What is a dental implant and when should you consider getting one as opposed to other types of dental work? Who might be the best candidate for a dental implant and what is the success rate that a dental implant will be a permanent fixture in your mouth? Is your dentist qualified to perform a dental implant procedure on you? How much will a dental implant cost you?
Dental implants have been around for awhile and have become more prevalent with the improvements in dental technologies. The success rate surrounding dental implants is largely due to the dentist who performs the procedure and their experience associated with dental implants. Generally dental implants are a safe procedure. About 90-95% of dental implant that are performed on patients generally result in a successful prognosis. Improperly performed dental implants can break or fracture the jaw bone that they are secured to, resulting in extensive rehabilitation of the area. It is absolutely imperative that a dentist who performs dental implant surgery is experienced in doing so.
Currently, dental implants can be very expensive. Not only can the initial procedure run up costs, but the follow up care associated with the procedure can be extensive. Most insurance companies currently don't cover the cost of dental implant. This is unlikely to change in the near future.
Dental implants can obviously be highly beneficial in restoring the look and feel of missing teeth. Dental implants can also restore the jaw line and improve the overall look of someones face. Amazingly, dental implants actually keep the jaw line from receding. Often times when a patient looses a tooth, for whatever reason, the jaw actually recedes. It is not specifically know why this happens but it is thought that the jaw thrives on communication with the existing teeth. Dental implants can actually "fool" the jaw bone structure into thinking that an actual tooth exists, prohibiting jaw deformation.
If you are considering a dental implant, it is imperative that you consult with a dentist that is not only familiar with the process but as well keeps a breast with current technologies. The right dentist can make all the difference in a speedy recovery or endless follow up visits.
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