Most people can’t think of a time when they’ve not dreaded the thought of visiting the dentist. That is not the case when choosing a family dentistry practice. Family dentists are there to help the whole family, including children, without having to spend the time explaining their medical histories to multiple doctors. Family dentistry is important because of the many services they offer. Preventative cleaning to sealants for the youngest members of the family and implants for any age related issues are all options at a family dentistry practice. Having a family dentistry practice is beneficial to the entire family, because people who stick with one dentist tend to have better results.
Importance of Visiting a Local Dentist
What many people realize is that a neighborhood dentist isn’t trying to keep their employees working fifteen patients an hour like a corporate office might. Instead local dentists take into account their reputation in the area when caring for their patients. This leads to a slower paced environment where doctors will spend more time with each patient.
This has an enormous impact when it comes to local dental implants and their importance. To put things into perspective, the implant itself takes several months to fully fuse to the jaw, not to mention the additional time spent on the crown. A local dentist is much more likely to stick around for those follow-up appointments, because they won’t be an hour away for a simple checkup. Showing up for these scheduled checkups is crucial, when trying to ensure the dental implants heal properly.
Explanation of the Dental Implant Procedure
Having an erupted tooth extracted can be more common than most people might realize. Whether it was due to an accident or decay, the loss of an erupted tooth can have serious consequences for the mouth. The most damaging part about tooth loss is the fact that the jawbone starts to deteriorate in the spot where the tooth used to be. This can cause the other surrounding teeth to shift and throw off the overall bite. A dental implant serves to replace the root of the lost tooth, to prevent further damage to the mouth. The titanium post fuses to the jaw bone over several months and after proper healing can be topped with a permanent crown. Dental implants look and function much like a normal tooth, while not being prone to the same issues as a natural tooth. The implant procedure requires time and patience, but is overall a reliable way to restore the mouth for long-term use.
Things To Consider Before Getting Dental Implants
One thing that many people tend to overlook is that bone density plays a major role in the viability of dental implants. If someone has been missing a tooth for a significant period of time, there is a high chance that their jawbone has resorbed. Cases like this might require a bone graft before any work can even begin. Other conditions that may hinder the process include gum disease, which will have to be treated beforehand in order to continue with the treatment. Although it’s uncommon to see someone under the age of thirty with implants, it isn’t unheard of. Many younger people suffer from the loss of an adult tooth due to an accident or sports injury. As long as the jawbone has finished developing and the patient maintains good oral hygiene, implants can be an excellent solution. Overall, a professional consultation with a family dentistry office is always recommended, because every patient has a different situation and they should receive an evaluation based on their needs. A qualified family dentist can make recommendations based on each patient’s specific needs.
Discussion on the Cost and Timeline
Although most people would rather not discuss the cost of local dental implants and timeline associated with dental implants, it’s important to understand what to expect. Implants tend to be a bit pricier when compared to other tooth replacement options, but they also tend to be more permanent. A proper consultation with your dentist will be necessary, because most insurance plans will cover at least a portion of the cost. When it comes to the timeline of the procedure, be prepared to wait several months between each step. First the titanium post has to be placed and secured into the jaw. Then, once it has fused to the bone the crown can be installed on top of the post for a permanent restoration. There are a few family dentistry practices that offer expedited treatment options, however, most people will benefit from waiting for optimal fusion to happen. Rushing the process is only going to lead to complications later.
Tips For Maintaining Oral Health After the Implant
The one thing about family dentistry that many people fail to consider is the importance of regular cleanings and checkups. Preventative care is the best way to maintain oral health, but it’s even more important to keep up those habits after the implant has healed. Regular checkups at the same family dentistry practice is always a good idea, because they know your personal medical history and can detect any potential issues early on. It’s normal to go every six months for a cleaning and filling, however going every year is acceptable for an adult with a dental implant. While implants themselves will never develop cavities, the surrounding gum tissues could easily become infected if neglected. Children are even more susceptible to cavities and rot, so it’s always a good idea to keep up with their routine cleanings as well. The best thing about family dentistry practices is that they can help every generation with their unique needs. The earlier kids are exposed to a dentist, the more comfortable they will be as they continue to grow up.
Conclusion
After reading the article on family dentistry and dental implants, it’s now obvious how both are related. Implants are a permanent solution for tooth loss, while family dentistry ensures that every member of your household can receive the specialized care they need. A regular family dentist will be able to help prevent many dental issues from arising in the first place. When it does come down to the need for implants, having a local dentist makes the entire process that much more convenient and easy. It comes down to finding a practice that you can trust for years at a time, so that you and your family have peace of mind when it comes to your oral health. If you’re a local looking for a family dentistry practice that offers dental implants, consider reaching out to Olive Family Dentistry to schedule a consultation. Ask them all of your burning questions, because you deserve to be informed and know what to expect.
FAQs
Are there potential risks and discomfort associated with the dental implant procedure?
Most of the discomfort reported after the procedure is similar to a tooth extraction, which typically means over the counter medication is enough to combat any pain. The actual surgery is performed with anesthetic so that patients don’t feel any pain during the treatment. Any soreness that may occur after the implant is placed should subside within a few days at most.
How long can I expect a dental implant to last me?
With the proper dental care, implants can be expected to last well over twenty years with some cases even lasting a lifetime. The crown portion of the implant will most likely need to be replaced after some time, since it can’t fuse to the jaw like the titanium post.
What sets family dentistry apart from other dental practices?
There really isn’t one major difference when it comes to family dentistry, other than the fact that practices like Olive Family Dentistry are able to service any generation of your family.
Can patients suffering from gum disease still be eligible for dental implants?
If a patient is experiencing gum disease, they would be ineligible for treatment until the condition has been brought under control.
Why should I choose a local dentistry office over a larger corporate practice?
Visiting a local office offers much more flexibility and ease of access when it comes to routine checkups and any other treatment that may be required, particularly in cases like dental implants.
