Dental implants are safe and feasible options to replace lost teeth, acting as synthetic teeth that get surgically placed in the jawbone. Dental implants (Sutton Coldfield and beyond) can be removable or permanently attached; however, they’re still a real commitment. This means that it’s helpful to do your research and consult a dentist before you embark on the procedure. As a starting point, though, detailed below are just some of the things you should know before getting dental implants.
The Associated Expenses
As with most forms of dental treatment, dental implants can be very expensive. Therefore, it’s of the utmost importance that you understand the associated expenses of dental implants. For instance, the cost of dental implants will vary from location to location, and the type of implant will also be an affecting factor. Read this excellent post on why dental implants are so expensive. If you’re familiar with the expenses involved, this will provide you with a better foundation to plan your payment. For instance, some clinics offer flexible payment options, meaning patients are able to spread the cost of their payment to make it more manageable.
The Procedure Itself
Dental implant surgery is a multilayered process in which multiple sessions are required. This will all depend on the level of your treatment also. For instance, if patients require bone grafts for the implants to be placed, they’ll need further sessions. Regardless of the extent of the patient’s individual needs, the implants will be allowed to settle into the bone, ready to heal and integrate with the jaw. Following this, the patient will receive their customized teeth.
The Advantages and Disadvantages
As with any procedure, dental implants aren’t without their advantages and disadvantages. For instance, dental implants can pose the following risks:
- Nerve damage
- Bleeding
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Sinusitis
- Allergic reaction to the implants
- Infection
While all these complications are possible, they’re highly preventable. For instance, if you go to a reputable dentist and make sure you carry out good oral hygiene, you can be quite confident that these problems won’t prevent themselves. In fact, with the help of a reputable dentist and a proper oral hygiene routine, dental implants can last upwards of 25 years.
The Healing Process
Recovery from dental implants can span anywhere from five to eight months, so it’s important to prepare yourself for a lengthy recovery time regardless of what happens. When you follow the dentist’s instructions carefully, though, you’re more like to experience a shorter recovery time of around five months. This often means eating soft foods and avoiding smoking as you want to do all you can to reduce the likelihood of the implant being affected.
The Maintenance Process
As with your natural teeth, it’s of great importance that you take care of your dental implants. This means flossing twice daily and regular brushing. In carrying out these tasks, you should opt for dental floss that’s made for implants or just unwaxed tape. Meanwhile, a soft-bristled brush will be better suited to dental implants than a harder-bristled one. What’s more, a non-abrasive toothpaste will help minimize the damage that’s inflicted on dental implants, allowing for the maintenance of appearance. Similarly, most dental practices offer a professional deep-cleaning service, meaning patients can pay for a professional deep clean if need be.
Your Dentist’s Experience and Credentials
You might think that a dentist is a dentist and that anyone with dentistry qualifications can carry out every dental task. Despite this, dentists will have their specialisms, meaning it might be worth going that one step further and hunting for a dentist who specializes in dental implants. This way, you’re more likely to be presented with the best results.