6 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Getting a Dental Implant

Deciding to permanently replace a missing tooth with a dental implant is a big life decision. Dental implants have the incredible ability to restore your smile, and the final results can last you a lifetime. 

If you're still in the deciding phase of if a dental implant is the right tooth replacement option for you, ask yourself these six questions before making any commitments. 

Will There Be Any Required Preparation Work?

Your knowledgeable dentist is the best person to help you determine if you're a great candidate for a dental implant. Depending on your specific situation, some steps may need to be first completed before having an implant put in. 

Bone Grafts. If your bone mass cannot adequately support a dental implant, you may need additional bone grafted to your jaw so that the implant will be able to fuse to the bone properly. A bone graft requires several months to heal before receiving the implant. 

Periodontal Treatment. If poor gum health were the cause for your tooth loss, you would need to receive periodontal treatment to remove infection and treat periodontal disease so your implant can be surrounded by healthy gum tissue. 

Excellent Oral Health. Your oral health must be good to receive an implant without complications. 

Will Your Insurance Cover the Cost?

Most dental insurances do not include dental implants as a covered benefit. Insurance providers typically cover a portion of the required extractions and diagnostic steps necessary before getting a dental implant and steps to prepare you for your implant, such as bone grafts. 

Before you begin treatment, have our offices check with your dental insurance provider so you can most accurately estimate your out-of-pocket costs beforehand. 

Will an Implant Restore Your Confidence? 

If you're missing a tooth in a place where it's easily visible, it can easily affect your self-esteem and your smile. With dental implants, you can replace entire missing teeth without resorting to removable restorations and bridges that leave you feeling unnatural. 

Do You Currently Struggle To Eat or Speak?

After going years with a missing tooth or multiple teeth, it's easy to forget what it's like to speak or chew with ease when you had all of your natural teeth. Replacement teeth will renew your ability to do so and make daily activities more accessible by removing frustrations. 

Are You Fearful of Having Dental Surgery?

Many patients are nervous about the surgical procedure involved with dental implants, which causes them to first look to other tooth restoration options with quicker healing periods. But dental implants preserve your health by:

• Protecting bone density 
• Improving periodontal health
• Reducing the risk of cavities
• Preventing denture-related issues
• Stopping teeth from shifting

Are You Ready For a Permanent Solution For Missing Teeth?

After your dental implants are placed, you go through a lengthy healing period. There are some implant care steps to take to reach the place of implant success, including:

1. Keeping your mouth clean to prevent infection or complications
2. Eating recommended foods, like foods that are soft and nutrient-rich liquids
3. Getting plenty of rest to allow your body to heal properly 
4. Following your care instructions from your dentist 

Benefits of Implants Vs. Bridges or Partials

The long-term benefits of dental implants outshine more conservative options like a bridge which can be more cost-effective. 

The top benefits of a dental implant are:

1. Implants feel like a natural tooth, making you more confident in your restoration and how it functions.
2. There's no risk of food and bacteria causing decay on an implant which improves your long-term oral health.
3. Allowing you to chew, bite and speak the same way you did with all of your natural teeth.
4. In the long run, the most cost-effective tooth replacement saves you time, effort, and money.

Implants can be more expensive up front, with a longer healing time, but in the big picture, a dental implant is a better option for tooth replacement in patients because it is a long-term solution. 

If you're feeling overwhelmed over which tooth replacement option is the right choice for you, Elite Dental & Denture PC is here to help. Our team of dental implant experts can provide you with the information you require to make the most informed decision possible for replacing a missing tooth. Contact us today to schedule a dental implant consultation.