If you’ve recently had your tooth extraction, your dentist might have recommended a dental implant. And for the price that a single implant comes for, many patients wonder if this is just an optional luxury or an expensive necessity…
Are dental implants necessary after extraction? In this blog, we’ll talk about what dental implants are, why you should get them as well as some reasons not to get dental implants! After all, it’s about preserving your oral health in the best possible way.
What is a dental implant?
Dental implants are medical devices that are surgically implanted into your jaw, as a permanent solution to a lost or extracted tooth. In a dental implant, an artificial tooth, also called a crown, is screwed into your jawbone below the gum line via a surgical procedure.
These crowns are designed by dentists and customized to the patient’s mouth and teeth, considering elements like natural tooth color, shape, and size. When it comes to a dental implant, molars are some of the most commonly replaced teeth!
The purpose of the entire procedure is to give you a natural smile, preserve your gum, and give you the ability to chew without fear!
But, like any other procedure, dental implants have their restrictions— albeit, temporarily! Dental implants can be a daunting process and the post-surgery restrictions can be exhausting because the only thing you can think of is, “When can I eat solid foods…?”
Are dental implants necessary after tooth extraction?
Many patients are wary of dental implants, wondering the same question over and over again. Do I really need a tooth implant? The answer to this depends on what you consider a priority. It’s important to replace your teeth for many reasons and a dental implant is one of the best ways to deal with a tooth extraction!
Here are 5 reasons dental implants might be necessary after your tooth extraction:
1. Restores the ability to chew
One of the most obvious reasons most people get dental implants is because they want to be able to chew their favorite foods without suffering. Lost teeth can make it hard for you to be able to chew properly, especially if we’re talking about solid foods.
The artificial crown that’s implanted in a dental implant acts almost exactly like your natural tooth and can make you stronger when it comes to chewing anything!
2. Prevents bone loss
Did you know that jaw bones require stimulation for a healthy lifetime? When there’s no tooth, the gum starts deteriorating due to lack of stimulation, leading to bone loss.
In fact, you can lose 25% of your bone area volume within the first year after tooth extraction. That’s why dental implants are necessary after tooth extraction so your gum deterioration and bone loss can be prevented.
3. Protects against tooth decay
This is a factor that many patients don’t know about when they ask, “Are dental implants necessary after extraction.” Without a tooth, your gum becomes prone to bacterial growth and accumulates food. This gives birth to many dental diseases and infections.
Dental implants protect you from tooth decay and bacterial infections like periodontitis. In the long run, having dental implants keeps the rest of your teeth healthier and stronger!
4. Permanent replacement for a lost tooth
If you’ve been wishing for a permanent tooth replacement option, dental implants are ideal for you. Most dentists across many boards agree that dental implants are the best option for lost teeth.
While they cost more than other options like dental bridges and dentures, they offer long-lasting relief and a more casual approach to tooth replacement! So are dental implants worth it? Yes, they are!
5. Prevents facial sagging
The jawbones and muscles around the mouth support the lower face shape and chin. Tooth loss makes you lose your bones and muscle structure of the mouth. Lack of muscle support further leads to facial sagging and premature facial aging. As a result, wrinkles start to appear around your mouth.
You don’t want to compromise on your looks, right? Therefore, it’s time to stop asking: Do I need a tooth implant? Just go for it. Teeth keep your jaw intact and restore your aesthetic look.
How long do you go without teeth when getting implants?
Patients typically don’t want to wait before getting artificial teeth. However, the healing period takes time after tooth extraction as it’s a major oral surgery.
You may have to wait at least ten weeks before getting a dental implant. It’s best to consult your dentist, as everyone has a different healing period.
A dental implant is itself an oral surgical procedure. Therefore, it’s risky to perform both surgeries consecutively.
Reasons not to get dental implants
Are dental implants necessary after extraction? Yes, it’s a great option for tooth replacement, but it’s not for everyone either! Here are just 2 reasons not to get dental implants:
Dental implants are expensive
Let’s be honest. Not everyone can afford to get a dental implant. The average cost per tooth implant is around $3000. A double implant can cost more than $6000.
Let’s be honest… not everyone can go out and afford a dental implant. The average cost in America for a single tooth implant ranges from $1000 to $5000, with $3000 being the average cost. And yes, we’re talking about a single implant!
Secondly, even if you do choose to go for a dental implant, 9/10 times, your insurance won’t cover it since they classify it as cosmetic dental surgery. That said, the high fees can be justified given how much work goes into creating and implanting your fake tooth!
You have underlying health issues
If you have the following health issues, we recommend not getting a tooth implant:
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Gum infections
- Jaw irradiation after a cancer diagnosis
People with unmonitored diabetes and frequent gum infections experience delays in wound healing. Moreover, the healing ability of bones is reduced if you just had jaw radiation. It’s best to tackle these issues first for the best implant results.
It takes a long time
Dental implants are not a quick fix to missing or lost teeth. In fact, dental implants take a long time to be designed, customized, examined, and finally fit in your jaw. If you need anything additional done like a bone graft, add some more time to the mix.
Most of the time, a dental implant takes around 4–9 months from the first consultation with your dentist to the final fit and restoration!
FAQs
The dental implant procedure itself is not painful since you are put under anesthesia. It’s next to impossible that you’ll feel any discomfort or pain during the process. However, after the anesthesia wears off, you might start feeling moderate yet manageable pain.
There are over 15 alternatives to dental implants, making it easy for patients to pick the option that suits their budgets and plans. For example, you can get dental bridges, dental crowns, a denture, cosmetic dentistry, or even adhesive bridges to replace a lost tooth. Alternatively, doing nothing for it is also always an option!
Dental implants last anywhere from 10 to 30 years on average. In other words, depending on your age, it can last you a lifetime. It’s important to note that no other alternative to tooth replacement can last as long as a dental implant, making it a permanent solution.
Treat your oral health with a dentist who cares
If you want guidance for tooth extraction and dental implants, Premiere Dental can help you in Philadelphia, Deptford, and Abington, PA. For more information, you can contact us or schedule your appointment.
