Is a molar dental implant right for you?

Molars, the large teeth at the back of your mouth, play an important role in eating, helping to crush, chew, and grind food as you eat. If you’re missing one or more of these powerful back teeth, it could be causing issues with your bite and even your ability to digest food easily. Your dentist may recommend several ways to replace the missing or damaged molar, including getting a molar dental implant in East Williston. But it’s important for you to ask these questions to determine if a molar dental implant is the right option to restore your chewing abilities.

Are you ready to commit to the lengthy dental implant process?

While dental implant surgery to place the implant may only take a few hours in the dental chair, the end-to-end dental implant procedure can take several months. Several factors prolong the time it takes to get dental implants, including:

• Pre-implant procedures: If you have a damaged molar that needs to be extracted or you need a bone graft to improve bone health before the implant goes in, you’ll need to have the procedure done and then give your mouth adequate time to heal. Depending on the type and number of pre-implant procedures required, this step can take several months.

• Healing after the implant: To place the implant, your prosthodontist will make an incision in the gum and insert the implant directly into the jaw bone. After placement, you’ll need to wait two to four months for the implant to heal and fuse with the bone, a process called osseointegration. During this time, your dental team places a temporary prosthetic to fill the gap until your final dental appliance, like a crown, bridge, or denture, is placed.

Do you have good overall oral health?

To be a good candidate for molar implants, you’ll need to have good oral health. If you have a condition like gum disease, you may need to receive treatment before you’ll be eligible for an implant.

Do you have insurance or a plan to pay for molar implants?

The cost of molar implants can be high, but certain dental insurance may cover some of the cost. If you have dental coverage, reach out to your insurer to see if they’ll pay for any aspect of the implant procedure. Otherwise, you may be able to work with your dental team to discuss financing options, whether it’s through the dentist’s office or a third-party company.

Have you discussed alternatives?

Part of the process of deciding to get molar dental implants is understanding the alternatives that exist. For example, there are important distinctions between using a dental bridge vs. implant to fill the gap of a missing molar. A bridge may be more cost-effective, but since it doesn’t provide the permanent stability of an implant, you may need to replace it sooner.

Reasons a molar dental implant may not be the right choice

There are several reasons you may not be an ideal candidate for molar implants, including:

• A history of certain health conditions: Certain conditions that impact your ability to heal, like diabetes or an autoimmune condition, could increase the odds of implant failure. If you have one of these conditions, discuss it with your dentist before you agree to molar implants.

• Tobacco use: Smokers who are unwilling to quit before, during, and after implant surgery for a set period may be poor candidates for a dental implant. Tobacco use may affect the osseointegration of the implant and your body’s ability to heal.

• A history of radiation therapy: Someone who has undergone or is currently undergoing radiation therapy in the face or neck may have a higher likelihood of implant failure. It’s important to disclose these details in conversations with your dental care team so they can work with other medical professionals to assess the risks and benefits of molar implants.

The bottom line

The only people who can tell you if a molar dental implant is right for you is your dental team. It’s best to consult with a dentist or prosthodontist to ask questions, review alternatives, and determine if a molar implant is the best permanent solution to replace your missing or damaged molar.