Considering Dental Implants? Ask Yourself These Questions
Cherrywood Dental • March 10, 2018
Moving forward and committing to tooth replacement with implants is a big decision. Dental implants will restore your smile and leave you satisfied with long term results that can last you a lifetime.
Is a dental implant the right option for you? Ask yourself these questions!
Am I a likely implant candidate? Will I need to take steps to prepare for implants?
To determine if you’re a candidate for a dental implant, consider whether you may benefit from any of these steps prior to implant placement. Our providers will answer any questions you have about what might be ideal for your treatment plan.
Bone Grafts.
If your bone mass cannot adequately support a dental implant, you may need additional bone grafted to your jaw so that the implant will be able to properly fuse to the bone. A bone graft requires several months to heal before receiving the implant.
Periodontal Treatment.
If poor gum health was the cause for your tooth loss, you will need to receive periodontal treatment to remove infection and treat periodontal disease so your implant can be surrounded by healthy gum tissue.
Excellent Oral Health.
Your oral health must be in good shape to receive an implant without complications.
Will my insurance cover implants or provide any assistance?
Most dental insurance does not include dental implants as a covered benefit. Insurance providers typically cover a portion of the required extractions and diagnostic steps that can be necessary before getting a dental implant, and steps to prepare you for your implant, such as bone grafts.
Before you begin treatment, have our offices check with your dental insurance provider so you can most accurately estimate your out of pocket costs.
Am I feeling less confident due to missing teeth?
If you’re missing a tooth in a place where it’s easily visible, it can easily affect your self esteem and your smile. With dental implants, you can replace entire missing teeth without resorting to removable restorations and bridges that may leave you feeling unnatural.
Do I often struggle to eat comfortably or speak properly?
After going years with a missing tooth or multiple teeth, it’s easy to forget what it’s like to speak or chew with ease when you had all of your natural teeth. Replacement teeth will renew your ability to do so and make daily activities easier by removing frustrations.
Am I aware of the benefits of implants vs. more conservative options like bridges or partials?
The long term benefits of dental implants outshine more conservative options like a bridge which can be more cost effective.
The top benefits of a dental implant are:
- Implants feel just like a natural tooth, making you more confident in your restoration and the way it functions
- There’s no risk of food and bacteria causing decay on an implant which improves your long term oral health
- Implants allow you to chew, bite and speak the exact same way you did with all of your natural teeth
- Implants are typically the most cost-effective tooth replacement option in the long run, saving you time, effort and money
Implants can be more expensive upfront, with longer healing time, but in the big picture, a dental implant is a better option for tooth replacement in most patients because it is a long term solution.
Am I interested in a more involved restorative treatment if it yields a greater payoff?
Many patients are nervous about the surgical procedure involved with dental implants, and this causes them to first look to other tooth restoration options with quicker healing periods. But dental implants preserve your health by:
- Protecting bone density
- Improving periodontal health
- Reducing the risk of cavities
- Preventing denture-related issues
- Stopping teeth from shifting
Am I invested in caring for my implants properly, during the recovery period and in the years to come?
After your dental implants are placed, you go through a lengthy healing period. There are some implant care steps to take in order to reach the place of implant success including:
- Keeping your mouth clean to prevent infection or complications
- Eating recommended foods, like foods that are soft and nutrient rich liquids
- Getting plenty of rest to allow your body to properly heal
- Following your personal care instructions from Cherrywood Dental
Do I know which type of implant might be best?
Feeling overwhelmed by all of your implant options? Don’t stress! Cherrywood Dental is happy to help you get all of the facts on your tooth restoration options. It’s helpful to do research on your own, but nothing will be as personal and productive as scheduling a complimentary implant consultation!