You certainly do not need to be an expert on dental implants in order to get them. That's your dentist or dental surgeon's job. It is, however, a good idea to know the basics about dental implants. This way, you will have a better understanding of what your dentist is doing when they insert the implant, and you may also come up with some good questions to ask along the way. Without further ado, here are the basic facts that patients should know about dental implants. 

They are inserted into your jawbone

The dental implant itself is essentially a screw. It is screwed down into your jawbone in the area where your old tooth root used to reside. Over time, your jawbone will grow strong around the implant so that it does not move or shift within your mouth. Once this occurs, the implant is essentially permanent. It should be as stable, if not more so, than any of your real teeth. 

The crown is added later

People often think that they are going to visit their dentist for an implant and come away with a brand-new tooth the same day. But this is not exactly how things work. The screw (in-bone portion) of the implant will be inserted during your first visit. But then, you'll need to wait at least a few weeks for your jawbone to grow in and around that implant. After that, you can go back to the dentist, and they will put a crown on top of the implant. The crown is the visible part of the replacement tooth—the part you chew with.

They can be made from ceramic or titanium

Most implants are made from titanium, which is a metal that the body tolerates well. But there are also ones made from ceramic. Your dentist can give you a quote for both options and help you decide which is best for your teeth and overall health. Ceramic tends to cost more, but if you have concerns about having metal in your jaw, then it might be worth the higher cost. Sometimes, dental insurance will only cover one or the other.

Now that you know a little about dental implants, you should be better prepared to get them. They really have revolutionized the dental industry as they allow patients to replace their missing teeth with something that looks and functions like a normal tooth.

Contact a local dental implant provider to learn more. 

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