If you have recently undergone a tooth extraction, you are probably looking for the best options for filling the gap left by the missing tooth. Dental implants are undoubtedly the most popular way to do that. People who have opted for dental implants are under the impression that they feel like real teeth.
However, before you make a decision on whether you should visit a dentist near you to receive a dental implant to replace the gap left by an absent tooth, here is everything you should know about them.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth or crown placed over a metal screw that is inserted into your jawbone that bonds with the jawbone over a period of months, to form a permanent tooth. The metal screw called a post stimulates the surrounding bone to promote growth.
Since a dental implant is an artificial tooth, and also because it tightly seals the gap left by a missing tooth, the chances of infection and decay are nearly none.
Who is eligible for dental implants?
You must meet the following criteria when trying to determine if you qualify for dental implants.
- Mature jawbone
- Adequate jawbone to support the implant
- Healthy oral tissues
- Willingness to wait for months for the implant to stabilize
The dental implant procedure
It is always better to be aware of the steps involved in the procedure before you visit a dentist providing services for dental implants near you.
Step 1 – At your first visit to the dentist, they will conduct an oral exam and take X-rays of your mouth to assess the condition and to determine the next steps.
Step 2 – Any teeth that have deep decay will be extracted to make space for the implants. After extraction, your jawbone needs time to heal before implants can be placed.
Step 3 – During the visit following the extraction, and after the extraction site has healed, dental implants will be placed into your jawbone. Adequate time has to be given for the metal post of the implant to fuse with the jawbone.
Step 4 – Once your dentist is convinced that the post has bonded with the jawbone, a healing collar is placed over it.
Step 5 – After the healing collar has allowed the surrounding tissue to heal completely, a temporary abutment and crown are fixed over the implant, and your mouth impression is taken and sent to a laboratory that will start making your permanent crown.
Step 6 – Once your permanent crown is ready in about 3-4 weeks, your dentist in Silverado will call you for the last step—removing the temporary crown and placing the permanent one.
This completes the procedure for dental implants and you can continue with your daily activities without any pain or discomfort.
The total time required for the entire procedure ranges between 4-6 months, depending on whether it is the lower or upper teeth, and how many implants are required.
Cost of dental implants
On an average, a dental implant can cost anywhere between $2000 – $5000. If you have insurance coverage, this can be considerably reduced. However, it is always better to check with your dentist providing services for dental implants in Silverado if they offer any dental savings plans that can help relieve the one-time cost burden arising from the dental implant procedure.
What are the advantages of dental implants?
Being one of the most popular options for replacing missing teeth, dental implants have several benefits:
- They are a permanent solution for missing teeth since dental implants last over 15 years.
- There is no possibility of decay and infections since implants are artificial teeth.
- They are the most comfortable replacement since they look and act just like real teeth.
What are the disadvantages of dental implants?
The only negatives of dental implants could be:
- They are slightly expensive.
- The procedure involves a considerable amount of time.
When compared to the advantages associated with dental implants, the time and money you invest in them become insignificant.
