26 Sep Important Factors to Consider Before Getting Dental Implants

Here’s an alarming statistic: at least 100% of adults and 75% of children the world over suffer from tooth decay. Fortunately, there’s dental implant surgery—one of the best options available for those patients with missing teeth. 

If you’re a candidate for dental implants, it is important that you take into account all the crucial factors so you’ll be able to gauge if it is indeed the best option for your case. For instance, are you aware how much a dental implant surgery costs or what’s required for long-term dental implant success?  

Figure out if dental implants is the best option for you by keeping in mind the following key factors:

Cost

How much is the typical dental implant cost? The usual dental implant cost can range from $800 to $6,000 per tooth. Check with your insurance company if it’s covered. Otherwise, you would need to pay for the procedure yourself.

Procedure

Oftentimes, dental implant surgery will start with the removal of damaged or decayed teeth. If required, your dentist might also perform jawbone grafting. Your dentist will often choose implants that match your teeth. 

Once placed, you will have to wait for a few months for the implant to fuse with the jawbone and heal. You will also need to meet your dentist several times for check ups, until the final tooth replacement.

Experience

Dental implant surgery is a lengthy procedure that can be costly compared to other procedures. With that in mind, the importance of working with a competent dentist you can completely trust cannot be overstated.

In line with this, do your research accordingly. It would also be a good idea to ask family members and friends for seasoned dentists they can recommend. Once you’ve found a dentist you can completely trust, take time to interview them.

Once you find prospects, gauge if they are the right dentist to work with by asking the following key questions:

• What is your level of training? 
• How many dental implant procedures have you done so far?
• What is your success rate?
• How long will the procedure take?
• Am I a good candidate for dental implants?

Of course, your prospects will always put their best foot forward. To ensure you work with the best, check if their claims are true. You can also ask about their educational background or any awards they have received. 

In addition, make sure you are comfortable with your chosen dentist. Keep in mind that a dental implant procedure is not a one-time thing so it is crucial that you have a dentist you feel at ease with. 

Pros and Cons

Just like most surgeries, dental implants also have certain risks and may even lead to possible complications. Fortunately, dental implant complications are very rare. The risks on the other hand are also very minimal and can easily be addressed.

One of the most prevalent complications of dental implants is infections. This is especially possible if you do not observe proper post-surgery care. Other possible factors that can cause infection to develop include misalignment and allergic reaction to the material used.

If anything, dental implants are considered a long-term fix that can last for many years. The implants can feel and look like real teeth which means you can talk and eat normally like you would using your natural teeth.

Dental Health

Prior to getting dental implants, consider improving your oral health. The better it is, the higher your chances are of having a successful dental implant procedure. Observe good oral hygiene at all times. Brush and floss regularly and visit your dentist on a routine basis.