Dental implants are permanent, stable tooth replacements that can be used to replace one missing tooth, several missing teeth, or all of the teeth. The dental implant post, which is a screw made of titanium, is surgically placed in the jawbone at the site of the missing tooth. This replaces the missing tooth root and ensures that your dental restoration is stable. A period of healing is then often required to allow the bone to begin to bond with the biocompatible post. Following this healing period, our dentist will place the dental implant restoration, or replacement tooth, which fits on top of the implant post. Depending on which teeth are missing and your personal dental needs, your implant restoration might be a dental crown, dental bridge, complete denture, or partial denture. Each dental implant restoration is custom-made to fit your smile comfortably and aesthetically.
Replacing a missing tooth can restore your smile to optimal health, function, and appearance. A dental implant is a great option for restoring your smile because the implant is designed to look, function, and feel just like your natural teeth, and with proper care, it can last a lifetime. For more information about the benefits of implant dentistry and to schedule your implant consultation, please call or visit us soon.
Why are dental implants recommended?
Dental implants are highly recommended, especially when you’re missing teeth. They are particularly beneficial when the teeth on either side of the space are healthy, and we want to avoid drilling or doing any work on them. Dental implants are also useful in cases where they are needed to help hold in dentures, providing a great alternative for people who struggle with traditional dentures.
Advantages of dental implants
Dental implants are very effective for replacing a tooth. Unlike with a bridge, other teeth are not affected. They are a long-lasting solution, often lasting a lifetime. They’re resistant to decay as they’re made out of titanium, not tooth structure. Moreover, they look like natural teeth, and you can eat, chew, brush, and floss them as you would your natural teeth.
Procedure for getting a dental implant
If you’re missing a tooth, we first evaluate the area to make sure it is a suitable candidate for an implant. We also evaluate your medical history. If the area is suitable, we proceed with placing the implant. After this, the implant needs to heal and integrate with your bone, which usually takes about 12 weeks or three months. We then fit it for a new tooth or a crown.
Reasons why implants wouldn’t be the best option
There can be factors in a medical history that might make implants less suitable. For instance, if you’re taking a bisphosphonate, a drug often used for osteoporosis, you might not be a good candidate for an implant. Other risk factors for implant failure include smoking or diabetes. Each case is evaluated individually to determine the best course of action.
How long is the recovery period for dental implants?
The recovery period depends on the specifics of the case and your medical history. For a single implant on a relatively healthy person, the recovery is usually just a couple of days. However, we advise not to chew on the implant for about two to three weeks.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. They don’t decay, so you won’t get cavities on them. They still need to be taken care of like a natural tooth, but they’re meant to be there for the rest of your life.
Cost of dental implants
The cost of dental implants can vary depending on the purpose of the implant. It also depends on your dental insurance plan. Most dental insurance plans do cover it, but this is something that we would need to check at your appointment. The cost can vary from the $2,000 range all the way to where insurance covers a large portion of it.
