Dental implants are a simple yet complex dental treatment made up of several components. Look at some of the most frequently asked questions and answers regarding dental implants below.

There are a couple of different types of dental implants, but the most common are endosteal implants. That’s a fancy way of saying placed inside the jawbone. Your surgeon will insert a small titanium post there. As you heal from the surgery, your body will form a strong bond with the implant, allowing it to act in much the same way as a natural tooth root. After that bond has developed, we’ll place a beautiful, custom restoration on the implant. This process gives your restored smile the strongest base possible.

Dental implants come with a long list of benefits, including:

  • Health benefits. Implants can prevent the bone loss in the jaw that comes with missing teeth. They can also prevent your natural pearly whites from drifting out of place.
  • If you care for them well and don’t run into any unfortunate incidents, implants have the potential to last a lifetime.
  • Stability and sturdiness. Implants are strong enough to stand up to all your favorite foods and won’t slip out of your mouth while eating or speaking.
  • Natural appearance. The restorations on top of implants look like natural teeth, and there won’t be any odd-looking attachments to mar your new smile’s style.
  • Once your implants and the restorations are in place, you’ll have an easy time caring for them. You’ll be able to brush and floss as you usually would.
  • Some people who aren’t candidates for traditional implants may be able to receive All-on-4 implants, wherein the surgeon replaces an entire row of teeth with just four titanium posts and an accompanying set of artificial chompers.

    • Dental implants present a higher upfront cost than other tooth replacement methods, but their long-term value makes them a worthy investment. The exact cost of your procedure will depend on several factors, including the amount of prep work necessary and how many implants you need. The best way to find out the price of a new smile is to visit our office for a consultation.

    Dental implants have an extremely high success rate — up to 98 percent. Even if you have certain risk factors that could affect how your implants perform, don’t let that hold you back from exploring the possibility that this treatment could help you. You may still enjoy all the perks of implants when you entrust your procedure to a highly skilled team.

    To learn more about dental implants and to discover if they’re right for you, please contact us so we can get you started on the road to a restored smile.

    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 be trained to place a dental implant. Your general dentist may refer you to someone with specific training if necessary.

    The dental implant can last a lifetime with proper care and regular checkups. The crown or dental prosthetic placed on the implant may last 15 years or more if you take good care of the restoration.

    Natural wear and tear may affect the prosthetic, just like your natural teeth. Fortunately, advances in dental technology allow us to create dental implants that can last for years to come.

    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. Dental implants are designed for existing and functioning like regular, healthy teeth.

    The healing process can take anywhere from three to six months. You’ll receive medication to help with any discomfort or pain during healing.

    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 always recommend sufficient healing time and use safe implant placement procedures to ensure your mouth heals appropriately and has the best advantages possible. Our dentist will ensure that the titanium post has fused with the jawbone, and then we can place the abutment and crown.

    Dental bridges can be used as prosthetic devices at the top of two or more dental implants. Implant bridges usually replace multiple missing teeth in a row. Your dental insurance may help negate some of the cost of a dental bridge. Other factors, such as location and the type of dental bridge, play into the price.

    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 determine the most cost-effective way to treat your smile.

    An investment in partial or complete dentures may cost around the same amount as a dental bridge. If you want to go with snap-on dentures 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.

    You could qualify for insurance on dental implants if your need for an implant arises from medical problems that the loss of a tooth could cause. If the tooth was lost due to 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!