If you are considering dental implants, you probably have a lot of questions. From the cost of the procedure to dental implant benefits, it can be difficult to know what to expect. Explore common dental implant questions to help make an informed decision about whether they are right for you.
1. What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a permanent solution for replacing missing or broken teeth. They consist of titanium posts that are surgically placed in the jawbone by a dental implant specialist. Once in place, a dentist will mount replacement teeth to the titanium post fixtures. The posts act as artificial tooth root systems. They eventually fuse with your jawbone, providing a secure foundation for tooth replacement.
2. How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants serve as an artificial tooth, restoring one or more teeth without affecting the surrounding teeth or adjacent teeth. Dental implant placement can also be used to support a bridge, eliminating the need for removable partial dentures. Dental implants are effective. They provide a long-term solution for missing teeth and feel just like natural teeth.
3. How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
The cost of dental implants varies depending on implant type, size, and number of teeth being replaced. Forbes Health reports the elements that go into the final cost of a new tooth or teeth include:
- Comprehensive dental exam, including 3D imaging
- Extraction of problem teeth, if necessary
- Installation of the dental implant(s)
- Placement of the abutment hardware
- Fabrication of the dental crown
- Placement of the crown
Contact Three Rivers Dental Group at (1) 855-4-NO-FEARS to schedule a consultation and learn more about our financing options.
4. Who Can Get Dental Implants?
Patients who have not had success with dentures could be great candidates for dental implants. During a dental examination, a patient’s medical history and oral health are analyzed. Patients experiencing severely cracked, broken, or failing teeth affected by dental decay could be candidates for tooth extraction and dental implants.
Dental implants offer a permanent, natural-looking solution to replace missing teeth. They provide healthier-looking smiles, improve chewing abilities, and dental function. They can also be used to support a bridge, eliminating the need for removable dentures. Since they are durable and natural-looking, they’re a popular choice for people who want to improve their smile.
5. What Are The Benefits Of Dental Implants?
Dental implants offer several advantages over a traditional full denture or bridge. Traditional dentures can slip or shift when eating or speaking. Because they are permanently secured in your jawbone, dental implants provide a secure fit.
Dental implants provide direct stimulation to the jawbone during chewing. This helps preserve bone mass and prevent bone loss. Best of all dental implants look, feel, and function like real teeth and offer a permanent solution to restore smiles.
View our answers to frequently asked questions about dental implants for more information.
6. Does the Dental Implant Procedure Hurt?
Typically performed under local anesthesia to numb the area, patients should feel no pain during the operation. Following the procedure, over-the-counter pain medications can help to ease any pain or discomfort.
If you have concerns about dental pain, sedation dentistry is an option to consider. Sedation dentistry allows patients to comfortably relax while they undergo dental implant procedures. Our sedation options provide calming effects to reduce anxiety and dull the smells and noises during dental treatments.
Post-treatment care is important for retaining oral health and the optimal appearance of dental implants. After the implant area has healed, it is important to establish a daily cleaning and oral hygiene routine.
7. How Do I Get Started Planning for Dental Implants?
A dental implant consultation and examination will need to be completed by a dentist. The dentist will determine if a patient is a good candidate for dental implant surgery. A clinical assessment will be completed based on the location of tooth loss. Jawbone quality and overall physical health will also be evaluated.
Dental implants are a great solution for missing teeth due to injury, dental decay, or gum disease. Contact Three Rivers Dental Group at 1-855-NO FEARS or request an appointment online to find out if you’re the right candidate for dental implants. We are conveniently located throughout the Pittsburgh area in Cranberry, Greentree, and Greensburg.