What You Should Know About Dental Implants

Because your teeth are designed to last a lifetime, they are covered and protected by the enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. However, severe tooth decay, trauma, or an underlying disease may cause you to lose one or more of your teeth. Dental implants are an excellent cosmetic dentistry option that permanently replaces missing teeth. Although different restorative techniques for the replacement of missing teeth are in existence, none is nearly as effective, durable, or secure as the implants.

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made of titanium that is surgically introduced and placed into your jawbone. After the titanium screw or cylinder fuses with and anchors in the living bone, it forms a strong foundation to which a crown, bridge, or denture is attached. Titanium is well-tolerated by the living tissues. Rejection and inflammation are rare.

The entire procedure is usually completed between three to six months to allow the implant site to heal and bond with the bone. A local anesthesia is usually applied during the procedure.

The success rates of dental implants are promising at 90 percent to 95 percent. With proper oral or dental hygiene, the implants may last a lifetime.

Dental implants are not for everyone. To be a good candidate, your gums must be healthy and the amount of your jawbone must be sufficient to support the implant. A bone graft may be required if an additional bone material is needed. Smoking can severely slow down the process of tissue healing, increasing the chances of implant failure. Heavy smokers are strongly advised to undergo a smoking cessation program before the procedure is considered. Those with uncontrolled or chronic diseases must consult their physician and cosmetic dentist to determine if dental implants are safe for them.

The exact cost of dental implants depends on the type of implantation, the skills of the dentist, location, and the materials used. Dental implants are considered elective procedures and are not covered by most dental insurances. Contact our Boston area cosmetic dentistry office for more information on dental implants and other cosmetic dentistry treatments such as dental veneers and teeth whitening.