What Are Dental Implants and Are They Right For You

If you are missing one or more teeth it can take a major toll on your self-esteem. However, low self-esteem is not the only effect of having missing teeth. Tooth loss can cause complications with your overall health and the health of your other teeth. You can lose your ability to properly chew, and un-replaced teeth can subsequently cause you to lose more teeth. To prevent these complications dental implants have been used for over 50 years to replace missing or failing teeth. 

What are dental implants? 

Dental implants should be thought of as anchors. They are replacement roots that act as an anchor for a crown or a set of replacement teeth. They come in many shapes, sizes, and brands to ensure you get the perfect implant for your individual case. 

The best option depends on the condition of the tooth and supporting tissues. Saving a restorable natural tooth with appropriate treatment, including root canal treatment when indicated, may be preferable to extraction. Implants, bridges, and dentures each have benefits and limitations. 

Are you a candidate for dental implants?

Dental implants are an option for some people seeking treatment for missing teeth. Your dentist will help you determine if you’re a candidate for dental implants after a thorough evaluation of your dental and medical history.

Common Questions:

Q: What if I don’t have enough bone for a dental implant?

A: Adequate supporting bone is important. Bone grafting may make an implant possible in some cases, but suitability and risks need an individual assessment. 

Q: How long does the procedure take?

A: It is hard to give a standard of time that the treatment will take. It varies between each patient. Your dentist will be able to give you an approximate time after your evaluation. 

Q: Whom should I consult for my implant treatment? 

A: Your first and best resource is your dentist. 

As someone suffering from tooth loss it is difficult to decide if you should or shouldn’t have surgery to insert dental implants to replace your teeth. At Smiles by Bergen Dental, Dr. Farinas-Han will patiently work with you to help decide if dental implants are right for you. If you’re suffering from tooth loss make an appointment at Smiles by Bergen Dental at your earliest convenience to prevent any further damage to your dental health.