Dental implants are commonly used for tooth replacement. Still, many dental patients may be unfamiliar with this prosthetic device. Here are a few questions and answers about dental implants:
How are dental implants installed?
Dental implants are biocompatible metal rods or screws that are drilled into the jawbone of the dental patient. The placement of a dental implant is usually performed in an outpatient dental setting.
Can the dental patient chew with the dental implant immediately after installation?
Dental implants require a healing process in order to become stable inside the jawbone. This process, which is called osseointegration, usually takes place within two to four months of implant placement. Once an implant is firmly in place, a connector and dental crown can be added to restore the patients ability to chew.
How much do dental implants cost?
The price of a dental implant for a single tooth is between $1,000 and $3,000. However, $500 to $3,000 may be charged for the abutment and dental crown.
How many dental visits are needed for the placement of a dental implant?
Only one dental visit is required generally.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are designed to last as long as a natural tooth would. Thus, they should last the lifetime of the patient.
Is there anything that can cause a dental implant to fail?
There are multiple reasons that a dental implant can fail. Here are a few:
Smokers
Smokers are more inclined to implant failure due to poor circulation at the site of the wound and a delay in the healing process. In addition, smoking can irritate the soft tissues that help the bone hold the implant in place.
Unstable Blood Sugar
Dental implants can also fail due to poor maintenance of blood sugar. Diabetics who have unstable blood sugar may have more susceptibility to the development of dental infections. In addition, the healing of the wound may be delayed. Still, diabetics with stable blood sugar have implant success rates that are comparable to those of people who are not diabetic.
Teeth Grinding
The grinding of the teeth can also loosen a dental implant and cause it to fail. Bruxism, which is the term used to describe the nightly grinding of teeth, can be detrimental to a dental implant. However, the use of a mouth guard can help protect the implants as well as the patient's other teeth.
A dental implant may be a suitable option for your tooth replacement. However, to ensure that you are a good candidate, schedule a consultation with a dental clinic, such as the Vegas Dental Experts.
Share3 March 2016
When the bottled water craze began, I jumped on the bandwagon with everyone else who was drinking water from bottles instead of from the tap. I wasn't sure why bottled water was healthier, but I liked the taste. When I went for my next dental check-up, I had my first cavity in a while, so I had it filled and didn't think much of it. Well, I had two more during my next check-up after that, and I began trying to think of why my teeth were suddenly going bad. The only change in my habits was the switch to bottled water, so I made the switch back to tap water and my teeth began to improve. I created this blog to encourage others who have begun getting cavities suddenly to look into their changes in habits. They may find they made a change similar to mine.