So, you’re thinking of getting dental implants?
Many of us often wish our smile was a little brighter, a little straighter or could just be improved in some way. In our quest for the perfect smile, the option of dental implants can sometimes come up. However before starting any treatment, let alone a surgical one, no matter how minor, it’s important to do your research to find out if the treatment will be right for you. In this case – are dental implants for you?
Why You May Need Dental Implants
To start, we need to talk about what dental implants are actually used for. Dental implants are a treatment that’s used for replacing damaged or missing teeth. This may be caused by any number of reasons including disease or trauma. They provide an alternative to other dental treatments such as bridges and crowns. Due to their ability to support more than one prosthesis, they could even be a suitable replacement for denture.
So, what is a dental implant? How do they work? Well, there are two parts. The first part is a small screw that is incorporated into the mandible (that’s the jawbone). The screw is made of titanium and is known as the implant. The implant’s purpose is similar to that of the root of a natural tooth. It is used to hold the tooth in place. With a natural tooth the root holds the crown in place. Whereas with dental implants the implant holds the tooth prosthesis (the part that looks like a tooth) in place. Something you might not have known is that one titanium implant in the jawbone can hold a prosthesis which looks like one or many teeth.
Where To Get Them And What To Look Out For
So, you already know it’s important to do your research to ensure dental implants are the right treatment for you. So if you want to go ahead with dental implants, then an Implant Dentist is your best option. While there are benefits to dental implants there are also risks involved. The best way to make sure you’re making an informed decision is to speak to a reputable Implant Dentist and have a thorough consultation beforehand. In the consultation a good dentist will be able to go over the results you want to achieve and what implants would be best, the type of implants that are available, the risks involved, your dental habits and history and whether dental implants really are the best treatment for you or whether a different treatment would be best.
These consultations are important because with dental implants, a one size fits all approach just wont work. A consultation will ensure your treatment package is designed specifically for you. One way to make sure dental implants are tailor made for your mouth is by creating a 3D model of your jaw with a CT scan. This scan and model lets the dentist recreate the surgery you’ll have before you choose to go ahead with it. They’ll be able to show you on the computer what techniques and implants they’ll use and bring that to life with the 3D model. If there are any amendments that will be needed or if alterations need to be made to the process you’ll be able to discuss these with the dentist before the real procedure even begins.
Still Thinking of Getting Dental Implants?
Lets recap! You’ve thought about dental implants and decided they’re for you. While the suitability, results and success of dental implants can vary depending on your circumstances and expectation, what doesn’t ever change is the need to do your due diligence before starting. Do your research on the implants and do your research on where to get the treatment done. This is vital to make sure you still want to show off your new smile when you get it!
