5 Questions to Ask Your Dentist Before Getting Titanium Dental Implants

July 08, 2021

Have you experienced significant tooth loss due to a recent injury or accident? Or are you tired of getting your regular denture replaced every few years? Wouldn’t it be great if there was a more permanent and aesthetic tooth replacement solution?

If your answer to any of the above questions is a thunderous “yes”, chances are your dentist has recommended titanium dental implants for you.

Dental Implants: A Closer Look

Unlike conventional dentures, tooth implants are FDA-approved screw-like posts manufactured using titanium or titanium alloy. Typically measuring 10 mm to 18 mm in length, dental implants act as artificial tooth roots. A dentist or an oral surgeon can attach a ceramic or acrylic crown over the implant for complete tooth restoration.

Nevertheless, if you’re about to undergo a dental implant procedure for the first time, being apprehensive is natural.

You’re going to have a plethora of questions regarding the procedure, such as dental implant cost, longevity, duration of treatment, and insurance coverage. Also, you’d want to know whether you make a suitable candidate for titanium dental implants, and if there are going to be any side effects.

That’s why it is necessary to talk to your dentist and ask them the right questions to learn more about the titanium dental implant procedure. In this blog, we’ve outlined a list of useful questions to help you get started. Let’s take a look.

1. Is Your Dentist Qualified to Perform A Titanium Dental Implant Procedure?

Typically, dental education in medical school doesn’t cover implantology. But that doesn’t mean dentists can’t offer dental implants to patients. Many dental professionals take accredited courses to familiarize themselves with the intricacies of dental implant procedures.

If your dentist doesn’t have the necessary qualifications to perform dental implant procedures, they’ll refer you to an oral surgeon. Even if your go-to dental care provider assures you that they’ll handle the procedure, don’t hesitate to ask about their qualifications.

Alternatively, you could explore Implant Evolution to find experienced and certified dental care professionals who offer dental implants. If you’re consulting an oral surgeon or dentist for the first time, make sure you check their license, qualifications, and online reviews.

2. Who Is A Good Candidate for Titanium Implants?

People with one or more missing teeth can receive titanium dental implants, provided they’ve got adequate jawbone density. It’s crucial because the procedure requires bone growth around the implant to hold it in place.

If you’ve experienced significant bone loss, you can still receive dental implants with the help of a bone graft. Alternatively, dentists often recommend mini dental implants for people with low jawbone density.

Also, if you’re prone to allergies, it’s a good idea to consult an allergist and find out whether you’re allergic to metal. If that’s the case, you’ll need to look for alternative implant options.

Smokers and people who take immunosuppressive drugs have lesser chances of success with dental implants. Similarly, if you have underlying diseases, such as diabetes or cancer, healing of titanium implants could be slow or incomplete. So bear these factors in mind before going for Titanium dental implants.

3. How Do Dental Implants Work?

The titanium implant procedure involves several steps that can span over weeks or months. To begin with, your dentist will use 3D imaging to scan the entire oral cavity and assess the extent of the damage. It’ll help them determine the number of titanium implants you’ll need.

They’ll check the condition of your jawbone and decide whether you’ll need a bone graft. Also, they can use these cans to create accurate dental crowns for your missing teeth.

That’s typically followed by extraction of the non-restorable tooth (or teeth). Thereafter, the surgeon/dentist will drill into your gum line to place one or more implants. If you need a bone graft, the dentist will place it first before inserting the implant.

Next, you have to wait for the jawbone to grow around the implant. The process, known as osseointegration, could take several weeks and is crucial for the success of the procedure. Thereafter, you’ll visit your dentist again for abutment placement. The abutment serves as the base of the dental crown you’ll receive on your next visit.

Once the abutment is placed, you’ll have to wait for the gum to heal. It’s followed by another visit to the dentist to get your crown placed on top of the abutment.

4. Are Titanium Dental Implants Safe?

Titanium implants boast a high success rate of more than 95%. It’s normal to experience slight pain, numbness, and discomfort right after the procedure. In rare cases, some people experience a side effect called peri-implantitis, which is associated with tissue inflammation and bone loss.

It’s crucial to talk to your dentist and surgeon about the potential side effects. Ask them about the warning signs that indicate the procedure hasn’t worked. Also, consult them about the best way to care for your dental implants.

5. How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

Titanium implants can cost between $2,000 and $6,000 per tooth. The actual cost of the procedure will depend on your overall dental health and the type of implants you need. Make sure you consult your insurance provider to find out whether your current plan covers dental implants cost.

Make The Right Decision for Your Dental Wellbeing

Modern restorative dentistry has witnessed significant transformation since the use of artificial dentures. The development of titanium implants has helped improve the self-esteem, appearance, and quality of life of many people with missing teeth.

While the procedure is fairly safe, there might be certain complications due to underlying health conditions. Communicate with your dentist to address any concerns you have before undergoing a titanium implant procedure.

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