
So, you have decided to get a dental implant to replace a lost tooth. You are likely wondering if it will take a long time to heal. When you get your implant, you are likely going to have surgery performed to set the implant. Afterward you are going to have an initial healing period of 1 to 2 weeks. This is the time when the swelling will go down and any bleeding will subside.
When you have successfully completed the initial healing period, you have a longer period called osseointegration. This fancy word refers to the period of time when the titanium dental implant permanently bonds to the jaw bone. This can take anywhere between 3 to 6 months.
Once you have healed, you are ready for your new tooth crown. This takes a single visit and is non-invasive. Your new tooth will be bonded and screwed into the implant.
Each case is obviously different and your dentist will help you understand healing.
What Precautionary Measures to Take After Having a Dental Implant?
Taking care of your dental implants is crucial, especially since proper care can help them last for a lifetime.
Some of the recommended care tips are the same as if the teeth were biologically your own. You should maintain a regular brushing schedule of twice a day with a soft toothbrush. Flossing is also crucial to keep debris from getting lodged near the dental implant (which could cause decay of the nearby teeth).
A tip that is particularly important for implants is to avoid foods that are very sticky or hard. These include things like: caramel, hard candy, very chewy foods, some raw vegetables, dried fruit, etc.
Properly taking care of your teeth as if they were real is truly the best way to keep your implants for the rest of your life. Also, don’t forget regular dentist visits for cleanings!
Why do dental implants cost so much?
Great question. Dental implants cost so much primarily because it is a surgical dental procedure that is meant to last a lifetime. The average cost is about $4,800 for a single implant. Most of the costs will go to the actual procedure. The costs usually also include everything else like the visit as well as materials.
The factors that affect the price vary from the dentistry you visit, to the materials, to the type of dental implants you need. Either way, you should know that a good experience is very important. With a good dentist and proper care, your implant should last for the rest of your life!
Here at Devaney Dentistry, we offer implant options for those looking to get their smile back. We have a compassionate, knowledgeable staff that will walk you through the entire process so that you can make the most informed decision you can about your dental implant journey.
