Are Dental Implants Right for Me? Many reasons can result in the loss of teeth, such as trauma, cavities, and decay which are the most common among a long list. With numerous advancements in the dental field, different solutions have been developed to help reduce the effects of missing teeth. Dental implant placement is one of the many mitigating options dental experts prefer since it resembles natural teeth if installed by a dental expert. At Raptou Family Dental, Dr. Raptou and conduct a comprehensive assessment before recommending implants to ensure that every patient meets the threshold required for a successful implant placement procedure.Advantages of Dental ImplantsA person with missing teeth is at risk of incurring a significant bone mass loss, altering the facial structure as well as their aesthetics. Dental implants feel and look just like natural teeth in terms of size, shape, and shade, making them perfect for rectifying any appearance issues that result from gaps in the jaw. Dental implants also infuse well with the jaw making them a preferred option over other cosmetic procedures for missing teeth. Speech usually relies on a complete set of teeth to prevent slur or mumbling when uttering words. Poorly placed dentures or partials are also a risk to a patient since they can slip off, affecting mouth-related operations. Consulting a dental expert like Dr. Raptou and guarantees a successful installment that does not risk an individual's speech. Improved comfort is also one of the perks that come with having dental implants placed since they are a permanent solution instead of removable dentures or partials. In addition, the similarities of these dental appliances with natural teeth enhance a patient's self-esteem by giving you the opportunity for a better and more complete smile. Dental implants do not require the removal of a patient's teeth like supporting bridges usually do. Instead, a patient can remain with the surrounding teeth that they still have, enhancing oral health, especially with the easy access during cleaning. This improves their durability and reduces the inconvenience of constantly having to remove dentures. Dental Implants vs DenturesMost people with missing teeth often opt for dentures since they are easily placed and removed at will without any difficulty or surgical procedure. However, there are many reasons why you should opt for dental implants over dentures. First, dentures and partials are not permanently installed, meaning that they can easily be knocked out in the case of trauma or merely going about your normal day to day oral functions. Although dental implant placement involves several intricate procedures such as jaw drilling and screws for support, the entire process is painless due to anesthesia. A dental surgeon also will prescribe sedatives for the patient after the procedure to help with any mild discomfort that you may experience a few days after surgery. On the other hand, dentures and partials provide an easy way out for dealing with missing teeth because they are easily removed and placed without the need for consulting a dental expert. However, this can lead to further damage, especially if a patient goes for long periods of time without them. Dental implants do not pose such risks since they are permanently installed to fuse with the jaw, preventing further complications. Poorly placed implants can risk the patient's well-being, and it is advisable to consult our team of dental experts at Raptou Family Dental for an in-depth assessment to determine viability. Who is a Candidate for Dental Implants?Many people, knowingly or otherwise, qualify for dental implants. Dental implants are currently the most ideal, long-lasting form of dental replacement. The implant itself consists of a tiny screw which serves as the root of the tooth, to hold it to the gums. An approximation of a tooth, known as a crown, is then added on top of the screw. This helps to recreate both the appearance and overall feel of the tooth. In the years since its development, dental implants have become a common and straightforward procedure, regardless of how badly a tooth is decayed. What Qualifies Someone for Dental Implants?One of the biggest qualifications for a dental implant is that it can only be placed in bone that has ceased growing. This means that surgeries for those under 18 will likely not even be considered, as their mouth and jaw are still developing. Furthermore, the overall health of the patient is taken into account and is also one of the top factors in deciding if a dental implant is for you. A dental implant is a procedure that will require healing, and diseases like cancer, diabetes, or other diseases of the mouth or jaw might slow down the healing process and expose the patient and their teeth to infection. Another factor that is taken into consideration is whether or not the patient has enough bone for the implant. If not, this does not completely disqualify you. You might need to have a bone graft procedure first before the dental implant can be implanted. Overall, implants are a fantastic long-term solution for tooth loss, and will likely last you for years and years to come. One final consideration would be that dental implants are not for those who use tobacco or other related products. Tobacco products slow the healing speed of the mouth and can further open you up to infection and disease if you have the procedure done. As such, our team will ask about your medical history before any surgery is approved or conducted. Benefits of Dental ImplantsThe mouth is a balanced ecosystem of sorts, and it is thrown out of order when there is a missing tooth. As such, further damage to other teeth, or to the jaw itself, may occur if a missing tooth is left untreated. Dental implants serve as an easy to clean, permanent, and life-like replacement option for your teeth. If you want to know more or if you want to plan a dental implant placement, please contact us here at Raptou Family Dental by calling (614) 427-0449 today. |
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