Dental Implants – The Perfect Solution For Missing Teeth
Dr. Maggie is pleased to offer dental implants as a viable solution for patients missing one or more teeth, providing more stability than traditional bridges or dentures.
As well as filling an empty tooth socket with implants, they also prevent bone deterioration which could otherwise cause additional teeth to loosen and fall out over time.
What is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are small titanium anchors designed to replace missing tooth roots. After surgical placement into the jaw bone, they undergo osseointegration – fusing with surrounding bone cells in a process known as osseointegration to form an even stronger foundation for both fixed and removable replacement prostheses (prostheses).
At surgery, an oral surgeon cuts into the gum to expose bone. Holes are then drilled in this exposed space, before inserting an implant metal post – equivalent to tooth roots – into this socket. A metal spacer is then secured around this post before having its space filled by fabricating a crown that fits over it.
Most patients who can undergo routine dental extraction or oral surgery can qualify for implants. However, heavy smokers and those living with uncontrolled chronic conditions – such as diabetes or heart disease – may experience longer healing times or reduced success of successful integration into the jawbone.
How Does a Dental Implant Work?
Dental implants are a surgical process which entails placing an artificial tooth root into its former place and stimulating bone growth to create a strong and secure base for any crown that subsequently overlies them.
Titanium screw-shaped posts are implanted into the jawbone, covered by gum tissue, and eventually integrated with natural bone in a process known as osseointegration. This may take months, and in some instances a temporary prosthesis may be placed until healing takes place at the implant site.
Preoperatively, we will utilize X-rays and digital scanning technology to assess your oral health and jawbone density. If there is insufficient bone structure present, sinus lift or bone graft surgeries may be performed in order to build up sufficient healthy tissues.
Candidates must possess good overall oral health and be free of severe periodontal disease that affects gums and surrounding bones. Uncontrolled chronic conditions like diabetes, long-term steroid use and cancer can inhibit healing time significantly and make implants less likely to succeed.
Are Dental Implants Right for Me?
Dental implants are considered the gold standard in tooth replacement solutions, but they may not be right for everyone. Patients must possess sufficient bone to anchor the implant securely into place and be dedicated to practicing good oral hygiene and regularly visiting a dentist. Heavy smokers may have difficulty recovering from surgery while those suffering from uncontrolled health conditions such as diabetes or cancer may not qualify as good candidates for implants.
Consultations with our team are the key to understanding if dental implants are right for your replacement teeth needs. Our surgeons will evaluate both your mouth and existing dental work before suggesting the most suitable implant procedure for you. In addition, we may ask about your general health and lifestyle habits as well as collect a list of any medications or supplements taken – it is essential that all aspects of medical history be disclosed as certain drugs could negatively impact their success with implants.
How Much Will Dental Implants Cost?
Costing of dental implants depends on a range of factors. Here are a few important ones:
Location of Dental Practice: Dental practices located in more affluent areas typically charge higher prices for their services. Preparatory Procedures: Should your dentist recommend or require preparatory procedures like bone grafts to complete your implant procedure, these costs will increase accordingly.
Dental Insurance: Dental implants typically fall under elective or cosmetic procedures and thus don’t typically fall within standard dental insurance plans’ coverage, though a dental savings plan or flexible spending account (FSA) may help offset some costs associated with them.
Alternative Financing Solutions: When financing dental implants using credit cards, compare various offers to find one with lower interest rates or longer grace periods that will save on overall costs. Furthermore, some dentists provide in-house financing or work with third-party lenders that offer low interest rates.
In conclusion, dental implants provide a practical replacement for one or more lost teeth. Dental implants can last a lifetime with the right care and oral hygiene. Before deciding for dental implants, patients should examine the price, proximity of the dentist office, necessary pre-operative treatments, dental insurance, and other financing options. If you have any questions about dental implants, then please contact us to discuss your options.
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