About Dental Implants
If you are already missing a tooth or you are going to be going in to have one pulled, then your dentist may be discussing some different replacement choices you have available to you. If you have heard the words "dental implant" being tossed around, then you might be having a lot of questions come into your head regarding what implants are and what all you can expect to be involved with getting one. The writing here will serve as a good source to turn to for answers to many of the common questions that patients often have about dental implants.
If you're missing a tooth, are you automatically able to get an implant?
No. Before you are deemed okay to have an implant put in to replace the tooth that you are missing, there will be some things the dentist will need to consider. They need to be sure you are going to heal quickly and don't have something that affects your healing process. They are also going to make sure that you don't have an active infection anywhere in your mouth. If there is an infection in your mouth, then the dentist will want you to complete a round of antibiotics and then make sure the infection is completely gone before they even consider implants.
Can implants be mixed with other replacement options?
If you are going to have implants put in, you may be wondering if the number of actual implants you need can be cut down by using some other replacement options, and the answer may be yes. In many instances, an implant can be built into other replacement options like bridges. The implant and any crowns designed into the bridge will become the anchors.
Are implants considered permanent replacement options?
Yes, implants would be considered as a permanent solution to missing teeth. However, this doesn't mean that you don't want to go the extra mile to take proper care of them and to take all steps you can to prevent damage to them. While they can last you a lifetime under the right circumstances, they can also end up wearing out over time and even having issues come up that will have you sitting back in the dentist's chair to have them taken care of. Also, going in to have your dental exams done as you are supposed to will help you to prolong the life of not only that implant but also all of your other teeth and appliances.