What are dental implants?
In a nutshell, a dental implant is basically a titanium screw or sometimes a ceramic screw that is placed into the bone socket of a missing tooth section. It replaces the missing root that you had on a tooth.
What conditions could cause a dentist to recommend dental implants?
If someone loses a tooth or multiple teeth due to gum disease, an accident, or if they were born without some teeth. Some people are born with missing lateral anterior teeth or some premolars or baby molars that never came in. Those conditions could lead to the recommendation of dental implants.
What are the advantages of dental implants?
The advantages are that it's very much like a real tooth. However, nothing artificial in the medical or dental field is ever as good as the real thing. A real tooth will be better than a dental implant, provided that the real tooth is healthy. An implant is a good alternative when a real tooth is not viable because it can be quite real and very close to what you naturally had before. But remember, it's never exactly the same.
What is involved in the dental exam of an implant?
When you come in for a dental implant recommendation, I'll usually send you to a specialist. The specialist or surgeon will do a three-dimensional X-ray to assess the bone shape, level, and surrounding nerves. They will evaluate your medical history to ensure it increases your chances of successful implant integration and placement without complications.
Why is my medical history important?
It's very important because certain medications and conditions can affect the success of the implant. For example, bone-building medications, blood thinners, cancer treatments, or weakened immune systems from organ transplants can increase the risk of complications. A comprehensive exam is necessary to figure out your specific situation.
How will my dentist come up with a treatment plan that is right for me?
We use a three-dimensional X-ray, a CT scan, and a full medical history. We also check your mouth to see how your bite is, your hygiene, gum condition, bone socket level, and surrounding nerves. This helps us minimize the chances of injuring nerves around the implants.
What are the steps in the process of placing a dental implant?
If you have a cracked, broken, or infected tooth, we remove the tooth first. Sometimes a bone graft is necessary to build more bone for better implant integration. After about three months for the bone graft to take, the surgeon will place the implant with a healing cap. You wait another three months for the implant to fuse. Then, a mold is taken, and a lab creates the implant crown. After three weeks, the crown is placed, and you care for it like a natural tooth.
When would bone grafting be required?
A bone graft is often required if the bone where the implant will be placed is not sufficient. This can be determined before and during the procedure. Until the surgical area is opened up, it's hard to know exactly what is needed.
When choosing new artificial teeth, what options will I have and what are the pros and cons of each?
If you're missing a tooth, you can choose a removable option like a denture or a fixed option like an implant. Removable dentures are usually less comfortable, especially for younger individuals. A bridge is another fixed option, where adjacent teeth are shaved down to support a new crown. Each option has its pros and cons, and these will be discussed at your consultation to help you make an informed decision.
How long does it typically take to recover from dental implants?
The recovery process usually takes between three to six months, depending on whether a bone graft is needed. If a bone graft is needed, it takes three months for the graft to take effect, another three months for the implant to fuse, and about three weeks for the lab to make your implant crown.
Can dental implants get cavities?
The actual dental implant or the crown cannot get cavities because they are made of metal. However, if you don't maintain your implant or neglect dental hygiene, bacteria can cause an infection, leading to a failed implant.
What are the costs and financing options involved with dental implants?
The cost is around $8,000 for an implant as of 2024. Options include paying out of pocket, using HSA accounts, or third-party financing. Each dental office has its resources, so it's best to come in for a consultation to figure out the financing part.
Do most insurance plans cover the cost of dental implants?
Many insurance plans do not cover the full cost of dental implants. Some may have clauses or cover only a portion. Typically, dental insurances cover between $1,200 to $2,500 per year. It's best to verify your insurance benefits with your dental office.
How can I schedule an appointment to talk to a dentist about dental implants?
It's very easy. Just call my office at (925) 272-2698 or visit orindadentist.com. If you're too far from my office, call your local dental office and tell them you want to explore your options for dental implants.
Achieve the Smile You Deserve Today!
Do you need to replace one or more missing natural teeth? You can explore your options with a dentist at Virginia H. Ellis, DDS Dental Corp. An increasingly popular type of dental restoration, a dental implant is a more stable alternative to a traditional denture.
Unlike conventional dentures, which simply rest on the gums, implants are supported by small titanium anchors that are secured in the jawbone. In addition to enhanced stability, a dental implant restoration can function similarly to a natural tooth root. As such, it can help prevent the resorptive bone-loss process that often occurs following the loss of a tooth.
Benefits of Implant Restoration
Compared to a traditional denture, an implant restoration offers many benefits, including:
- Better fit – An implant-supported denture fits more securely than a denture that is fixed in place with dental adhesives. A better fit can reduce or eliminate excess denture movement during chewing and speaking, which can increase comfort and help prevent embarrassing denture dislodgement.
- Healthier digestion – Stable implants allow for more thorough chewing, which can help the body’s digestive system break down foods more efficiently and absorb more nutrients.
- Enhanced facial appearance – When teeth are missing, the jawbone is under-stimulated, which triggers a natural process of bone resorption (shrinkage). As a result, the nose and chin may move closer together, causing the face to appear sunken and prematurely aged. An implant restoration can significantly slow the bone resorption process or even eliminate it entirely.
If you lost one or more teeth or are currently struggling with loose or ill-fitting dentures, an implant restoration may be a good option for you. A dentist at Virginia H. Ellis, DDS Dental Corp. can perform a thorough examination of your oral health and jaw structure, review your needs, and suggest a customized treatment plan to maintain the health of your gums, prevent bone loss, improve your oral function, and enhance your smile.
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To request an appointment at our office in Orinda, CA, please contact Virginia H. Ellis, DDS Dental Corp. today.