Many people who have lost teeth or have dentures are candidates for dental implants. A person must have adequate bone to support an implant, though.
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon must perform a physical exam, take X-rays, and obtain a 3D CT scan to find out how much healthy bone is present in the upper and lower jaws. If the bone is deficient, a bone graft may be needed. Click Here to learn more.
Implants are more expensive than traditional tooth-replacement options such as bridges and dentures, but they offer many advantages including better stability and appearance. If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implants can restore your smile and give you back your confidence.
There are a number of factors that influence the cost of dental implant services. Unlike a typical service, such as a filling, dental implant fees are assessed on the basis of the complexity and type of work performed. A more complex procedure requires a higher level of skill from the dentist and may result in higher fees. Additionally, the type of implant and crown required can affect price.
In general, implants are more costly than a fixed bridge or a removable denture because they replace multiple teeth in a single arch and require multiple procedures to complete. However, it is important to keep in mind that implants are a lifetime investment and the most advanced tooth replacement option available.
The total cost of an implant, abutment and crown can range from $3,500 to $8,000. The average falls in the middle of this range, but costs become very specific to your individual treatment needs.
In addition to the initial consultation and exam, you will need a CT scan and X-rays of your mouth to determine if you are a candidate for dental implants. The results will help your implant dentist to create a personalized treatment plan. Additional preoperative procedures, such as a sinus lift or bone graft, will also increase the overall cost of your treatment.
Another factor that can impact the cost of dental implants is the quality of materials used. High-quality implants often have greater longevity and lower maintenance expenses, so they are a more cost-effective long-term solution.
Some patients may have access to government-assisted programs that can provide low-cost dental care, which can include implants. Additionally, some dental practices have payment plans that allow you to spread the cost of your treatment over time. Finally, some patients may be able to use funds from flexible spending accounts and health savings account, which are tax-deferred.
Aesthetics
Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants mimic the anatomy of natural teeth. As such, they are considered more aesthetic than traditional bridges or dentures. They also preserve healthy bone and gum tissue, which is key to long-term oral health.
Aesthetic focus focuses on making a patient’s smile look more natural and attractive. This type of treatment typically involves whitening, bonding, veneers, and dental implants. It can also include reshaping or straightening the teeth. A dentist with an aesthetic focus is trained to use these techniques to improve a patient’s appearance.
An implant can be used to replace a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. It consists of a titanium screw that is surgically placed into the jawbone. Once the implant has healed, a prosthetic tooth is attached to it. The procedure can be performed under local anesthesia or sedation. The patient should follow the dental provider’s instructions regarding hygiene and oral care to ensure that it heals properly. The patient should also avoid smoking to prevent complications.
The placement of the implant must be in the most ideal spot for osseointegration, or the fusion between the titanium and bone, to take place. The implant must also be aesthetically pleasing. A dental professional in Southlake knows where the best place to place the implant is, and will consider the soft tissues deficiencies as well.
An ideal implant restoration will match the shape and dimensions of the adjacent teeth in a patient’s smile. It must also be in the most appropriate position for occlusion and function, and will harmonize with the articular components of the stomatognathic system.
Moreover, the aesthetic results of an implant-supported crown depend on the clinician’s skill in constructing and positioning the prosthetic tooth based on the diagnostic data. To evaluate the aesthetic outcome of a maxillary anterior single-implant crown, several aesthetic objective indices have been developed: the Pink Esthetic Score (PES), the Papilla Presence Index (PPI), the Peri-Implant and Crown Index (PICI), PES/White Esthetic Score (PES/WES) and a modified version of the Implant Crown Aesthetic Index (ICAI) [1].
The implant must be positioned in the most optimal location to ensure its durability. If it is too apical, it will encroach on the proximal region of the neighboring teeth and cause unaesthetic soft tissue contours. The implant must also be positioned correctly in the sinus to maintain its structural integrity and the proper chewing function.
Function
Unlike bridges, which require the sacrifice of healthy teeth and are susceptible to decay, dental implants can replace missing teeth without compromising other nearby teeth. The titanium, screw-shaped implant post is surgically placed into the jawbone and allowed to heal. As it heals, the implant integrates with the bone in a process known as osseointegration. The result is a strong foundation for an artificial tooth or teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth. An abutment is then screwed onto the implant to connect the new tooth to it. A crown is then placed on top to complete the replacement tooth, which can be a single tooth, multiple teeth or a full denture.
An implant dentist will usually perform a comprehensive exam, take dental X-rays and 3D images, and make models of your mouth and jaw. In addition, he or she will review your medical history and check for certain conditions that can affect the healing process or make you a poor candidate for dental implants.
You will need to commit to regular oral hygiene practices, including daily brushing and flossing. You should also schedule regular follow-up visits, at which time your implant dentist will monitor the health of your gums and teeth to ensure that they are healing properly. You should always call your dentist immediately if you experience pain or other signs of infection, as this could indicate a problem with the implant that needs immediate attention.
Oral surgeons are usually the preferred choice for dental implant surgery, as they have received more advanced training than general dentists in performing surgical procedures and treating conditions of the jaws, mouth and face. However, a general dentist may be able to place an implant if he or she is experienced in replacing teeth with this treatment.
Patients with uncontrolled periodontitis (gum disease) are not good candidates for dental implants, as the disease can damage the gums, adjacent bone and teeth. Chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer can also prevent successful integration of the implant in the jaw. Other conditions that can affect healing include long-term steroid use, radiation therapy to the jaw and certain medications.
Maintenance
Dental implants are a popular tooth replacement option, but they require regular care to ensure optimal success. Unlike natural teeth, implants are not anchored to the jaw bone, and they may be susceptible to damage and infection if not treated properly. The best way to avoid these problems is to maintain good oral hygiene habits, and visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings. During these visits, the doctor will examine and clean your implants and adjacent teeth for signs of infection or wear.
Keeping dental implants healthy is not as simple as brushing and flossing your natural teeth, because the implant’s abutment and attachment must be kept free of plaque and tartar. To prevent this buildup, you should use a soft-bristled toothbrush, circular motions, and fluoride toothpaste to brush the implants and surrounding teeth. You should also rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria that can cause gum inflammation or infection. A balanced diet is also important to support your dental health. Consuming a variety of foods will help you get the vitamins and minerals your body needs for optimal health, including calcium and vitamin D, which promote healthy bone tissue.
If you fail to maintain good oral hygiene habits, you may develop a number of complications, like bleeding and inflammation. These symptoms are usually reversible, but they can lead to severe problems like peri-implantitis and bone loss if left untreated. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your implant dentist immediately.
During maintenance visits, the doctor and hygienist will evaluate your dental implant and the adjacent teeth for signs of infection or wear. They will also look for notable changes in the peri-implant hard and soft tissues. In addition, they will check the stability of the implant and the prosthetic arch, and make recommendations for any changes you should implement in your daily routine to protect your implant’s long-term health. For example, they may recommend wearing a mouthguard to reduce bite force and prevent grinding and clenching of the teeth (bruxism), which can damage the implant and surrounding teeth.