Dental implants are a long-term investment to improve your smile. When you need to have teeth extracted, then this treatment is a great way to upgrade your quality of life by filling in the gaps. Dental implants are a big investment and a big treatment, so it makes sense that you want to choose an experienced dentist to complete the restoration.
How Dental Implants Work
The latest advancements in dental technology are used to create a replacement tooth that can last a lifetime. A dental implant is designed to replace the entire structure of the tooth, with an implant placed in the jawbone (acting as the tooth root). Then, an abutment is placed on top of the implant, holding the restoration in place (usually a crown, bridge, or dentures).
In the past, multiple appointments were necessary over the course of a few months. The implant was placed in the jawbone during the initial appointment. Then, it needed time to assimilate into the bone before the final restoration could be placed.
Now, modern technology makes it possible to complete the procedure in one appointment. Look for a dentist who offers same-day dental implants near me to learn more about this option.
What Type of Dentist Does Implants and Bridges?
The good news is that you have many different types of dental specialists you can choose from who offer dental implant services. Not only can you find a provider with a convenient office close to home, but you can also be proactive about choosing a dental implant specialist who has training and experience relating to your specific needs.
Here are the different types of dental professionals who usually offer implant services:
- General Dentist:Most general dentists spend their time on more general dentistry services throughout the day, such as fillings and crowns. While general dentists are the most common specialists to visit, not all of them have attended the necessary continuing education and training to learn how to place dental implants successfully. If you choose a general dentist for your implant treatment, then make sure to ask questions about their surgical experience and the dental implant training they received.
- Cosmetic Dentist:Often, dental implants are part of an intensive cosmetic dentistry treatment plan. Since dental implants look and feel like a normal tooth, they offer an effective solution to improve the appearance of the smile. Similar to general dentists, not all cosmetic dentists have the proper training and experience to provide implant services. So, if you are visiting a cosmetic dentist who is suggesting implants, then make sure to find out more information about their training.
- Periodontist:A true dental implant specialist is known as a periodontist. This type of dental implant specialist completed dental school and then continued with additional years of training to learn more about problems affecting the bone, gums, and teeth. Periodontists receive specialized training for dental implants and more. They are the ideal provider to visit when a patient has complications such as bone loss in the jaw bone or severe gum disease.
- Prosthodontist:After completing dental school, a prosthodontist continues their education and experience with more hands-on training. Their specialty is replacing and repairing teeth, and they often recommend dental prosthetics (such as dental implants and/or dentures). Patients who need dentures will benefit by visiting a prosthodontist, especially for implant-supported dentures.
- Oral Surgeon:Out of all of the dental implant specialists, an oral surgeon receives the most training after dental school. They have experience with many different types of dental surgeries and can place dental implants. An oral surgeon is often the recommendation for patients with highly complex cases.
Benefits of Dental Implants
There are many reasons why it makes sense to have dental implants if you have lost one or more teeth. If extraction is necessary because a tooth is damaged, then it leaves an empty space in your mouth. Not only does the open area cause a cosmetic concern, but functional complications can also develop if you don’t have a tooth restoration.
Here are some of the benefits of dental implants:
- Looks and Feels Like a Natural Tooth:When the implant is healed, it functions in a similar way as your natural tooth. You have full chewing power, you can talk normally, and you can speak without worrying about the gap in your mouth.
- Protect Nearby Teeth:A gap in the mouth increases the risk of adjacent teeth shifting out of place. Not only do shifting teeth look crooked, but they can eventually become loose because they lack a strong foundation. Placing a dental implant where a tooth is missing helps by keeping all of the other teeth in the right positions.
- Long Lasting Results:Some dental restorations, such as dental bridges, only last a relatively short time (10 years). On the other hand, a dental implant is strong and durable – it can last a lifetime when you are proactive about good oral hygiene.
- Prevent Bone Loss:Did you know that there is a risk of bone loss after a tooth is extracted? When there is no tooth in place, the empty space can start deteriorating. The placement of a dental implant provides stimulation to the jawbone, which promotes natural bone growth.
FAQ
Who are good candidates for dental implants?
Patients who are missing one or more teeth can often benefit from dental implants. It’s necessary to ensure that a sufficient amount of bone structure is present to hold the dental implant.
What are the potential complications after dental implant surgery?
There are always inherent risks after any type of surgical treatment. Potential complications from dental implants might include pain, inflammation, and infection. In rare cases, the placement of the implant might fail.
Will my insurance pay for a dental implant?
Dental insurance coverage varies. So, talk to your insurance provider to learn more about available coverage. Our office staff can help you estimate your out-of-pocket expenses for this treatment.
Call for a Dental Implant Consultation
If you are looking for dental implants near me, then contact Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of Las Colinas. Our team offers quality services and a long history of success with dental implants and other dentistry services. Call to schedule your consultation and examination.
