If you are missing a few teeth, your dentist may recommend dental implants as an option. A dental implant is not an artificial tooth but a replacement tooth root. It is placed inside the jawbone, and the procedure requires oral surgery. Once secured in place, the dental implant offers a foundation for your replacement teeth. If you are considering dental implants Panama City Beach, here are the FAQs to check.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
Implants offer a permanent way of replacing your natural teeth. The replacement teeth, which could be a bridge, crown, or implant-supported denture, will not move around inside your mouth. In that context, dental implants are better than dentures. No other type of teeth replacement procedure feels as natural, and you can continue to eat and speak with ease. You can also avoid bone loss, as implants stimulate the jawbone. Once your restoration appliance is in place, dental implants will ensure the adjacent teeth don’t shift.
What are the components of dental implants?
Getting a replacement tooth with a dental implant requires three components. The first one is the implant itself, which is made of titanium and is placed inside the jawbone. The second component is an abutment, which works as a connector that connects the implant with the replacement tooth. The third one is a replacement tooth, which could be a crown, bridge, or implant-supported denture.
How long will it take to get replacement teeth with dental implants?
Because dental implants require oral surgery, the healing process can take time, often as long as six months. Until the jawbone heals and secures the implants, you cannot get replacement teeth. Also, if you have lost significant bone mass, you may need a bone graft, which will involve another surgery before implants are placed.
Does getting dental implants hurt?
No, dental implants require local anesthesia, and you will not feel any pain. If you suffer from extreme anxiety, let your dentist know in advance, and they can help accordingly.
Are dental implants expensive?
Compared to dentures, dental implants are expensive, and depending on your insurance coverage, the policy may cover a part or all of the costs. However, because the procedure is permanent and offers the most effective and advanced way of replacing missing teeth, the cost is worth paying for.
Call your dentist in Panama City Beach today to learn more about whether dental implants are right for you.