If you are missing one or more teeth, Dr. Petinge may recommend dental implants. An implant looks and feels more like the natural tooth it replaces. They are fast becoming one of the most popular tooth replacement options. They have many benefits, but how do you know if dental implants are right for you?
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
Your smile affects you and your life in several ways. It’s not just about how you look, it’s how it makes you feel. When you are proud of your smile, you are confident about your appearance. If you have a flawed smile, you may lose confidence or deal with low self-esteem. When you are missing teeth or have teeth too damaged to repair, dental implants may be a great option. Here’s a look at a few ways to know if you are a good candidate:
- Can’t chew comfortably because of a missing tooth (or teeth).
- You would like to have a tooth replacement option that looks and feels natural.
- You have lost or know you are going to lose one or more teeth.
- Dentures are not giving you the chewing power you’d like.
- You have good oral health overall.
- You don’t have any health conditions that prohibit surgical procedures.
When should I get dental implants?
Dental implants are an option when you have missing teeth if you do not want or cannot go with dentures or bridges and crowns. Replacing a lost tooth is important. If you don’t, it can lead to other problems later. Implants have some aesthetic benefits, of course. But they are also important to the overall function of your mouth. They offer these benefits:
- Keep teeth in proper places
- Support a healthy bite
- Support a healthy jawbone
- Prevent bone deterioration
When a tooth is lost, the jawbone starts to deteriorate. The pressure and stimulus of chewing help to preserve the jawbone.
Top 5 Reasons to Get Dental Implants
There are a lot of reasons a person may lose a tooth. Perhaps you were in an accident, and it got knocked out. Disease and tooth decay are often causes for the loss of a natural tooth. Take a look at these five reasons to consider dental implants.
- They are a permanent restoration.
- They are convenient and as easy to care for as your natural teeth.
- You’ll have no dietary restrictions.
- They provide you with a strong biting force.
- Implants look and feel like your natural teeth.
How are implants Inserted?
Dr. Petinge chooses an implant that matches the coloring of your natural teeth. A post is surgically implanted into the bone socket where the natural tooth used to be. You will need time for this to heal and for the jawbone to grow around the post. This will secure it in place. Somewhere between 6 to 12 weeks, you’ll return to the Saugus, MA dental office to have the connector post inserted. Then your new tooth will be attached.
Does it hurt to get dental implants?
The pain associated with getting dental implants is minimal for most patients. Some don’t feel any pain or discomfort during the actual process. Local anesthesia is used to minimize pain and discomfort. After the procedure, the area where the implant was placed may be tender. Using over-the-counter pain medications is usually enough to ease the pain.
How do I take care of dental implants?
You may be given some general post-procedure instructions for your dental implants. After they heal, caring for them is as easy as caring for your natural teeth. Dr. Petinge continues to recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once daily.
How much do dental implants cost?
The cost of dental implants will vary for each patient. One factor that influences the cost is how many you need. Another factor is if you need a bone graft before the implant can be placed.
Contact Us!
If you are interested in learning more about the dental implant process or finding out if you are a good candidate for them, call us at (781) 233-8248. You may also fill out the contact request form on this page. Schedule a consult to discuss dental implants with Dr. Petinge today!
