Tooth decay and tooth loss are issues that affect more than 75% of children and adults worldwide. Tooth loss, in particular, is a massive problem for many people. Not only does it affect your appearance and speech, but it also has a domino effect that leads to bone loss. As a result, you may end up losing more teeth and the structure of your face. The good news is you can fight tooth loss with dental implants. They can effectively replace decayed or missing teeth with a natural-looking option. If you still have questions about dental implants, you have come to the right place. This article looks at all the factors you need to consider before seeing a dentist specializing in dental implants in Irvine for this treatment. Read more below.
Cost
We all know the many benefits that dental implants offer. However, one of the significant disadvantages of them is the cost involved. Dental implants can cost up to $6,000 for each tooth. You would hope that your insurance coverage would pay for them for such an astronomical amount. However, not all covers pay for dental implants. You should talk to your dentist before beginning treatment to determine how much you will have to pay for treatment. If necessary, enquire with your insurance company to find out if they can cover part of or the entire cost.
Experience
Dental implants that cost more will most likely last longer than the more affordable options. As such, you need to find a dentist with experience in fitting implants. They will ensure that they handle every process with the required precision. Generally, more experience also translates to fewer risks and complications. Before beginning treatment, talk to your dentist and ask about the procedure to determine if they are relevant. Remember, you are better off paying more for a flawless treatment than cutting costs to get substandard treatment.
The Procedure
The process of getting dental implants always starts by removing the damaged teeth. If necessary, your dentist will prepare for jawbone grafting. They extract a small part of bone and fit it into a part of your jawbone where you have lost bone mass. They fit the dental implants depending on the type of implant that matches your teeth. Usually, it takes a few months for the bone to grow and heal completely. You may need frequent checkups with your dentist to monitor infection and complications.
Understand the Pros and Cons
As you would expect with any surgery, dental implants come with risks. Although rare, you can develop mild complications, which may need your dentist’s attention. Most patients who develop complications develop an infection. The upper jaw pokes into the sinus cavity in some rare cases, resulting in sinusitis. Anesthesia can also cause damage to the nerves.
On the upside, dental crowns are a long-term solution lasting for more than two decades. They also look and feel like your natural teeth, so you can talk and eat normally. Additionally, implants can help restore your jawbone.
In summary, dental implants have become a standard treatment for people looking for a lasting replacement for missing or decayed teeth. Before getting dental implants, you need to consider the cost, experience of the dentist fitting the implants, and the procedure involved. Also, take some time to learn about the pros and cons.