Your teeth are an important part of your body because they help with most of our everyday activities. Any damage to your teeth results in pain and difficulties eating and speaking. If you damage a tooth, you will be given several choices from dental implants to dentures. The American Academy of Implant Dentistry describes a dental implant as a small metal root to which a custom-fabricated tooth is attached. Dental implants are designed to replicate your existing teeth and eliminate the problems caused by dentures. Asking the right questions of your South Tampa dentist will make sure dental implants are for you.
1. Is your Dentist an Implant Specialist?
When you are inserting a dental implant, you need to have confidence in your dentist. When an implant is recommended, you should discuss the procedure with your dental professional. Asking whether your South Tampa dentist is board-certified to conduct these types of procedures should be part of the discussion. Board certification is not required, but it provides you with the confidence that a certain level of education and experience has been achieved. At this point, your dentist will give you details of their experience completing these procedures.
2. How Common are Dental Implants?
Dental implants will continue to grow in popularity over the next five years. Trend Statistics reports the use of dental implants will grow by almost one-quarter by 2026, with the value of the market rated at $1.5 billion. The use of dental implants is becoming popular because of the problems identified with dentures by dentists and denture wearers. If you want dental implants, then visit this dentist.
3. Are Dental Implants Safe?
The safety of dental implants has been proven by dentists for decades. The use of dental implants has proven so successful that updates to the available technology are available consistently. The success of the use of dental implants sees them rated as one of the safest ways of replacing missing teeth over the long term.
4. Do we have a Treatment Plan?
A comprehensive treatment plan is needed for the success of dental implants before, during, and after they are installed. Your treatment plan should be designed by your dental specialist, with a comprehensive plan starting with diagnosis. Your diagnosis should include an examination of the bone and surrounding teeth to make sure your implant will remain in place.
5. How Long Does a Dental Implant Procedure Take?
There is no set procedure for completing a dental implant procedure. Each patient should have an individual diagnosis making it easy for your dentist to prepare your personal treatment plan. A treatment plan will include details of your diagnosis and whether an extraction is necessary. Factors that can lead to a longer treatment plan include extractions, which need to heal before the implant is put into place. Several factors include the need for a bone graft to help keep your implant in place in the years to come.
6. Is the Latest Technology Being Used?
When you think about the latest technology, you will usually think about the diagnosis and installation process. An area of dental implants you should consider is the materials used to create your implant. Several materials and technologies are available, with published research into their longevity and success rates. By asking what type of materials are being used, you will be able to judge the quality of the work of your dentist.
7. How Will I Benefit?
How will you benefit from the dental work you are paying for? The question that needs to be at the top of your list of priorities. A successful dental implant can give you a boost of self-confidence because you will feel comfortable with your smile. The confidence you feel will come from being able to return to everyday activities safe in the knowledge you can chew, talk, and smile confidently.
Concerns over your ability to live an active lifestyle will be a thing of the past when you complete dental implant surgery. The potential damage that can occur to the roots of your teeth will not be a concern because of the titanium used to fabricate your implant.
8. How do I Care for my Teeth After Dental Surgery?
Following your dental surgery, you will be restricted in the foods you can consume. Your South Tampa dentist will restrict your diet to liquids and soft foods for the first few days after surgery. Among the foods and drinks you can consume are:
- Milkshakes
- Mashed Potatoes
- Eggnog
- Protein Shakes
- Pudding
By the third day after your surgery, you will be allowed to move on to more solid foods. Among the foods recommended by dentists at this stage of your recovery are macaroni and cheese, sandwiches, and eggs.
Dental implants are a more successful option than veneers and dentures. Choosing to undertake dental implant surgery is seen as a long-term approach to returning to a normal life with the help of your dentist.