Want to discover if oral implants are for you? Your top 5 FAQs answered
Before undertaking anything new, it is natural to have questions.
While the internet is an invaluable resource to have questions answered, it can also be a place where lies or myths surrounding certain procedures and treatments accumulate. Of course, sometimes it is easy to see through these fallacies, but if a person is venturing into a treatment or procedure that is new to them, such mistruths can act as a deterrent.
As the world of cosmetic dentistry continues to expand, more myths are starting to surround procedures. This prevents many, who would benefit both mentally and physically, from having the procedures performed, causing them to feel insecure in themselves and unable to go forward with improving their quality of life.
One of the most misunderstood and misrepresented of all of the cosmetic dental options is the oral implant. Useful for filling gaps and restoring functionality, dental implants in Melbourne offer a double benefit to those having them fitted!
Curious to learn more? Of course, you are! The 5 most commonly asked questions about oral implants are listed below, with simple, jargon-free answers.
How to Get Dental Implants and Does having them fitted hurt?
Getting a dental implant is simple nowadays, thanks to the advancement in technology. All you need to do is consult a healthcare professional — someone from clinics like North Cardiff Dental and Implants — who can walk you through the pre-surgery process, which begins with a full examination of your mouth and jaw to see if you are a good candidate for the surgery. This is ideally followed by getting a measurement of your dentures and implants.
Coming to the next question about pain, it is quite subjective and difficult to answer.
Many people who have had oral implants fitted have reported a sensation similar to an oral extraction around the site the implant is fitted. However, typically, this is controllable at home with over-the-counter painkillers.
If a patient has recently had a fitting and has an excessive level of discomfort, they should contact their dentist immediately.
Who is suitable for an oral implant?
Most people are considered candidates for oral implants if they have good overall oral health and sufficient jawbone quality and quantity. Those who have any kind of cavity or tooth decay in their mouths, on the other hand, may need to first undergo specific procedures recommended by doctors, such as dental root canals, before opting for an oral implant.
While those who smoke or drink alcohol may also be suitable, these habits can shorten the lifespan of the implant by creating inflammation of the gum line and other secondary issues.
How long do they last?
Cared for correctly with good oral hygiene habits and with the elimination of unsuitable lifestyle choices like smoking, oral implants can last upwards of 40 years.
Other factors, such as age, overall health and certain medications (such as immunosuppressants) may impact the lifespan of implants too, so if you have any concerns about longevity, talk to your dentist.
Aren’t they really expensive?
No two fittings of oral implants are exactly the same and as such, many dental surgeries are wary about quoting exact prices before meeting the patient.
However, almost every dental surgery that offers oral implants also offers a payment plan or financing option to suitable patients. This allows patients to break down the cost of this procedure into affordable, monthly chunks, making the overall cost an irrelevance; you won’t be asked to pay upfront!
Is there any specialist aftercare required?
In a word, no.
This rings especially true if the implants are fitted properly by an experienced dentist, such as the ones found on https://serphomeliving.com/dental/best/texas/hurst/. In cases like this, oral implants require the same care that natural teeth do.
Of course, certain lifestyle factors may need eliminating to ensure that any fitted implants remain in place, and are also healthy and fully functional.
Disclaimer
All dental treatments carry potential risks. This article is not a substitute for a check-up with your dental practitioner.