Dental Implants: Things You Should Know Before You Visit a Dentist for Dental Implants
The first time you visit a dentist it could be because of a simple teeth whitening procedure. However, establishing a habit of regular visits to an Anding Family Dental facility is paramount for excellent oral health. There are several ways you can benefit from such a dental facility in Omaha, NE, including dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
They are dental appliances that are used to replace missing teeth. They feature titanium material and are used as a permanent solution to lost teeth. The metal fixtures are installed on your mouth through dental implant surgery. Since they are permanent tooth restorations, they have to be inserted into the jawbone through a surgical procedure.
Why Choose Tooth Implants?
Among the different dental treatments you could choose for missing teeth, here are the two main reasons why implants are the most favorable option:
- Stability – tooth implants are considered a permanent solution to missing teeth because of the stability they offer. Since they are installed in the jawbone, they offer stability close to that of a natural Tooth’s root.
- Longevity – oral implants last longer than most dental treatments. The metal posts are made of titanium that does not easily wear off. Besides, no other dental appliance matches the strength of natural teeth as close as tooth implants do.
What to Expect from the Procedure
When you first contact your dentist with missing teeth, the first step is usually a dental examination. The exam will help your dentist figure out the overall health of your mouth. This exam will determine the state of your gums, teeth, bone structure and more. If there are no underlying dental problems, your dentist will then bring about a discussion about your treatment options.
Technically, dental implants are not the only solution to missing teeth. Over the years, dentures and dental bridges have been used to replace gaps caused by the loss of teeth. However, in time, dental experts discovered implants as a more stable and permanent solution for patients without one or more teeth. The procedure involves the following steps:
- Physical dental check – following the dental examination from your dentist, a physical check is necessary. The check is to examine the strength of your jawbone. If it is thin, then the procedure may not be fit for you. This is because the implants have to be inserted in your jawbone for stability. The state of your bones will also determine which type of tooth implant is suitable for you.
- Implant installation – the implant is placed in the socket of your jawbone, where a tooth is missing. The titanium post is inserted through a small surgical procedure that might involve cutting part of your gum tissue to expose the socket of where the implant is inserted. It is why local anesthesia is necessary to numb the area before the procedure. After it is inserted, the wound is sewn professionally to close the gum tissue and allow healing. As the gum heals, it grows around the fixture to give it a stable foundation.
- Secure attachment – for between 6-12 weeks, your gums will be healing to properly bond the fixture to your mouth. To further secure the implant, a dentist will add an abutment which is a small connector to hold the attachment in place.
- Dental crown installation – an implant is not natural-looking on its own. It is meant as a replacement for the roots of a tooth. In that case, a dental crown is necessary to cover the tooth and make it similar to the other natural teeth. Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and develop a dental crown that fits over the implant yet still matches the rest of your teeth.
What Is the Cost of Dental Implants?
Given the intricate nature of the procedure for getting tooth implants, the costs for this treatment are higher than most dental procedures. In most cases, it depends on where you are getting the implants, the dentist in charge of your treatment, and how many implants you need for your treatment. Usually, the estimated costs for a single tooth implant ranges between $3,000 and $4,500. This cost is inclusive of the entire surgical procedure, the metal post, as well as the dental implant. Therefore, the more tooth implants you need, the more expensive your treatment will be.