Alexandria, VA – Are you missing a tooth or maybe a few teeth? And are you a little hesitant to smile because of it? A dental implant may be a solution for you. Dr. Heejo Han from Kenmore Family Dental Care will give a brief overview of dental implants for replacing a tooth and also touch on alternative options.
Dental implants are medical devices that are surgically implanted in the jaw to restore a person’s ability to chew or their appearance. With dental implants, you can chew, bite properly again, allow you to eat your favorite food, smile with confidence and boost your self-esteem. Dental implant systems consist of three parts: a dental implant body (which is surgically inserted into the jawbone in place of the tooth root), a dental implant abutment, and an implant crown (the artificial tooth) (Figure 1).
For replacing a tooth, dental implants have many advantages. First of all, dental implants closely mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth. They blend seamlessly with your existing teeth and you won’t notice a difference in the way they look or feel. Second, with proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them one of the most durable tooth replacement options available. Third, unlike traditional bridges (figure 2), dental implants do not require modification or degradation of adjacent healthy teeth for support. This helps maintain your overall oral health. Fourth, dental implants restore full chewing function and improve speech, allowing you to eat your favorite foods and communicate clearly without worry. Fifth, implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing the bone loss that can occur when a tooth is missing. This helps maintain facial structure and overall oral health. In addition to the benefits in maintaining oral health, caring for a dental implant is simple. You can brush and floss like a natural tooth, with no special maintenance requirements. Additionally, dental implant procedures have a high success rate, making them a reliable and predictable treatment option.
However, there are also some disadvantages of dental implants that are worth mentioning. The first disadvantage, which concerns many patients, is the cost. Dental implants are generally more expensive than other treatment options. Due to the high cost, many dental insurances do not cover them. At Kenmore Family Dental Care, we understand that dental implants can be expensive. We work with several third-party financial partners to provide flexible payment options. With flexible payment options, patients have the option to get the treatment they need first and then pay later. Another disadvantage of dental implants is that they require dental surgery and a healing period (3-6 months). The entire implant process will likely require multiple dental appointments (consultation, implant placement surgery and placement of final restorations, etc.). To receive a dental implant, patients must be healthy enough to undergo dental surgery. In addition, patients may first need dental bone grafting prior to dental implantation, to ensure that the jaw can support the posts for many years to come. Research shows that bone loss can reach 25% of jawbone density within the first year of losing a tooth. Therefore, it is not uncommon to need bone grafting before replacing missing teeth. At Kenmore Family Dental Care, Dr. Han will carefully review the x-ray or CT scan of your mouth and determine if a bone graft is indeed necessary.
It is important to note that a dental implant is not the only option for treating missing teeth and may not be suitable for all patients. There are also alternatives to replacing a single missing tooth, such as bridges and partial dentures.
A dental bridge (image 2) involves placing crowns on adjacent teeth and anchoring a false tooth (abutment) in between. While bridges are a viable option, they often require the removal of healthy tooth structure from adjacent teeth (creating abutments). A removable partial denture may be another option. However, they may feel less stable and natural compared to dental implants. It is worth noting that some patients choose not to replace a single missing tooth. But this can lead to various oral health problems over time, including the displacement of nearby teeth and bone loss.
It is important to consider your individual needs and preferences when deciding on the best treatment option. Dental implants offer many advantages, but at Kenmore Family Dental Care, Dr. Han can discuss your specific case in more detail to determine the most appropriate solution. The aim is to ensure that patients feel confident about the dental procedure by ensuring that patients are well informed and can make an informed decision about their treatment both dentally and financially. If you have more questions about replacing a missing tooth, contact Kenmore Family Dental Care at (571) 222-5072 or [email protected] to learn more about how to start your dental implant journey.
ICYMI: Alexandria Ministry of Health offers Support Program for Residents with Asthma and COPD
Post views: 88
