Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed into your jaw to replace a missing tooth. Compared to dental bridges and dentures, implants are a more permanent long-term solution to losing a tooth.
You can replace all your teeth with implants. However, if you are missing an entire row of teeth, procedures like All on 4 or denture implants may be a more suitable option:
- All on 4 are custom made to replace a full upper or lower set of teeth that are permanently placed into your mouth and cannot be removed by the patient. It is a one piece full bridge secured into place using implants.
- Implant retained dentures are removable and can snap into place. Similar to All on 4 in that the row of teeth is supported by implants, except the row of teeth can be removed by the patient.
Implants are typically placed in a single appointment, in less than 1-hour. The initial discomfort and swelling on your gums from placing the implant should subside within 3-4-days. If the discomfort and swelling should continue after 5-7-days, please contact our office. Your bone on the other-hand, where the titanium rods are placed, takes anywhere from 3-6-months to fully heal. After 3-6-months of healing, the protective cap placed over the implant can be removed and a permanent crown can be placed.
If you need a dental extraction, this is the perfect time to replace that tooth with a dental implant. If the tooth is not replaced, you may start to notice your face beginning to shrink, or collapse into itself. This happens because there is nothing supporting the bone structure or structural integrity of your jaw. If this happens, you may require a bone graft. Bone grafting is the process of replacing or augmenting bone around a missing tooth. Bone loss is typically caused by the extraction of a tooth and the loss of the supporting bony structure. When placing an implant, bone may need to be augmented to give the implant a supporting structure. This is why we recommend replacing a missing tooth with an implant right away, as this usually eliminates the need for bone grafting later and helps prevent facial collapse. This also prevents 2 healing periods (1 for the extraction and 1 for the implant).
What To Expect
Typically, dental implants require at least two appointments. During your first appointment, we surgically place implant posts into your jawbone. The treatment area will then need to fully heal before your final restoration can be placed, which typically takes 3-6-months. Once healing is complete, you will return to our office for the restoration placement portion of the procedure.
While dental implants are the preferred method for replacing missing teeth, not all patients are eligible for this treatment. Shortly after a tooth falls out, or is extracted, the jawbone begins to recede. This is because there are no tooth roots supporting the tissue. The longer a patient takes to replace missing teeth, the worse jawbone atrophy can become. Since dental implants rely on the stability provided by secure placement in the jawbone, it is essential that you have sufficient tissue to support the posts. However, we may be able to perform a bone graft or sinus lift procedure to rebuild the recessed jawbone. During your consultation, we will evaluate your candidacy and make the best recommendation to protect your oral health.
While dental implants can be provided by many dentists, it is imperative that the dentist you choose possess the skills and experience necessary to precisely place the posts. Our dentist has undergone extensive training to provide patients with secure, durable implants. Our surgical expertise allows us to provide patients with an unparalleled level of dental implant care. Our team works together to provide you with safe, reliable dental implants, from surgery through to restoration, conveniently at our dental practice. Trust us to completely rebuild your smile.
The Top Six Factors that Affect Dental Implant Costs
There is no doubt that dental implants are the best solution for replacing missing teeth. They also offer a number of long-term oral health benefits. However, many patients believe that the cost of dental implants precludes them from undergoing treatment. Here are the top six factors that affect dental implant costs:
- The Number of Dental Implants: The number of teeth that need to be replaced will affect your total cost of treatment. While we do not need to replace every missing tooth with a dental implant, we do need to place a sufficient number of implants to securely hold your restoration in place.
- The Type and Quality of Your Restoration: The number of missing teeth you have will play a role in the type of restoration that is attached to your dental implant(s). For example, if you are missing a single tooth, we can use a dental crown to fill in the empty space. A single crown is the least expensive restoration option. However, if you are missing a span of teeth in one area of your mouth, we can attach a dental bridge to your dental implant(s). This is a moderately-priced restoration option. And, if you are missing a full arch of teeth (either upper or lower), we can place implant-supported dentures. Dentures are fabricated to replace a full arch of missing teeth, and they tend to be the most expensive option. The quality of your restoration also affects the cost of treatment, as is the case with the use of high-quality porcelain or zirconia. Our goal is to provide the best solution for you.
- Preparatory Work: Prior to undergoing dental implant surgery, patients must have healthy teeth and gums. If a patients remaining natural teeth require treatment for cavities, root canal therapy, or a dental extraction, this will increase the total cost of treatment. Periodontal care can also affect the cost. In addition, patients should have a sufficient amount of jawbone to support their new dental implants. If not, we may recommend a bone graft or sinus lift procedure, which will also increase the cost.
- Sedation Options: Patients may undergo dental implant surgery while under local anesthetic, which is the most affordable option. Intravenous sedation (sleep dentistry) is another option that can increase the cost of treatment.
- The Type of Dental Implants: If you are replacing all of your teeth in the upper or lower arch, traditional dental implants are typically more expensive than Teeth-in-a-Day. Teeth-in-a-Day as a cost-effective option that does not usually require the need for preparatory procedures, such as a bone graft or sinus lift. This treatment option involves the placement of dental implants and temporary dentures in one day. After 3-6-months, when the healing period is complete, your custom restoration is attached to your dental implants.
- Choice of Surgeon: The choice of surgeon, and location of the dental practice, always affects the price of dental implant treatment. We are committed to keeping treatment as affordable as possible for our patients.