What are Dental Implants Used For?

At StarBrite Dental in the Fremont area, we offer individuals several solutions when it comes to repairing their smile. Tooth loss can have a negative effect on one’s appearance and it can also reduce aesthetics, function, and oral health. Restoring the smile as soon as possible after tooth loss and/or extraction is the best way to address the problem and bring the smile back to health. Dr. Munira Lokhandwala happily suggests patients such as dental bridges, dentures, and dental implants for patients in the Fremont area who need to restore their smile.

All these restorations have their own advantages, though many patients love the ease and permanence of dental implants. Dental implants are titanium posts that look like screws and are implanted into the jawbone by a dental professional during oral surgery. This procedure is done to replace missing teeth. The implant can be restored with a dental crown over the top or with dentures, stabilizing full dentures for patients who have struggled with the fit and function of their false teeth. Dental implants are incredibly versatile and often chosen by patients who want permanent, no-fuss solutions to their missing teeth.

Most dental implant procedures are highly successful and patients will find that these restorations will last a lifetime when they are cared for regularly. Dr. Munira Lokhandwala suggests that patients take great care in attending recall appointments, cleanings, and examinations to check up on their restoration and make sure they are not affected by bone loss, decay, or periodontal disease. Dental implants do not require any extra attention and many patients forget they even have the implants in their smile!

Patients are typically concerned with the upfront cost of dental implants. Though they are considerably more expensive than alternatives such as dental bridges and dentures, they hold their value much longer and can be a better investment for patients who are ready to restore their smile for a lifetime. There are a variety of factors that are used to determine the cost of dental implants so patients are urged to speak with their dentist for a more accurate quote. Patients with dental insurance may also benefit from partial coverage through their insurance plan and are welcome to ask their dentist about reimbursement options available.