178 million US adults are missing one or more teeth. Many people are edentate, or missing all their adult teeth.
If you struggle with tooth loss, you may wonder what to do about it. Dental implants are the best solution if you are searching for a replacement tooth or two.
Implants also work well for people wanting to replace chipped or yellowing teeth or improve the look of their smile.
What do you need to know about these dental appliances before scheduling an appointment to get dental implants in Corning, NY? Read this guide to learn more.
Dental implants are artificial teeth that can replace lost, missing, damaged, or unsightly natural teeth. They consist of three parts: the titanium screw (also called the implant), the abutment, and the crown.
The titanium screw mimics the function of a natural tooth root. It is made from titanium and other biocompatible materials. Over time, the screw will fuse with the jawbone to create a highly durable, extremely strong root-like structure.
The abutment attaches to the top of the implant screw. It is the place where the artificial tooth will go. Abutments are made of titanium, stainless steel, zirconia, or some other biocompatible material.
The crown is the artificial tooth. It fits over the top of the abutment, which is attached to the implant screw. Crowns usually consist of a tooth-colored porcelain or ceramic material, though gold and other metals are also available.
All in all, an implant can last
15 years or longer with proper care. After that, they may need to be replaced. Still, implants are the closest to natural teeth the modern dental world can offer.
Some people need dental implants because of tooth loss, but others may get them for cosmetic reasons. This distinction is important because implants can be expensive. Insurance will only cover them if they are medically necessary.
The most common situation where a dental implant is medically necessary and, therefore, eligible for insurance coverage is if someone experiences tooth loss after an accident and has the lost tooth replaced with an implant.
Dental implants may also be medically necessary after losing a tooth or needing to have it extracted due to decay. However, some insurers will only cover the procedure if the person has a history of proper oral hygiene.
A smaller number of insurance providers will cover implants after any form of tooth loss. That's because missing teeth can compromise jawbone health. In these cases, getting implants is a form of preventative dentistry.
Most other reasons for getting dental implants are cosmetic in nature. Some people may get them to replace a discolored or chipped tooth.
Others may prefer implant-supported dentures instead of removable ones.
Insurance does not typically cover the cost of cosmetic implants in these situations. For denture patients, insurers typically provide benefits for the lowest-cost option, which is usually a conventional denture arch.
There are two main types of dental implants. Endosteal implants are attached to the jawbone. Subperiosteal implants are attached to the gum line that sits just above the jawbone.
The type of dental implant that is right for you depends on your oral health. Endosteal implants are best for people with excellent dental health.
Subperiosteal implants are alternatives for people with poor oral health.
Endosteal implants are the gold standard because they are more durable and take less time and effort to place. But they are not for people who do not have enough jawbone to support them.
Reasons someone might lack sufficient jawbone for an endosteal implant include gum disease, missing an adult tooth, oral trauma, oral infections, and genetic deformities.
The good news is that these individuals can still get dental implants. Subperiosteal implants are recommended for patients who do not have sufficient natural jawbone for the implant screw to fuse with.
There are other options available instead of subperiosteal implants. For example, someone might get a bone graft, ridge expansion, or sinus lift to make room for an endosteal implant.
Dental implants aren't just nice to look at. They also serve more practical functions. Here are the most important benefits of dental implants to consider before scheduling an appointment in Corning, NY.
Dental implants are not the only option for replacing missing or unsightly teeth, but they are the best solution. Implants are permanent, look like natural teeth, and mimic the function and structure of real tooth roots.
Dentures and bridges are other options to consider, especially for a full smile replacement. However, these dental appliances don't match up to the advantages of dental implants.
Implants are relatively low-maintenance options, especially compared to alternatives like dentures and bridges. They don't need to be removed or cleaned separately. Instead, you can care for them like regular teeth.
Of course, dental implants don't come without some care instructions. For example, always avoid using hard-bristled toothbrushes and abrasive products to preserve the natural, tooth-like finish of your artificial teeth.
Missing teeth can compromise your jawbone health, allow surrounding teeth to move around, cause bacteria build-up, and destroy your bite.
Replacing them with dental implants can prevent these issues, improving your oral health.
Of these, preserving your jawbone is the most critical. The bone beneath a
lost tooth can cause jawbone decay. Over time, the loss of jawbone can change the way your face looks and even make it difficult to eat or speak.
Implants are the best dental fix for missing or unsightly teeth. They are highly durable, easy to maintain, and look like natural teeth. Plus, dental implants can improve your oral health in ways alternative options can't.
Are you searching for dental implants in Corning, NY? Finger Lakes Family Dental offers same-day appointments and affordable rates for new patients. Schedule your first visit today and take advantage of our new patient offer!
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