What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are strong, long-lasting titanium posts that are designed to hold replacement teeth. They bond with healthy bone and function just like the roots of your natural teeth. Unlike dentures, bridges, and crowns, dental implants don’t slip or move, and don’t require adhesive, so you can feel confident everyt time you eat, drink, and smile.
For patients with missing teeth, failing teeth, or chronic dental problems such as periodontal disease, dental implants can replace one tooth, several teeth, or all of your upper and/or lower teeth.
Dental implants are a safe, comfortable, durable solution that will help restore your health and quality of life.
Benefits of Implants
Your oral health is directly connected to your overall health, so it’s important to maintain a healthy smile that will last for years to come.
- Improve chewing. Enjoy eating again and get the nutrients you need for good health.
- Speak confidently. Dental implants are fixed to your mouth, so there’s no need to worry about slipping or shifting when you speak.
- Maintain healthy gums. Unlike dentures that sit on top of your gums and can change their shape over time, dental implants stay put and allow your gums to maintain their shape.
- Protect against bone loss. When missing teeth aren’t replaced, it can affect the shape and function of your jawbone and change the appearance of your mouth and face.
- Enjoy better oral health. The cracks and crevices in dentures can cause the growth of bacteria, which may cause infection and other health problems. Implants function just like natural teeth, so you can continue your regular brushing and flossing routine.
- Feel more confident. Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth, so you can worry less about your smile and focus on a better quality of life.
- Smile well into the future: One of the most significant advantages of dental implants is their durability and longevity. Unlike dentures and dental bridges, which may need to be replaced every few years and may need to remove healthy surrounding teeth crown surfaces to work, with proper care dental implants can last a lifetime.
Ultimately, choosing between dental implants and other tooth replacement options depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget. Consult with your dental provider about the potential benefits and risks, and so you can make the decision that’s right for you.
Implant Options
There are a variety of dental options to consider. Your dental provider can help you decide which procedure is best.
Full Mouth
If the majority of your upper and lower teeth are missing or failing, they can be replaced with a full arch of teeth. It may sound complicated, but instead of replacing one tooth at a time, advances in dental implants have made it possible to restore your smile using for implants that are surgically inserted in your top and bottom gum line. The implants fuse to your jaw bone, creating a solid foundation for your new teeth. Using precise measurements of your mouth, prosthetic teeth that look like natural teeth are created and then attached to the durable titanium posts.
Individual Tooth
Dental implants are also the perfect solution for patients who are missing one tooth. A single tooth replacement does more than restore your smile, it keeps the surrounding teeth stable, and helps you maintain good overall oral health. And, because the tooth is anchored into the jawbone, you can feel comfortable and confident that you will have a long-lasting result.
Implant Bridge (multiple teeth)
Patients who are missing two or more adjacent teeth can benefit from a durable dental implant bridge. This type of implant supports your surrounding tissues, helps keep the teeth nearby from moving and can greatly improve your appearance. Just like an individual tooth implant, a ridge is stable for eating and drinking, and functions like your natural teeth.
Implant Supported Dentures
While they are similar to full mouth dental implants, implant supported dentures are removable. However, because they are fixed to the jaw using titanium posts, implant supported dentures do provide more support than traditional dentures that require adhesive. Patients who don’t have adequate bone density for full mouth implants or who prefer removable dentures are the best candidates for this option.
The Cost of Dental Implants
When it comes to dental implants, one of the most pressing concerns for many people is the cost. Dental implants are an investment in your oral health and overall well-being, and the cost can vary depending on several factors.
On average, the cost can range from $2,500 to $3,500 per implant. However, this does not include additional procedures such as bone grafting, extractions, or the final crown/prosthesis which can increase the overall cost. It is important to consult with your dental provider to get an accurate estimate based on your specific needs.
Insurance Options
Insurance coverage of dental implants often depends on whether your medical, dental, or both types of insurance apply. To determine if your insurance covers dental implants, start by reviewing your plan’s details or contacting your insurance provider directly. They can provide you with information about coverage limits, any necessary pre-authorization, and any associated paperwork.
You may also speak with your dental provider’s office staff about the extent of your surgery and what your insurance will cover.
Some things to keep in mind:
- If your dental insurance covers implants, make sure you review your annual spending limit because you could have extra out-of-pocket costs.
- Some insurance plans may cover the implant but not the prosthetic teeth attached to it.
- Your medical insurance may also cover some parts of the procedure, so ask about that.
- If you have lost a tooth or need a replacement because of an injury or accident, some insurance policies will cover dental implants as part of that coverage.
- Make sure you talk to your insurance provider if you don’t understand your coverage.
Financing Options
If your insurance doesn’t cover dental implants or if you don’t have insurance, don’t fret. There are still options available to help you finance your dental implants. Many dental offices offer payment plans or financing options to make the cost more manageable. You can also explore third-party financing options or dental discount plans.
- Third-party financing: Many companies specialize in providing financing for dental procedures, including dental implants. These companies offer flexible repayment plans and competitive interest rates, allowing your to get the treatment you need while staying within your budget.
- Dental discount plans: An alternative to traditional insurance that can help reduce the cost of dental implants. These plans offer discounted rates for dental procedures, including implants, and can be a cost-effective option for those without insurance.
Eligibility for Implants
Bone grafting is like adding more support to your jawbone for a dental implant or other fixes. It's a usual thing for dental procedures. They take a bit of bone from you, often from your mouth, and use it to build up the jaw. Sometimes, they use bone from a person who donated it (like from a bone bank), which is safe. It's a common and safe way to make sure your jaw can handle dental work.
Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth for good. Unlike bridges, they don't mess with your other teeth.
Here's how it works:
- A screw is placed in your jawbone.
- Allow 3-6 months for it to heal.
- During healing, you get temporary crowns so you can eat and talk normally.
- Once healed, they put a base (abutment) on the screw.
- Take an impression of the new tooth.
- Make the permanent tooth in a lab.
- Attach the new tooth. Your smile looks normal, and the implant feels just like your other teeth after a bit.