Just the Facts: What You Need to Know about Dental Implants.

Americans are increasingly aware of the importance of good dental care, but despite their best efforts, tooth loss can become a problem with age. As consumers weigh their options to restore a full, healthy set of teeth, an increasing number are looking less at traditional bridges and dentures, and more at dental implants.  

Here is some good information for you to know about dental implants.  Consider these numbers from the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID):

• According to prosthodontists, more than 35 million Americans are missing all their teeth in one or both jaws
• The number of Americans with dental implants now tops 3 million, and is growing by 500,000 a year
• The market for dental implants (in the U.S. and Europe) will exceed $4.2 billion by 2022
• The success rate for dental implants is more than 98%

What Are Dental Implants?

WebMD defines dental implants as follows:

"Dental implants are replacement tooth roots. Implants provide a strong foundation for fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth that are made to match your natural teeth."

So, now you know what dental implants are, and that more and more people are choosing them over other options—but are dental implants right for you?  You need to know the key facts about dental implants to help you make an informed decision, starting with what their advantages are.

What Are the Chief Benefits of Dental Implants?

More people are choosing dental implants because of the advantages they offer, including the following 7:

1. They'll improve your appearance:  because implants are designed to look and feel like your natural teeth, they improve your overall appearance and build your self-esteem.  They're also permanent, and because they fuse with bone, they prevent bone loss.
2. They'll improve your speech:  unlike dentures, implants don't slip or shift.  This means you won't be slurring your words or mumbling, enhancing your speech—and building your confidence.
3. They're more comfortable:  implants don't need to be removed, which makes them a more comfortable (and convenient) option.
4. They make eating more efficient and easier:  whereas dentures can make it difficult to bite or chew certain foods, implants will let you confidently eat the same foods you did when you had your own teeth.
5. They add to dental health:  when you get bridges, it's often necessary to reduce surrounding teeth to support the new bridge.  This isn't necessary with dental implants, which means your existing teeth remain intact, and that improves your overall oral health.
6. They last:  implants are designed to be extremely durable and will typically last for many years.  If you take care of your implants properly, they can last for the rest of your life.
7. The procedure is relatively painless:  many patients report that getting implants (which is done under local anesthesia) is less painful than a typical tooth extraction.  After you've received your implants, you can control the small amount of discomfort you feel with over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or Motrin.

How Do I Know Dental Implants Will Work for Me?

Dental implants work for virtually every patient.  In fact, they're among the most successful of all dental procedures, boasting an impressive 98% success rate.  As noted above, they're also very durable, especially if you practice good care, which includes regular brushing, flossing and rinsing with a good antibacterial mouthwash, as well as regular dental checkups. 

If you're a heavy smoker or have a chronic health condition like heart disease or diabetes, you should consult with your dentist to ensure implants are right for you.

Will My Insurance Cover the Cost?

In most cases, dental insurance does not cover the cost of implants currently.  You might, however, be covered under your medical insurance plan. 

To find out your insurance options, you should consult with both your dentist and your insurance provider.  In addition, the best dentists will offer flexible dental financing plans to help you afford your new implants. 

Conclusion

Among the most important decisions you'll make is your choice of the dentist who will perform your implant procedure.  William Linger, DDS, MAGD, is a full-service dental practice where we focus on comprehensive cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry in the heart of Charlotte. 

We remain committed to making you dental care both comfortable and convenient and use the latest technology and sedation dentistry techniques.  If you are looking for a reputable and compassionate dentist in Charlotte, contact us today.