At Cook Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, our custom-made dental implants are attractive, comfortable, and highly realistic. Dental implants are often preferred as permanent tooth replacements for many patients. Most dental implants are biocompatible titanium and have a 98 percent success rate. However, dental implants aren't ideal for everyone. If you're considering dental implants in Birmingham, AL, please continue reading for some common concerns patients have about dental implants.
#1 Cost
Many patients are concerned with the cost of dental implants, especially when they're not covered by dental insurance. Fortunately, Cook Family and Cosmetic Dentistry accepts several major insurances and financing to make implant dentistry more budget-friendly and accessible to our patients.
#2 Requires Healthy Gums and Jawbone
Part of what makes dental implants so desirable and successful is that they're surgically placed in the jawbone. This surgical placement provides a stable foundation for the artificial teeth and allows the implant to become a natural part of the patient's oral anatomy. Strong bones are essential to support dental implants. However, patients with low jawbone density or unhealthy gums may need bone or gum grafting before dental implant placement surgery. Some patients may not be candidates for this surgery, even with pre-treatments.
#3 Requires Surgery
Some patients may shy away from dental implants because they require surgery. As with any surgical procedure, there is always a risk of bleeding, swelling, discomfort, infection, nerve or muscle damage, or anesthesia complications. Receiving treatment from an experienced and highly skilled dentist like Dr. Cook is essential for successful dental implants.
#4 Low Risk of Implant Failure
There's also a risk the implant can fail due to insufficient bone density, and the bone doesn't accept the implant. On a positive note, dental implants have a 98 percent success rate, so unsuccessful procedures are few and far between.
#5 Requires Excellent Oral Hygiene
Dental implants are much like natural teeth, requiring you to brush, floss, and visit your dentist regularly to ensure they stay functional. Though the implant posts are permanent, the artificial teeth––crowns, dentures, or bridges––can wear out eventually, especially without good oral hygiene.
#6 Time Commitment
Dental implants can take several months to complete, from start to finish. This is because the mouth must completely heal from the surgery before we place the artificial teeth, such as a crown, bridge, or denture. The dental implant process requires time and patience, so if you're looking for an immediate solution to tooth loss, you may consider another option.
Affordable and Comfortable Dental Implants in Birmingham, AL
Dental implants are the gold standard for tooth replacement for a reason. Dental implants' permanence, aesthetics, and functional quality are the closest you'll get to natural teeth. However, there are things to consider before committing to this restorative treatment. If you'd like to learn more about dental implants and see if they're right for you, please schedule a consultation with our team at Cook Family and Cosmetic Dentistry.