What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a screw-like anchor that is used as an artificial replacement for natural tooth roots. By inserting it into the gum tissue and jawbone, they present a steady foundation for artificial replacement teeth, like dentures, dental crowns, and bridges.
The manner dental implant surgery is conducted hinges on the type of implant and the health of your jawbone. It may require many procedures. The main benefit of implants is stable support for your new teeth — a process that demands the bone to recover snugly around the implant. Since this bone healing needs time, the process can take several months.
What Are Implants Made Of?
Dental implants are made of particular materials to produce a solid, natural-looking, and durable replacement for your missing teeth. These materials are picked for their unique properties and potential to provide you the perfect look and to keep your jawbone strong.
Rather than seashells, most dental implants these days are fabricated from titanium. Titanium is a durable, non-corrosive silver-colored metal. It covers both the implant itself, which is attached to the jaw, and the connector, whereon dentures or crown are placed.
What Are The Different Types Of Dental Implants?
There are 3 different types of dental implants. Depending on your conditions, your Houston licensed dentist will determine which kind is most suitable to you.
Endosteal implants are titanium blades or cylinders that are surgically embedded into your jawbone at the place of missing teeth.
Subperiosteal implants made of a metal frame with posts protruded above the gum surfaces to fix the tooth-like crowns.
Transosteal implants are attached to the jawbone after metal pins, or U-shaped metal frameworks are placed into the bone and the alveolar sockets.
Why Is It Necessary?
Dental implants are surgically attached to your jawbone, where they act as the roots of the lost teeth. Since the titanium in the implants merges with your jawbone, the implants won’t move, make sound or cause bone defects the way dentures or regular bridgework might. And the materials can’t discolor similar to your teeth that hold fixed bridgework can.
Basically, dental implants may be best for you if you:
- Have healthy oral tissues
- Don’t smoke tobacco
- Are ready to offer many months to the process
- Have one or more missing teeth
- Want to improve your speech
- Have enough bone to support the implants or can have a bone graft
- Have a jawbone that attains full growth
- Don’t have health issues that will impair bone healing
- Are incapable or reluctant to wear dentures
Dental Implant Procedure
If you’re healthy and we concluded that you’re a fit candidate for implants, we will then schedule the surgery. During all surgical procedures, typically, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb the surgical area and any other medications needed for anxiety and comfort.
The process of having a dental implant takes many months to complete, and it comprises of three stages:
- Placing the implant. The first stage of oral surgery often involves a tooth or teeth extraction. Then, an “alveolar bone graft” is placed to have a stable base of bone for the implant, where it is covered over with gum tissue and left to blend into the jawbone for three to six months.
- Attaching the post. We anchor a post to the implant and once the post is placed in your jawbone, osseointegration begins. Sometimes, the implant and post are installed at the same time. Whether or not they are placed simultaneously, the combination implant and post serve as a support for the replacement tooth.
- Crown attachment. When your gums heal, we will make molds of your teeth and design a crown or customized replacement tooth. The crown is then affixed to the abutment.
All-on-4 Dental Implant Procedure
The All-on-4 is a hybrid denture attached to 4 implants. Four implants present a solid base, similar to columns sustaining a building. It can replace both the upper and lower arches. Two of the dental implants are put straight for the maxillary bone, and the other two in an angular position.
This Ao4 is a long-term solution, so maintenance is easier. You can treat the new smile the same as natural teeth. The prosthesis can only be removed by a dentist.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Your implants are presumably to last around 25 years—perhaps longer with the right care. Avoid unhealthy habits, such as chewing hard candy and ice, along with tobacco and tooth-staining drinks like red wine and coffee.
Dental implants are highly durable; however, there may be some aftercare. Crowns can be replaced if they get stained, break, or you want a new one for any reason. Screws that got loose can be tightened and scratches in the crowns can be smoothened.
Supposing some parts of your replacement tooth fall off from your mouth, keep them and consult your dentist right away. Don’t attempt to place your dental implant back together with a DIY tool kit.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
The cost of a dental implant can differ depending on the area and who is conducting the surgery. An average cost estimate for a single dental implant is $3,000-$4,500. Below are factors that affect the expected costs of a dental implant procedure includes:
- Number of dental implants you need
- The type of dental implants used
- How many teeth need to be replaced
- The type of artificial teeth used
- Other procedures required like an extraction, before your implants
- Any alternatives your dentist recommends
- Your location and your dentist’s office location
Does dental insurance cover implants?
Most dental insurance plans just have nothing included in them to cover dental implants. There are exceptions; however, they are rare and independent. You will need to consider coverage for cosmetic dental procedures, which guarantees part of the dental implants.
Dental implant insurance procedure may be approximately 50% of the entire expense, which indicates the insurance covers half of your treatment. Remember how much you pay for the procedure before insurance coverage may take effect based on other dental conditions.
Are Dental Implants Painful?
Local anesthesia will numb the nerves surrounding the dental implant area. With numbed nerves, you can expect not to experience any discomfort throughout your dental implant surgery.
Seldom, a few patients feel a significant amount of pain following the procedure. This discomfort may be due to an incorrectly placed implant or an infection. For most patients, the recovery is not as sore as they presumed it to be.
Depending on where it was installed, pain can likewise be experienced in the cheeks, chin, or beneath the eyes. Overall, patients state that the results are definitely worth the process.
How long does a patient feel pain following dental implants?
Typically, a patient may experience pain in the treated area, face, and jaw for a minimum of ten days. Patients may expect some swelling, though the dentist may prescribe painkillers and antibiotics to alleviate swelling and pain. Pain and swelling start to fade from the third day after the procedure.
Dental Implants Near Me
If you have some questions regarding ‘what are dental implants,’ don’t hesitate to ask us! Our dentists and dental team are glad to answer any inquiries you have.
If you would like to schedule a dental implant consultation, call us today at 832-462-6484 or fill out our online form.