dental implants

If you are looking for a more permanent solution for missing teeth, consider dental implants.

 
OVERVIEW
SCALING & ROOT PLANING
DENTAL IMPLANTS
 

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are a modern solution for replacing missing teeth. These implants fuse with your jawbone, mimicking a natural tooth root. The implant serves as a strong anchor for various dental restorations, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures.

There are three main components: a titanium post, an abutment, and a dental crown. The titanium post is surgically placed into the jawbone, acting as a sturdy foundation for the replacement tooth. Over time, the post fuses with the jawbone through a process called osteointegration, ensuring stability and strength. The abutment is attached to the post and custom-made to match the appearance of your natural teeth.

Implant and natural tooth hugging
 
 

Why You Might Need a Dental Implant

 

Dental implants are often necessary for individuals who have lost one or more teeth due to factors such as decay, injury, or gum disease.

 

Decay

a single tooth that is decaying

Genetics

double helix with a yellow circle

Gum Disease

tooth and roots

Injury to Your Teeth

a single cracked tooth
 
Man and woman smiling at each other with gray background
 

What to Expect When You Get a Dental Implant

A dental implant procedure involves multiple steps to replace missing teeth. Following an examination and consultation the initial stage involves removing the damaged tooth and, if necessary, performing jawbone preparation through grafting. Next, a small titanium post is surgically placed in the jawbone as an artificial root. Over a few months, the post fuses with the bone. An abutment is then attached to the post to connect the final restoration. A custom-made dental crown, bridge, or denture is placed on the abutment, restoring both function and appearance. Regular follow-up visits are essential for monitoring and maintaining the implant’s success.

 

The entire process can take several months based on your situation, such as healing and waiting time. Your Smile Generation-trusted dentist will guide you through each step to ensure your comfort and satisfaction.

Teeth and implant getting watered
 
 

Types of Dental Implants

There are two main types of dental implants: endosteal and subperiosteal. Your Smile Generation-trusted dentist will determine which type is best suited to your specific dental needs and bone structure.

Endosteal

Endosteal implants are surgically placed directly into the jawbone. These implants are typically made of titanium and act as artificial roots for replacement teeth. They offer a strong foundation for various dental restorations, such as crowns, bridges or dentures, providing stability and durability for long-lasting results.

Subperiosteal

Subperiosteal dental implants are placed on the bone’s surface but beneath the gum tissue. These implants are often recommended when there isn’t sufficient bone height or density for traditional implants.

 
 

Are dental implants painful?

Rest assured that while there might be some initial discomfort during and after the dental implant procedure, many patients find the pain to be manageable. And because your comfort is a priority, local anesthesia is administered to numb the area during the procedure. Any post-operative discomfort can usually be eased with over-the-counter pain relievers. Remember, the long-term benefits of improved oral function outweigh temporary discomfort.

 

Dental Implant Risks

Like any surgical procedure, dental implants come with potential risks. These risks are generally rare and can include infection, injury to surrounding structure, nerve damage and implant failure. However, choosing a skilled dentist, following post-operative care instructions, and maintaining good oral hygiene effectively minimize these risks. Moreover, research shows 95% success rate for dental implants.

 

A Smile Generation-trusted dentist will discuss potential risks with your during the consultation to ensure you make an informed decision about your treatment.

a dental implant in a lot of pain
 
individual with beautiful teeth flossing in front of the mirror
 

Let’s Get You Scheduled

 

Find a Smile Generation-trusted dentist near you and start talking about treatment options today.

 

 
 

Cost of Dental Implants

The cost of dental implants can vary based on several factors, including the number of implants needed, the type of implant, and any additional procedures required. On average, a single dental implant can range from $1,000 to $3,000. (It’s important to note that this cost doesn’t account for potential additional expenses like dental crowns, anesthesia, or bone grafts.)

 

Smile Generation-trusted dentists offer affordable and flexible payment options to help make treatment more accessible. Speak with an office today to get a personalized estimate based on your specific needs and circumstances.

 
 

Got questions?

 

Thinking about dental implants? Let us clear the air! 

Dental implants can be used to fix broken or chipped teeth and consist of either a metal post or frame. Dental implants are surgically attached beneath the gums to the jawbone. Once the posts have been inserted, your dentist should be able to mount replacement teeth, such as crowns, a bridge, or dentures.

 

The two types of implants considered safe by the American Dental Association (ADA) are endosteal implants and subperiosteal implants.

 

Learn more in our blog article, "Dental Crowns vs. Implants: Fix Chipped Tooth."

It varies based on where you live, but you can generally expect to spend around $2,300 to $3,200 for a dental implant. The priciest part of the procedure is surgically implanting the implant post in your jawbone, which runs around $1,700 to $2,300. Then, for the artificial tooth affixed to the implant post, you may pay around $650 to $900.

Dental bridges fill the gap of a missing tooth between two existing teeth; they bridge your teeth together. If you have two healthy teeth with one or more teeth missing between them, your dentist may recommend a dental bridge.

 

On the other hand, a dental implant is a surgical replacement of your missing teeth, which requires attaching an implant to the jawbone. This involves removing both the tooth or teeth and roots.

 

Learn more in our blog article, "Tooth Bridge vs. Dental Implants, Crown, & Dentures."

Which should you get, a dental implant or a crown? The answer is going to depend on your needs and finances. For instance, crowns cost less than implants, so if you are paying out of pocket, a crown might be worth considering to help save money.

 

However, dental implants may cost more upfront and less in the long term, as they tend to last 10 to 15 years before needing to be replaced. Dental implants also require a crown (otherwise, you will have an exposed post in your mouth), leading to increased costs.

 

But, if you want to preserve your natural teeth, having a crown to complement your root canal rather than removing it could be beneficial since it is less involved.

 

Learn more in our blog article, "Dental Crowns vs. Implants: Fix Chipped Tooth."

 
 

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Sources

MedicineNet. (n.d.). Dental Implants: What to Know About Implant Surgery. https://www.medicinenet.com/dental_implants/article.htm

WebMD. (n.d.). Dental Implants: How They Work, Surgery, and Types. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-implants

American Academy of Implant Dentistry. (n.d.). Types of Dental Implants and Techniques. https://www.aaid-implant.org/what-are-dental-implants/types-of-implants-and-techniques/

Smile Savers Dentistry. (n.d.). Dental Implant Steps: From Consultation to Restoration. https://www.smilesaversdentistry.com/dental-implant-steps