A dental implant is a structure that replaces your missing tooth. According to the Mayo Clinic, the dental implant process involves inserting an implant into your jawbone with a screw-like device to act as an anchor for an artificial tooth, called a crown. An abutment device links the artificial tooth to the installed dental implant. The crown is custom made to fit into your mouth and match the color of your teeth. Crowns feel, look, and function like natural teeth. Scientific research reports that dental implant process has a success rate of approximately 98%. Implants have several benefits over removable artificial teeth-dentures such as:
- Have a higher success rate
- Are more comfortable and natural
- Don’t need to be taken out and cleaned at night
- Decrease sensitivity in nearby teeth
- Have less risk of cavities developing in nearby teeth
- Improve chewing function
Who Can Have Dental Implants?
The dental implant process could be right for you if:
- Your jawbone has reached full growth
- You have a missing tooth
- Your oral tissue is healthy
- Your bone can provide a secure fit with an implant
Contact your local dentist for this procedure if you’re tired of dentures and want a secure prosthesis that won’t move around and will allow you to speak, eat, and smile with ease.. However, some people aren’t fit for dental implant surgery, including smokers and those with poor oral health and bone loss issues.
What You Can Expect
A dental implant process is an outpatient surgery performed in stages, with a healing period between steps. The process of dental implants involves the following steps:
- Damaged tooth removal
- Jawbone preparation, if needed
- Dental implant placement
- Bone growth and healing process
- Abutment placement
- Artificial tooth replacement
The entire process usually takes approximately six months from start to finish.. Much of that period is meant to heal and wait for the growth of a new jawbone. Based on your situation and the experience of your local dentist, certain stages can sometimes be combined.
Risks
Like any surgery, a dental implant process has some health risks. Problems are rare, and they’re minor but easily treatable when they occur. Risks include:
- Infections at the implant area
- Damage or injury to surrounding tissues like blood vessels and other teeth
- Nerve damage causing numbness, pain, and tingling in your chin, lips, gums, and natural teeth
- Sinus problems where a dental implant placed in your upper jaw protrude into one of the sinus cavities
Cost
The cost of a dental implant surgery varies depending on the following factors:
- The types and number of implants required
- Whether there’s a need for an extra procedure to prepare for an implant
- The location of the implants in your jaw
An initial examination helps your dentist to estimate the overall cost. Some insurance coverage policies can cover a larger part of the price.
An implant-supported denture or fixed-implant prosthesis are the best alternatives to traditional dentures. Book an appointment with a local dentist today for an examination to let you know about your situation. If you’re concerned about the cost, ask the dentist to help you maximize your insurance coverage by letting you know other alternatives, like financing. We want to help you achieve a radiant smile, so call us today!
