Dental implants are used to replace a broken or decayed tooth that cannot be fixed with a root canal or crown. This durable, modern solution for lost teeth that restores the look, feel and function of your smile. However, before you book an appointment to get an implant, you should find out if it’s the best tooth replacement treatment option for you. Dr. Amy Marckese of DentalSpa Indy presents five questions to ask when considering implants.
1. How will a dental implant benefit my oral health?
A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth made to fill in the gap left by a lost or missing tooth and should feel and function like a natural tooth. Although replacing missing teeth may seem like simply a cosmetic concern, having a gap in your smile could actually endanger your oral health.
Dental implants replace the root of the missing tooth, helping the surrounding tissues remain in the proper place. After the natural tooth is extracted, the metal implant is embedded into the jawbone. Afterward, the implant is capped with a crown that is designed to match your surrounding teeth. Your implant will help keep teeth from shifting or bone tissue from deteriorating.
2. What happens if a missing tooth is not replaced?
When a tooth is lost and not replaced, you may experience difficulty chewing foods leading to poor nutrition. It’s a fact that most healthy foods like fruit, vegetables and nuts require more chewing than less healthy choices like ice cream, cake, brownies, etc. Furthermore, jawbone tissues may erode faster, increasing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease and destabilizing neighboring teeth. These teeth may shift, causing an uneven or unstable bite. The loss of jawbone can lead to regression of the mouth, causing a sunken-in appearance.
3. How long do implants last?
Implants are made of strong materials that are resistant to decay and designed to fit better, so the jawbone heals faster. Because they are surgically implanted in the jawbone, dental implants can last for decades with proper care. The crown may need to be replaced due to normal wear and tear, but the implant screw itself can last many, many years. Make sure you visit DentalSpa Indy or your area dentist for regular check-ups to make sure your implant is still functioning correctly.
4. How much do implants cost?
Although implants have become a popular dental treatment, many dental insurance plans still do not cover the full cost. In some cases, medical insurance may cover some of the expense depending on the reason for the implant. Although amounts vary based on location and the dentist, implants, crowns and related dental work can be costly.
However, many patients that have received implants feel that they are well worth the cost as they are indistinguishable from natural teeth and do not require special maintenance or regular replacement like other options. Your dentist can provide a written treatment plan outlining all of the costs, appointment schedules and follow up checkups. Also, ask about the type of implant used and why it’s the best choice for your needs.
5. What is the dentist’s experience with implants?
Before scheduling an implant procedure with your area dentist, find out the dentist’s experience, such as: What additional training have they had with implants? Are they board certified in oral and maxillofacial surgery, periodontics or prosthodontics, or received any other special training?
Dental Implant Dentist in Indianapolis, IN
For a consultation with Dr. Amy at DentalSpa Indy to see if implants are the right step for you, call 866.486.0230 or schedule online.