Many people havequestions about dental implants. Am I a good candidate? Is it painful? What are the costs? The following information ondental implantswill help you answer some of these questions. What are dental implants? Dental implantsare titanium screws that serve as anchors in the jaw bone to replace missing teeth. After a few months the jaw bone fuses to theimplant, then an abutment, or “post” is screwed into the implant. . Finally, a crown, designed to look like a natural tooth, is either screwed into or cemented over as the abutment.Dental implantsreplace as many teeth as needed, from one tooth to all of the teeth on an arch. What are the benefits of dental implants? Unlike dentures,dental implantsdon’t slip, eliminating the need for adhesives to stay secure. They function like normal teeth, not only when you smile, but also when you eat and exercise. Additionally, they prevent loss of bone in your jaw where you’re missing teeth, and don’t damage any teeth surrounding thedental implant. How successful are dental implants? Overall,dental implantswork 97% of the time. The knowledge and experience of your dentist play a big part in the success of your own dental implants. How much do dental implants cost? The cost varies depending on several things: the experience of your doctor, the number of teeth you need replaced, and the quantity and quality of your existing bone. Sometimes it is necessary to rebuild the bone either simultaneously with implant placement or several months before the implants are placed. This will be an additional cost and may lengthen the overall treatment time. This will be discussed at the consultation appointment. Who can receive dental implants? Almost anyone can receivedental implants, though certain medical factors prevent some individuals from receiving them. Talk with your doctor to find out if you’re a good candidate for dental implants. Are there any age limitations? Yes. We generally wait until young adults have completed their growth cycle. Mature adults of any age can receive dental implants. Is the dental implant procedure painful? No. During the surgery, there should be NO pain whatsoever. Generally, most implant procedures can be tolerated very well just with local anesthetic. However, bothoral and IV sedationare available for the apprehensive patient. Following surgery the discomfort will be similar to that experienced after a simple tooth extraction. Pain relievers along with anti-inflammatory medication will be prescribed and should keep you comfortable after surgery. Will my insurance cover dental implants? Many insurance plans provide partial coverage fordental implants. While coverage tends to be minimal, the investment may last a lifetime. Benefits will be discussed at the consultation appointment, along with interest free payment options. How often will I need to get my implants checked? Dental Implantsshould be examined and cleaned by a trained dental hygienist every 3 to 4 months. How can I take care of my implants? Aside from the occasional examination, proper dental hygiene goes a long way. Care for yourimplantsthe same way you would your natural teeth—by brushing and flossing twice a day. If you still have questions or would like to schedule afree dental implant consultation, please call us orcontact us here. ...read more
By Advanced Dental Implant Services October 09, 2012
Implants, veneer treatments and whitening of teeth are only a few of the many dental treatments that dentists offer their patients and prospective patients. Many people choose cosmetic dental treatments and other dental fixes to improve their dental conditions. Some individuals simply abandon dental c... ...read more
Having dental insurance is a necessity. It is important to have some sort of dental coverage because visits to the dentist and dental exams can become quite costly. Without dental insurance, you could end up spending a fortune on dental work. Prior to applying for dental insurance, you may have severa... ...read more
