Are you considering getting dental implants? Here are the most important questions that you should ask your dentist.
Making the decision to undergo implantology to replace missing teeth with dental implants can have a big impact on your life. It is important to find a specialized implantologist you are comfortable with and can ask questions without hesitation. Let’s take a look at some of the most frequent questions that you may want to ask about dental implants. If the procedure involves tooth extraction and implant placement, there may be more distress, but overall it is one of the least unpleasant surgeries in dentistry.
How do I know how many dental implants I need?
Dental implantology is a discipline that continues to develop and progress thanks to research and technology. Today, there is a tendency to insert fewer implants than a few years ago. The treatment is to place the least amount of implants possible. This makes the procedure less expensive and less invasive for the patients, allowing for the same final results. Everything will depend on factors such as: age, bone conditions and the number of teeth that need to be replaced.
Am I too old to replace my teeth?
Absolutely not! You are never too old to replace your teeth with dental implants. It is always a good option, unless there are medical conditions that advise against it. Replacing missing teeth can prevent the occurrence of occlusion or chewing problems and temporomandibular joint problems.
Will others be able to notice that I have dental implants?
If you have correctly placed implants and a well-designed prosthesis or bridge, it should not be noticed. A good dentist should be able to create the conditions in the mouth to place the implants in the ideal position so that they look as natural as possible.
Will dental implants affect my ability to eat and chew?
The opposite is true. Replacing missing teeth with a traditional prosthesis or dental implants can improve your ability to eat and chew, especially if you’ve had unstable removable dentures in the past. The difference can be really positive.
Is there a cheaper alternative to dental implantology to replace missing teeth?
There are many alternatives within dental implantology, for example different prosthetic solutions, such as prostheses fixed to implants, single teeth or traditional fixed bridges, and these come at different costs. There are also traditional solutions to replace missing teeth, such as full and partial dentures that are not fixed to the implants but are supported by natural teeth.
Can dental implants fail?
It is important to know that dental implants can fail. No procedure in the world is 100% successful, but dental implants exceed 95% success rate. Implants are one of the most successful prostheses in all fields of medicine. However, it is crucial to understand that there is a risk of failure, in particular influenced by smoking, certain medical conditions and the choice of a dentist and their skill and experience level in dental implantology.
Can a tooth be replaced by a dental implant?
Initially, the dental implant treatment was designed only to replace the missing posterior teeth, but now it’s possible to replace each tooth in the mouth. This is due to the improvement of materials, the design / shape of the implants, the improvement of surgical techniques, and new technologies such as guided surgery.
Can I do a root canal treatment on my tooth, instead of considering an extraction and a dental implant?
A root canal is a procedure on a natural tooth. It consists of the removal of the nerve and the subsequent treatment of the channels. Ideally, a root canal treatment (devitalization) should always be done to save the natural tooth where possible.
If I undergo dental implantology, can I keep my crown or do I have to replace it?
Unfortunately, it is impossible to use a crown that was previously placed on a natural tooth. This is because the new crown on dental implants must be designed so as to adapt perfectly to the implant, in the exact position and in the dimensions necessary for chewing. The new crown will, therefore, be different from the old one.
How can I find a reliable dentist for the design and insertion of my dental implants?
You should always look for a specialist in dental implantology. Experience is also really important, as placing implants is not as easy as it seems. There are many decisions to be made on how to position them, where to position them, which technique to use, which type of implants, and how many implants to insert to obtain a prosthetic solution that offers the best possible aesthetic and functional result. It is vital to turn to someone who understands the importance of careful treatment planning and who has the skill and experience to plan implants. You should choose a specialist to plan treatment holistically: a periodontist who surgically does the job and a prosthetist capable of creating the best prosthesis to achieve the goals you want.
