Dental implants are used as replacements for missing teeth.
Every replacement of a missing tooth by an implant consists of three elements: the implant itself (made of titanium), abutment (the connecting part between the implant and the crown) and crown (the thing, that is actually present in the mouth). The abutment and the crown can be technically merged into a single unit or remain separate. The materials used can vary, but they must meet one requirement – biocompatibility. Such materials include: titanium, zirconium, lithium disilicate.
At Dental Clinic Petar Duchev we provide services to customers from all over Bulgaria, having various dental needs, including dental implants. As a leading dental clinic in Bulgaria, we are often asked questions, regarding the process of implanting. Unfortunately, one of the greatest problems, faced by this service, is misinformation. There are numerous widely circulating inaccuracies regarding implants. Here, we are going to bring some clarity on the six most common misconceptions, often shared with us at the clinic:
1. Only the elderly get dental implants.
The concept that only elderly people need prostheses or dental implants, is simply wrong. Although most dental implants are applied to patient at the age of 50 years or more, there are still many young people, who need such treatment.
The loss of teeth may be due to numerous factors, including:
• Age;
• Health disorder;
• Trauma;
• Genetics;
• Diet.
Everyone, having healthy gums and jaws is considered eligible for dental implants. Don’t be concerned about your age, but your overall oral health.
2. The implanting procedure is painful.
The procedure itself is absolutely painless.
In 90% of the cases, we use deep sedation, as anesthesia, combined with very small quantities of local anesthetics. If the procedure is very limited in range (a single implant) it can also be performed, using local anesthesia only. Deep sedation means comfort. First – for the patient, and also for the treatment team. This procedure ensures proper conditions for a faster, painless and smoother healing of the treated areas. The implantation procedures are not subsequently associated with pain by our patients. Usually, some of them report a mild discomfort on the next day and sometimes, mild swelling may occur, but this is usually the result of large-scale and prolonged procedures, such as the All-on-4*(removal of all teeth, requiring extraction and placement of 4 implants simultaneously) or bilateral sinus lift procedures.
If all our instructions are observed and the necessary care at home is adequate, after the removal of the sutures (day 8-10), the entire procedure will be nothing more than a vague memory.
3. Dental implants are rare.
Dental implants are not a rare form of treatment. According to data, provided by the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, approximately 300 million people have dental implants. This number is increasing by about 500 000 people per year.
If you have teeth missing and are concerned how this may affect your appearance, bite or chewing, implants can help. Dental Clinic Petar Duchev is a clinic, specialized in the area of dental implants with many years of experience in developing the perfect smiles of its patients. You may rest assured that if you choose dental implants, you will not be alone in your decision and our dentists have performed this procedure on numerous occasions before that.
4. The application of dental implants requires perfect teeth.
Dental implants are intended for everyone who needs them. They are not only designed for people, who have perfect teeth. In fact, most people, who undergo dental implanting, have several imperfections in their mouths, thus requiring the use of implants.
For most patients, the placement of a dental implant requires a healthy and strong jaw-bone, gums and adjacent teeth. During the initial consultation, you dentist will determine, whether or not you are eligible for this procedure. Although, it is not suitable for everybody, most people should not have problems with their eligibility.
5. Dental implants are too expensive.
Dental implants may cost between BGN 900 and 3000, depending on the complexity of the situation, the implant type and the competence of your dentist. Stay away from any offers, which seem too financially “attractive”. The implants used in these cases, are likely to be cheap replicas of leading brands, manufactured at dubious locations.
The price is formed based on many factors. These include: the type of implants (their cost may also vary), the auxiliary materials, equipment used and the competence of the dentist, performing the procedure. What matters most, however, is the guaranteed safety during the procedure and the level of subsequent care.
6. Dental implants have unnatural appearance.
One of our patients’ greatest concerns is that dental implants will look different from their natural teeth. Although, there are many ways to install a crown, easily identifiable from afar as artificial, dental implants must look like natural teeth, function as natural teeth and require daily care, just like natural teeth.
The way the implant is placed directly into the jawbone ensures that there is no doubt whatsoever that this may not be your own natural tooth.
The key to the natural look of the implant is the careful matching of the color and shape of the crown to the rest of the teeth. While many people may be tempted to obtain a truly brilliant smile, you would hardly want to have one sparkling white tooth against the rest of the not-so-white ones.
At first, eating with a dental implant can feel a little odd. However, this also stands true for any dental procedure. Even a filling can feel differently, when you first bite down with it. Over time, however, you will get used to your implant. Unlike fully removable dentures that you take out and put back in, an implant stays permanently in its place. Therefore, getting used to the new tooth in your mouth is a quick and easy process.
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Dental implants are used as a preventive measure to maintain the shape of the bite, to reduce tooth misalignment and to maintain the lips and facial structure. They are also used as an aesthetic tool to provide a beautiful and healthy smile where teeth were once missing.