Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth in your mouth. Dental implants can be used to replace single or multiple missing teeth in the mouth. They can also be used to help support bridges or dentures. Dental implants are meant to be a long term solution for replacement of missing teeth. They have several advantages including:
Dental implants are made of three separate parts:
When all three pieces have been placed in the mouth, they create a natural-looking and fully functional replacement for missing teeth. When treatment is complete, the implant will look, feel, and function exactly like your natural teeth while simultaneously preserving the health of your jaw bone and surrounding teeth.
Placement typically requires several appointments at our office. At your first appointment, your consultation, we will review your medical history and may take 3D cone beam scans to evaluate the volume and density of bone and the surrounding structures. 3D scans provide an incredibly detailed look at your mouth and help us develop the most accurate treatment plan, which is why we typically require them even if you have previously received traditional X-rays.
After consultation with your oral surgeon, your next appointment will be the surgical procedure. Based off of the discussion at your consultation, your first procedure may involve grafting, or building up, the bone in your jaw to prepare for implant placement. If you do not require bone grafting or tissue grafting, your first surgical procedure will be placement of the dental implant. In some cases, they will attach the abutment at the same time. Over the next several months, the post integrates with your jaw. This integration provides a secure foundation for the prosthetic crown, and it helps maintain your jaw bone health over time. If the abutment was not place the day the implant was place, you will need to undergo a final surgical procedure which is termed “uncover” of the dental implant. The implant is exposed and the abutment is placed at this time. Typically, your restorative dentist will place the final piece of the restoration, your custom-designed prosthetic crown.
You can return to a normal diet once the prosthetic crown has been placed and treat your implant like any other tooth, caring for it by simply brushing and flossing every day.
Many patients ask, “What is the cost of dental implants?” We offer dental implants at a competitive cost for the local area. Attending a consultation with our surgeons is the best way to get an estimate of your dental implants cost.
The cost of receiving dental implants depends on several factors, including the number needed, your insurance, the need for preparatory procedures (bone grafting), and your choice of anesthesia. During your consultation, your doctor will discuss all of these factors with you before determining a treatment plan. Once you have agreed upon a treatment, our team will be happy to estimate your costs.
The Investment
They are an extremely successful method of replacing missing and damaged teeth, and they are the best option for restoring teeth in many cases. In the long term, they are the best investment because they have the potential to last a lifetime. You won't have to worry about replacing your implants down the road if you care for them properly. Other restoration options, such as bridges and dentures, often require replacement after several years.
CAN I RECEIVE DENTAL IMPLANTS?
If you are missing teeth, having teeth extracted, or have damaged teeth that will soon need replacing, dental implants may be the right solution for you. In most cases, if you are healthy enough to undergo an extraction, you are healthy enough to receive dental implants. Visiting our office for a consultation is the best way to know for sure if dental implants are right for restoring your smile.
WILL I FEEL PAIN DURING DENTAL IMPLANT TREATMENT?
During your consultation, our team will discuss all your options for anesthesia for the surgical procedure. After the procedure, minimal soreness and swelling are normal and may be cause for discomfort. Over-the-counter pain medication usually relieves this pain, though we may also prescribe narcotics for pain.
HOW LONG IS RECOVERY AFTER DENTAL IMPLANTS?
Each recovery differs based on the patient's individual condition and treatment plan. It's important to let your dental implants heal properly because it allows the implant post to integrate with your jaw. This integration is the foundation of the restoration and is key to the success of your dental implants.
After the initial placement procedure, most patients return to their normal routine within a few days. Your post-operative instructions will help you navigate recovery. However, the dental implants can take up to 6 months to heal fully. During this time, it's important to follow your post-operative instructions and maintain a soft food diet.
If you have other questions about dental implants, please contact our office. We look forward to speaking with you.