Dental implants are a simple yet complex dental treatment made up of a lot of moving pieces. Take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions and answers regarding dental implants below.
Who Does Dental Implants?
Dental implants are placed using surgical procedures and techniques. Most general dentists don’t perform placement surgery. If your dentist is also an oral surgeon or periodontist, you will most likely have the implant placed by your dentist/oral surgeon.
Regardless of where your implant is placed, your surgeon will have the necessary training to place a dental implant. Your general dentist may refer you out to someone with specific training if necessary.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
The dental implant itself can last a lifetime with proper care and regular checkups. The crown or dental prosthetic placed on top of the implant may last 15 years or more if you take good care of your tooth restoration.
Natural wear and tear may affect the prosthetic, just like it would your natural teeth. Fortunately, advances in dental technology allow us to create dental implants that can last for years to come.
Do Dental Implants Hurt?
Any oral surgery or other types of surgery are going to cause some level of discomfort. However, once the healing process is complete, you won’t feel any pain from your dental implants. Your dental implants are designed to exist and function just like a normal, healthy tooth.
The healing process can take anywhere from three to six months. You’ll be provided with medication that should help with any discomfort or pain during the time of healing.
How Long Does a Dental Implant Procedure Take?
The entire process of placing an implant can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours. The shape of your mouth, bite, and teeth affect how long an implant placement might take. Following the placement, you’ll have months of healing before your dental crown or prosthetic device can be bonded.
We recommend correct healing time, and we use safe implant placement procedures to ensure your mouth heals properly and has the best advantages possible when putting your tooth together. Our dentist will check to make sure that the titanium post has fused with the jawbone, and then we can place the abutment and crown.
How Much Does a Dental Bridge Cost?
Dental bridges can be used as a prosthetic device at the top of two or more dental implants. Implant bridges usually replace multiple missing teeth in a row. Your dental insurance may be able to help negate some of the cost of a dental bridge. Other factors such as location and the type of dental bridge play into the cost.
How Much Do Fake Teeth Cost?
The total cost will depend on several factors, including bone deterioration, how many teeth you want to replace, and what type of dental implant you decide to use. Our team can help you work out the most cost-effective way to treat your smile.
An investment in partial or full dentures may cost around the same amount as a dental bridge. If you want to go with snap-on dentures that are secured by a dental implant, the price will be higher. The same goes for the All-on-4® Treatment Concept, when your whole upper or lower teeth are replaced.
How To Get Dental Implants Covered by Insurance
You could qualify for insurance on dental implants if your need for an implant arises from medical problems that could be caused by the loss of a tooth. If the tooth was lost as a result of an injury or accident, the required implant could also be covered through an accident insurance policy or medical plan.
Learn More About Dental Implants From Compassionate Dental Care Today
If you have more questions regarding dental implants, the procedure, or the cost, give our office a call today. We’re happy to answer any questions you might have about dental implants. You can have a beautiful new smile, and we can help! Call to schedule a FREE Dental Implant Consultation at (847) 854-7645. We are excited to walk you through the dental implant process and discuss a treatment plan for your beautiful, new, confident smile!
