What You Should Know About a Tooth Implant

An implant replaces the roots of missing teeth and this surgery is typically conducted in a dentist’s office under local anesthesia.

A surgeon will then create and gradually widen a site in the jaw bone for implant placement, before attaching an implant screw to it.

Covering the screw with gum tissue or temporary restoration will allow it to heal within a few months.

Cost

Dental implant costs vary from patient to patient, often exceeding that of bridges or dentures in terms of initial cost; however, in the long run they often work out cheaper. Longer-term savings often make dental implants cheaper than paying for additional tooth and gum issues caused by poorly fitting bridges or dentures, and many dental insurance plans cover some portion of its costs. Before choosing to undergo any dental implant procedure it’s wise to speak to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon about whether you qualify and their initial evaluation fees as these could vary significantly before scheduling an appointment date/time/costs before making your decision.

An implant’s cost depends on many factors, including where you receive treatment and whether or not your provider is an experienced implant specialist. You should also factor in additional procedures like bone grafts or sinus lift surgeries as these will add significantly to the total expense.

If the costs of dental implants become unmanageable for you, financial assistance may be available through dental insurance providers and private financing companies that specialize in medical expenses. You could also apply for grants such as CDG Grant Program or the ADA Foundation that cover dental implant surgery costs; dental financing options offer low monthly payments with no interest added as a payment option.

Procedure

As part of our comprehensive evaluation process, we will perform X-rays and impressions of your jawbone to assess its ability to support an implant. In addition, we will take into account any medical conditions or medications you take – the result being an individualized treatment plan tailored specifically for you.

At the outset of our procedure, we will administer local anesthesia to numb your gums before drilling into the bone where we’ll place an implant. If necessary, a bone graft may also be added if your jawbone lacks sufficient healthy tissue for placement of an implant.

After surgery, we will install a healing cap onto the implant post to protect and encase it until soft tissue grows over it.

After placing the implant, we will attach an abutment. An abutment is a metal piece that connects an implant to its crown; typically hexagon-shaped for visibility in your gum line.

Before placing an abutment, we can test its strength using computer modeling. This allows us to determine the optimal placement location, angle, depth and angle of your new abutment as well as ensure it can withstand forces exerted by your jaw and bite. Typically, an abutment made of titanium; however other materials are also acceptable – zirconia implants tend to be more durable in this respect.

Recovery

Recovery after getting a tooth implant should generally be less strenuous than from having it extracted, since an implant fills in any gaps left in your jawbone. Patients should expect some discomfort and bruising at the surgical site and should rest for as long as necessary after receiving IV sedation; it would be ideal if possible to stay home on the day of their procedure.

After surgery, it is best to rest with your head elevated on a pillow and avoid situations requiring intense concentration or physical exertion that might dislodge blood clots and delay healing processes. Furthermore, avoid activities such as spitting, sucking straws or smoking which may cause bleeding that further delays recovery time.

Most pain and swelling should subside within a week, although it’s wise to eat soft foods for some additional days. You can resume brushing your teeth but be wary not to brush directly against the implant site for several days afterward. If you used non-dissolving sutures, follow-up visits will be scheduled so they can be removed, while at this visit your dentist can check on healing progress and make any necessary adjustments as necessary.

Maintenance

Dental implants look, feel, and function just like real teeth and can last up to 25 years with proper maintenance. Your daily regimen should involve brushing twice with a soft bristled toothbrush using low abrasive toothpaste; using an interdental floss threader when flossing; and gargling your mouth with antiseptic mouthwash in order to kill bacteria and freshen breath.

Your dental professional will advise you on how to best take care of your new implant. Avoid touching the site of the implant as doing so could dislodge a blood clot and lead to bleeding and infection, while it’s also best not to use it for anything other than chewing as this may weaken it over time.

Regular dental check-ups are also highly recommended in order to keep bacteria levels at bay and avoid infections and complications. Furthermore, smoking must be discontinued and it’s best not to clench or grind your teeth (bruxism), as this could damage the incision site.

At your maintenance visit, a dental professional will conduct a comprehensive examination of both your implant and peri-implant tissues, including testing for stability of restorations, general oral health assessment, checking for gum disease, reviewing radiographs and eliminating any buildup around implants.