Dental implants are a great way to replace your missing teeth and avoid periodontal disease, tooth decay, misaligned teeth, and other problems associated with a missing tooth. Dental implants can completely transform your confidence and your smile. However, since it is a fairly invasive procedure that involves a surgical component, you might be wondering if you can get it from any dental practice.
In this post, we discuss the type of dentist that can place a dental implant and where you can get the best dental implant in Springfield, OH, to avoid complications or implant failures.
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed in the jaw bone to replace and act as a tooth root. Once healed, the implant will not come loose and will provide a secure base to attach an artificial tooth like a removable denture, dental bridge, or dental crown.
Dental implants are the best dental restorative option for patients who need a permanent fix for their missing teeth due to their versatility, stability, and longevity. Choosing this treatment option means you want to invest long-term in your oral health, quality of life, and overall well-being. However, you need an experienced and qualified dental professional to avoid complications and efficiently complete your treatment.
Can I get a dental implant from any dental professional?
The short answer is no. Only licensed and experienced dentists are allowed to place a dental implant in Springfield, OH. An uncertified and inexperienced dental care provider that conducts this surgery would be liable for dental malpractice.
Moreover, there’s a higher risk of complications or dental implant failure if an unqualified dentist performs the surgery. Some of these complications include:
- Damage to surrounding teeth
- Bone loss
- Delayed bone healing
- Prolonged bleeding
- Jaw fracture
- Nerve or gum tissue damage
Experienced and licensed dentists like our team know how to avoid complications. They can also recommend the number and type of dental implants required to support your tooth replacement.
What type of dentist performs dental implant surgery?
Not all oral health care professionals are equally skilled. Since you want to avoid implant failure and other complications, it’s essential to know exactly how qualified and experienced an oral care provider is to choose the right one to complete your treatment.
There are three different dental implant providers: oral and maxillofacial surgeons, periodontists, and dentists (cosmetic or general). Oral surgeons and periodontists are dental professionals with years of extensive training outside of dental school, and they have a higher proficiency in performing dental surgeries and handling complex dental conditions.
General and cosmetic dentists are trained in providing preventative care and handling dental restorations to improve the function and appearance of a patient’s smile. While they are not highly proficient in performing dental surgeries as oral surgeons, most of them are trained to place a dental implant without requiring the help of a third party. Moreover, a general or cosmetic dentist who performs this surgery regularly would have the necessary in-depth knowledge to complete the treatment and avoid complications.
How to minimize complications or the risk of implant failure after a dental implant procedure
Implant failures and complications after a dental implant surgery are preventable. However, you can further minimize the risk by following the tips below:
- Have your implant placed by a qualified and experienced dental care professional.
- Brush daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly to care for the implants.
- Visit your dentist (at least once every six months) for a regular checkup.
- Eat healthy food and increase your calcium intake.
- Avoid smoking, especially a week before the surgery and during your recovery period.
- Allow the implant to heal before you get a tooth replacement.
- Avoid tooth grinding by using a mouth guard.
- Quit teeth-damaging habits like using your teeth as a tool, eating candy, or chewing hard objects like ice.
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, you have many options available to you from dental bridges, to dentures, and even dental implants. For those who are missing a full arch of teeth, have failing teeth, or are tired of wearing traditional dentures implant supported dentures are a beneficial alternative. By placing dental implants within your jaw bone, a denture prosthesis can be connected to form a stable, natural bite. Implant supported dentures grant you both the attractive look of dentures with the health benefits and stability of dental implants. Many patients who already have dentures choose this option as a more affordable and easy transition into full arch dental implants.
The Benefits Of Dental Implants
- Stability within the jaw
- Natural look and feel
- Improved jaw health
- Enhanced self-confidence
- Long-term tooth replacement solution
Dentures vs. Dental Implants
While dentures may initially appear to be a more affordable and attractive option for an entire mouth of missing teeth, they don’t have the health benefits and longevity that implants provide. After years of wearing dentures, the jaw bone will begin to deteriorate due to lack of bone stimulation. This causes an unbalanced denture that is prone to slipping or falling out, as well as being uncomfortable within the mouth. These ill-fitting dentures will eventually need to be replaced, adding additional cost to your mouth. With implant supported dentures, the dental implants stimulate the jaw bone for continued growth and securely “snap” into the denture, holding it in place securely. With proper care, you will never have to replace the denture or implants.
The Best Dental Implants in Springfield, OH
If you’re looking for the best dental implant treatment in Springfield, OH, or the surrounding areas, Springfield Gentle Dental is your go-to dental practice. Our team of professional dental care providers is full of people who are not only passionate about their job but are also licensed and have many years of experience in performing dental implants and other oral surgeries. We also use high-quality materials, state-of-art technology, and safe, reliable, and innovative procedures to provide the best dental treatments in Springfield, OH.
Contact us today or schedule an appointment to discover how we can help preserve your oral health and help you achieve the confident, beautiful, and healthy smile you deserve.