Our teeth are essential body parts because they allow us to break down food for easier consumption. Beyond that, they also influence our speech because their positions can affect how we produce certain sounds. For this reason, everyone is encouraged to take care of their teeth. However, one can only do so much, and teeth are still likely to be damaged or lost.
There are different solutions for this, but one of the more effective ones is tooth implants. Tooth implants are a dental prosthetic that is used to replace missing teeth. The implant is inserted into the jawbone and allowed to fuse with the bone over time, creating a strong and stable foundation for the artificial tooth. However, many people refuse to get them because they think implants are costly, though some also have zero knowledge of what to expect when getting them. For this reason, we’ll discuss the details in this article.
When Are Tooth Implants an Option?
Aside from missing teeth, implants can also be an option for:
- Severely damaged teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Irreparable teeth
- Stabilizing an existing dental prosthetic
What to Expect
Getting tooth implants is a long but straightforward process. The steps are as follows:
Before Getting the Implants
You first need to schedule a consultation with your dentist to see if you’re a good candidate for tooth implants. During this consultation, they will take x-rays and a CT scan of your mouth to see whether you have enough bone density to support the implants. The dentist will also examine your teeth to see if you have any infection or disease that needs to be treated before the procedure.
You must fit the following criteria when getting a dental implant:
- Adequate jawbone structure to support the implant
- Healthy oral tissue
- A fully-grown jawbone
- No existing conditions that affect jawbone growth
- Non-smoker
Once it’s determined that you’re a good candidate for tooth implants, you will be ready to schedule an appointment for the procedure.
During the Procedure
The first part of the procedure will involve anesthesia. The dentist will numb the area around your teeth so that you won’t feel any pain. Once you’re numb, the dentist will make an incision in your gum. They will then drill into your jawbone and place the titanium screw into the hole.
The dentist will then close the incision with stitches and give you a temporary dental prosthetic to wear.
After the Procedure
After the procedure, you will need to take it easy for a few days. You may experience some soreness and swelling, but this can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen. Following your dentist’s instructions to care for your mouth after the procedure is essential.
You will need to return to the dentist a few weeks after the procedure so that they can check on the progress of your healing and remove your stitches.
Once your mouth has healed, you must return to the dentist to have your permanent dental prosthetic. This prosthetic will be custom-made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth.
The Cost of Tooth Implants
Tooth implants are a very effective way to replace missing teeth. However, they are also one of the more expensive dental procedures. The cost of your tooth implant procedure will depend on several factors, such as the number of teeth that need to be replaced and the location of the procedure (implants placed in the front of the mouth tend to be more expensive than those placed in the back). Despite this, the average cost for tooth implants is somewhere between $3000 to $5000.
Some dental insurance plans will cover at least a portion of the cost of tooth implants. However, you must check with your insurance provider before the procedure to see how much they will cover.
Conclusion
Tooth implants are a significant investment, but they can last a lifetime if you take care of them. You can never put a price on your health, so it’s important to research to ensure that you’re getting the best possible treatment for your needs. If you’re missing one or more teeth, talk to your dentist about whether tooth implants are right for you.
If you’re looking for tooth implants in Manassas, Manassas Smiles can help you! You should never take your oral health for granted, so we’re here to ensure your teeth are taken care of. Simply go to our website to schedule an appointment!