Dental implants are a durable and natural-looking replacement for missing teeth. They fuse to the jawbone, a process called osseointegration. Implants are successful for most patients, but failure is possible due to smoking or other unhealthy habits.
If your bone is too soft or thin to support an implant, a bone graft may be necessary. This involves lifting the gum to expose the malformed bone and then using a bone substitute to repair it.
Cost
A dental implant can restore the beauty and functionality of a smile that has been affected by tooth loss. However, it is no secret that dental implants have a hefty price tag. This can be intimidating for patients who are considering this treatment option. Fortunately, there are many financial options available to help make the treatment more affordable.
Some dental insurance plans offer coverage for implants. However, the amount that your insurer covers depends on several factors. It is important to discuss your plan’s coverage with your dentist or oral surgeon to understand what is and is not covered.
The type and location of the tooth that needs replacing will also affect the cost of your dental implant. For example, a replacement for a back molar will be more expensive than a replacement for a front tooth. Also, if a bone graft or sinus lift is required, this will add to the overall cost of the procedure.
Some dental offices offer financing through their practice. This can be a great way to pay for your implants, as it allows you to break up large one-time expenses into manageable payments over time. In addition, most providers accept standard credit cards which can be an even more convenient option.
Procedure
Dental implants replace missing tooth roots, providing a natural-looking and functioning alternative to dentures and bridges. In addition to restoring the appearance and function of your teeth, they also stimulate and preserve bone in the jaw. This is important to prevent the adjacent teeth from shifting and creating other dental problems.
During the initial consultation, your dental professional will evaluate the condition of your teeth and gums to determine if you’re a candidate for dental implants. They will use diagnostic X-rays and computer tomography (CT) scans to examine the size and density of your jawbone. If there’s not enough bone to support an implant, they will recommend a bone graft.
After numbing the area, your surgeon will make an incision (cut) in your gum tissue to expose the bone underneath. They will then use a series of tools to create and enlarge a socket into which the implant post will be placed. Once the implant post is firmly in place, your surgeon will close the incisions.
Once the implant site heals, a fabricated dental crown will be screwed or cemented onto the abutment. Your dentist will use the final prosthesis to match the color and shape of your surrounding teeth. If you choose to have removable teeth, they’ll snap onto the metal frame attached to the abutment.
Recovery
If you’ve recently lost a tooth, dental implants offer an attractive solution for replacing it. The process of integrating an implant with your jaw bone is called osseointegration, and it can take between 3-6 months for the titanium to fuse with your bone tissue. During this time, you will need to follow your dentist’s recovery instructions and take pain medications as needed.
Most people experience the most discomfort during the first two days, but this should taper off within a week. Taking OTC and prescription medications as instructed, and avoiding strenuous activity are important to ensure a speedy recovery. In addition, patients are advised to eat soft foods and avoid chewy or hard ones. After a week, most dentists will remove any non-dissolving sutures and schedule a follow-up appointment.
The most important aspect of the dental implant healing process is consistent care for the surgical site. This includes regular brushing, flossing, and mouth rinses. Moreover, patients should refrain from smoking and alcohol consumption. These habits can impede the healing process.
The type of dental implant you choose will also impact the quality of your restoration and its longevity. For example, a porous surface allows more contact with the bone than a machined titanium surface, which increases stability and durability. Other implant surfaces include a grit-blasted and acid-etched surface, a plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite coating, or zirconia.
Maintenance
Dental implants are a highly successful replacement for natural teeth, but they require careful maintenance and monitoring. Patients must adhere to a comprehensive care regimen that includes brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings. Neglecting these steps can lead to peri-implantitis, a severe inflammation of the gum tissue and bone around the implant. The condition can cause implant failure, requiring costly and complex replacement procedures.
In addition to proper oral hygiene, patients must follow a healthy diet that provides the nutrients necessary to maintain gum and bone health. Patients should also be aware of the signs and symptoms that indicate a problem with their implant, including pain, swelling, or looseness. Prompt reporting of these problems to a dentist can prevent complications and help them avoid a more serious implant failure.
Proper dental implant maintenance involves regular, scheduled visits to a periodontist or prosthodontist for routine inspection and professional cleaning. Dental professionals use specialized tools that allow them to clean and maintain dental implant surfaces without damaging surrounding tissues. These specialized instruments can remove hard-to-reach debris from the surface of the implant crown, preventing the buildup of bacteria that can cause peri-implantitis. In addition, localized chemotherapeutic treatments may be used to control infection and promote tissue health, reducing the risk of complications. These therapies are particularly important in patients with medical conditions that can compromise the immune system.
