Dental Implants

Millions of people around the world suffer from tooth loss. The most common causes are decay, periodontal disease (gum tissue disease), and injuries. Earlier, the only treatment for a missing tooth that dentists could offer was dentures or bridges. Nowadays, treatment with dental implants can help people who have lost a tooth and restore their beautiful smile. Keep reading to learn everything about dental implants, including what the procedure involves, who is an appropriate patient for dental implants, and how to care for tooth replacement.

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is a replacement tooth root. It is a surgical fixture that is placed in the upper or lower jaw bone. Over a few months, the dental implant fuses with the jaw bone due to bone growth. It provides a robust foundation where the oral surgeon can fix a permanent or removable tooth replacement, which can be made to match your own teeth. Essentially, dental implants are artificial tooth roots, i.e., they are a replacement for a missing root.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Dental implants are the closest you can get to mimicking your natural teeth. They can stand on their own in the jawbone without any effect on the adjacent teeth. Dental implants are highly stable once they are integrated into the jawbone after bone growth, which takes place over a few months. The majority of dental implants are made of titanium, which is a strong material that integrates with bone without the body recognizing it as a foreign substance. Implant dentistry has advanced considerably over the last few decades. The success rate for dental implants is currently close to 98%. Some of the advantages of getting dental implants include:

• Improved comfort while eating (some dentures can make chewing difficult, forcing you to eat only soft foods - dental implants function like your natural teeth, so you can eat all your favorite foods without discomfort)
• Improved convenience (unlike a denture which can be messy, dental implants do not need to be removed and replaced on a daily basis)
• Improved appearance (dental implants fuse with the jawbone and are permanent - they resemble natural teeth and give you a natural smile)
• Improved oral hygiene (dental implants do not disturb adjacent teeth and therefore are associated with better oral health in the long term)
• Improved durability (dental implants can last many years with the proper care)

Types of dental implants

Endosteal dental implants are placed in the bone. Subperiosteal implants are placed under the gum tissue, on top of the jaw bone. Endosteal implants are preferred because of better long term results. Various diameter implants are available to match the gap in your mouth.

Sometimes dental implants are used to support a removable denture. Mini implants may be used to temporarily anchor the teeth and move them into the desired position. The all-on-4 technique can be used in patients who have lost all their teeth. This technique allows replacement of all the teeth with just four implants in the upper and lower jaw arch and is very stable and comfortable.

Are dental implants like natural teeth?

Dental implants resemble your natural teeth and have a success rate of 98%. They can be used to replace a single tooth, several missing teeth, or all your teeth. The goals of implant dentistry are to restore both function and an aesthetic appearance. Your new teeth after dental implants can last you a lifetime provided you care for them properly (see below for more information).

What to expect when getting a dental implant?

Consultation

During the consultation, your dentist will develop a treatment plan after examining your mouth and looking at imaging studies (dental x rays or CT scans). This is necessary to assess the quality of the jaw bone and determine whether it is sufficiently strong to support the new tooth. Once it is established that an implant can be placed in the desired location, you will be scheduled for the procedure.

Customized treatment

Implant dentistry is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. The dental implants procedure is an individualized treatment plan that is custom made for your specific needs. An expert in dental implant surgery will examine your mouth and evaluate any teeth you have lost. Your dentist will talk to you about the various options for replacement teeth, including dental implants.

Procedure

If you are a deemed a good candidate for implants, you will be scheduled for the procedure, which is done under local anesthesia with sedation to reduce anxiety.

The first part of the process is an extraction to remove any remaining damaged tooth from the tooth root area and prepare the area for the implant. A bone graft may be placed to provide a solid base for the implant. Following this, a small titanium implant fixture is placed in the jaw bone in the socket of the tooth roots. The healing process takes 6-12 weeks, during which time the bone cells will grow around the titanium implant and anchor it securely in place. In some patients, if enough bone is present, the damaged tooth extraction and implant placement can be done at the same appointment.

After the dental implant has integrated or bonded with the bone structure, a connector called an abutment is attached to it. The abutment provides the anchor for your new tooth. Your dentist will make an impression of your mouth to capture the distribution of your teeth and bite. The dental laboratory will make an artificial tooth based on this model. Once the replacement tooth or crown is ready, it will be attached to the abutment which is fixed to the dental implant in your mouth. It is also possible to have a removable denture attached to the abutment.

Your dentist will match the color of the crown to your natural teeth. When your dental implant procedure is complete, your replacement teeth will feel, look, and function like your natural teeth.

How painful is dental implant surgery?

Most patients experience only mild discomfort in their mouth when the dentist puts in dental implants. Many patients report the pain is less than what is experienced with a tooth extraction. Your dentist will use local anesthesia to reduce discomfort. After the procedure, you may have some mild soreness in the mouth, which can typically be treated with over-the-counter pain medication.

What is the downside of dental implants?

Dental implants are more expensive compared to dentures or dental bridges. Also, it is not always possible to place a dental implant. It depends on the location of the missing tooth and the quality of the jawbone where the implant will be placed. In a patient with bone loss, it may not be an option to replace missing teeth with this technique.

Who can get dental implants?

Patients who are in good general health and are healthy enough for oral surgery can get dental implant treatment. You are a good dental implants candidate if your gums are healthy and you have a sufficient amount of bone to fix the implant. You will need to commit to regular dental visits and practice good oral hygiene after the implantation procedure.

If you are a heavy smoker, have chronic diseases like diabetes or heart disease, or have undergone radiation therapy to the head and neck, your oral surgeon or orthodontic professional will evaluate your case individually to determine whether you can receive dental implants.

Caring for dental implants

Your dental implants are artificial teeth but they require the same care as your natural teeth. You will need to brush and floss your new teeth like your own teeth. Rinsing the mouth with anti-bacterial mouthwash is also recommended. Last but not least, regular dental checkups are essential to ensure that your implants are healthy and there are no complications.

How much does a dental implant cost for one tooth?

A single dental implant can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $2,000. This is the cost of the implant and there may be additional expenses associated with the procedure.

How much do dental implants cost in 2020?

As mentioned, a single implant costs up to $2,000. The total cost of the procedure will depend on the number of missing teeth, plus additional costs for the abutment and crown.

Does health insurance cover the cost of dental implants?

The majority of dental insurance policies do not cover implant dentistry. Therefore, you may have to pay the cost of dental implants out of pocket. However, you should check with your insurance provider to see what treatments for tooth loss are covered.

Finding a provider for dental implants

The MeTime app makes it easy to find a dentist, orthodontist, or maxillofacial surgery professional in your area. You can click and upload pictures and have suggestions sent directly to you. Want to find a provider for dental implants? Try the MeTime app now!