What You Need to Know about Dental Implants
Before the invention of dental implants, people with missing teeth generally wound up with dentures or a bridge. Now, dental implants are considered superior to other tooth replacement options because they are long-lasting, mimic the look of natural teeth, form a strong attachment to your jawbone, and are considered more comfortable than dentures.
Overall, dental implants are growing more and more popular. Why do they make an excellent alternative to dentures? What's the process for getting a dental implant, and how does it heal? Are you a candidate for the procedure? Let's take a closer look at the in's and out's of dental implants.
What is a dental implant?
Archaeologists found a Mayan woman with ancient dental implants : shells hammered into the mouth to emulate teeth. Luckily, dental implants have become far more sophisticated since 600 AD. These days, dental implants use the best in innovative techniques to produce a comfortable and convenient dental prosthetic. To understand dental implants, it's important to look at the anatomy of a natural tooth:
- Crown. The part of the tooth that you can see, covered in the hard, white enamel surface.
- Root. Stretching into your bone, the root of the tooth anchors your tooth into your jaw.
When you lose a tooth, you lose both the crown and the root. A dental implant replaces the root of the tooth, while its structure allows for a prosthetic called a crown to be placed on top of it — creating a fully-functioning tooth.
More specifically, an implant is a titanium screw that is placed into your gums, where it becomes anchored to your bone through a process called osseointegration. Though the screw part of the dental implant won't be visible, it features a visible abutment above the jaw line. This abutment is important because it allows for a dental crown to be fixed on top. Once the dental crown is placed, you will have a prosthetic tooth that looks and feels very similar to your natural teeth.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
Around 3 million people in the United States have dental implants, with 500,000 people getting dental implants annually. Prior to advances in dental implants, many people who lost teeth turned to bridges or dentures. Let's look at some of the reasons implants are a popular alternative:
- Natural look. Once the crown is placed on a dental implant, they look just like your natural teeth. As opposed to options like removable dentures, implants are sturdy, stable, and look a lot like your normal teeth for a more natural smile.
- Natural feel. Dentures can impact speech and eating, while implants allow for normal function. In addition, removable implants can feel cumbersome and uncomfortable in the mouth, especially if they shift while you are speaking or eating.
- Easy maintenance. For some people, regular maintenance of dentures can be time-consuming and overwhelming. With implants, you can just brush and floss your teeth as usual — making sure to go to your dentist for regular cleanings.
- Supports strong bones. When you lose a tooth, you also eventually experience bone loss in empty space vacated by the root. With dental implants, the bone actually grows around the titanium screw and supports strong, healthy bones. This can save your jaw and facial bones from weakening and deterioration that might eventually change the appearance of your face.
- Long-lasting. Bridges have to be anchored to other teeth, which can present difficulties when it comes to brushing and flossing adequately. Unfortunately, this can lead to more decay over time, and teeth that don't last as long. Because implants act a lot like your normal teeth, you just need to make sure that you keep up to date with your oral hygiene habits to keep them functioning perfectly.
- Versatile. Although it's certainly possible to replace just one tooth from an implant, dental implants can also be placed to support bridges and dentures to replace a whole section of teeth at once.
When it comes to your oral health, you want to ensure you're benefiting from the most natural looking and feeling teeth replacement options available. Talk to your dentist to see if dental implants are a good choice for you.
The Procedure: What to Expect & Healing Time
Although everybody's situation is slightly different, here is the general procedure that you might expect from dental implants :
- Evaluation. First, you'll speak to your dentist, determining together if a tooth implant is the correct choice for you. If you and your dentist agree it's the best option, you'll set an appointment for your dental implant.
- Implant. At your appointment, your dentist will give you anesthesia to make sure you don't experience pain or discomfort during the procedure. Then, they'll place the implant in your jaw.
- Healing process. For the first few days afterwards, you might feel some bruising and discomfort which can usually be managed by over-the-counter medication. Then, for two to six months following implantation, the bone around the implant will need to be given time to solidify and heal. This process, called osseointegration, creates an incredibly strong foundation for your teeth. In most cases, you won't even feel this process as it's taking place.
- Abutment. Once the bone has sufficiently healed, the abutment will be placed on the implant.
- Crown, bridge, or dentures. After the healing process, your dentist should be able to complete the process by placing a crown, a bridge, or dentures to the abutment on your dental implant. Your dentist will create custom-made tooth replacements by taking an impression of your mouth — to ensure you get the most natural and comfortable solution possible.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
If you have lost teeth due to trauma, decay, or injury, you may be wondering if dental implants are a good choice for you. Though it's important to consult with your dentist about your particular case, you might not be able to get dental implants in the following circumstances:
- Disease. Certain medical issues, like lowered immune response or connective tissue diseases, may make implants a poor choice.
- Insufficient bone. Although dentists can perform bone grafts to build the jawbone back up, people who are missing too much bone mass in their jaws may not be able to get dental implants.
- Age. Young children's jawbones are still growing, so they might not be good candidates for dental implants.
- Gum disease. Titanium implants require healthy gum tissue, so if you have gum disease or unhealthy gums, that would have to be treated before dental implants were placed.
- Heavy smoking & alcohol use. Certain lifestyle factors like heavy smoking or alcohol use can prevent proper healing in the mouth.
Dental implants can make an incredible difference in your quality of life, but they do require regular maintenance and a commitment to oral hygiene. Those who don't intend to take good care of their teeth might not benefit from dental implants. Whatever your particular situation, make sure to discuss your options with your dentist.
How much will dental implants cost?
To break down the cost of dental implants, it's important to understand that there several different costs to anticipate. So, while an implant for a single tooth is estimated to cost between $1,000 and $3,000, you also have to factor in the cost of the abutment and crown. Depending on the materials you use for the crown, this could cost between $500 and $6,000. Together, that brings the cost for a single tooth implant to anywhere from $1,500 to $6,000. Multiple teeth implants can cost $3,000 and $30,000. Implant-supported dentures can cost between $7,000 and $90,000.
Keep in mind that many dental insurance policies will cover some of the cost of dental implants, significantly reducing the price. Remember, as well, to talk to your dental office beforehand to find out of you qualify for any payment plants or financing to help you cover costs.
Talk to your Dentist about Dental Implants near Pembroke Pines, FL
At Salgra Dental Group, we love helping our patients achieve their healthiest, most natural-looking smiles through innovative techniques. It's our goal to help our patients flourish with excellent oral health. If you're curious about dental implants — and how they can help you regain your confident smile and normal function — please feel free to contact us today.
