Dental implants are an excellent solution to replace missing teeth. They help preserve facial structure and prevent bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.
Dental implant placement is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. Drs. Lee and Smith perform the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions (if necessary) and bone grafting if needed, while your general dentist makes and fits the permanent prosthesis.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants are a surgical procedure that involves placing an artificial tooth root, which is covered with a crown, that looks and functions like a natural tooth. This tooth restoration option lasts longer than traditional dentures, and also preserves bone tissue.
Your oral surgeon will first numb your mouth before starting the procedure. After making an incision in your gum, they will drill a hole and screw the titanium implant into place. They may then suture the gum tissue.
Once the implant heals, your oral surgeon will attach an abutment to the metal implant post. The abutment connects the implant to your new dental crown. To ensure the abutment stays healthy, it is important to practice good oral hygiene habits. This includes twice-daily brushing and daily flossing, along with visiting your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups.
Do I Need Bone Grafting?
After a tooth is extracted, the surrounding bone will weaken and lose density. This makes implant placement difficult or impossible unless the area receives a bone graft.
There are several types of bone grafts, but the most common is an autograft. This involves taking bone tissue from another part of your body, usually your chin or hip. The transplanted bone tissue contains bone-growing cells, which will help the jawbone heal.
Bone graft surgery is most common in people who have lost bone density due to tooth extraction or gum disease. Smokers are also more likely to need a bone graft because of the negative effects smoking has on bone health. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. Following the surgery, you’ll need to follow oral care instructions and take prescription pain relievers.
How Long Will the Healing Process Take?
Usually, it takes about six months for the implant to heal completely. During this time, you’ll be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet.
Depending on your unique situation and your dental history, there are many factors that influence healing times. Patients with diabetes and those who smoke are at greater risk for delayed healing.
Using the most current implant dentist arles ga technology, Drs. Lee and Smith are able to place single stage implants, which do not require a second surgery to uncover them, reducing the overall procedure length. For most cases, the consultation, tooth extraction and placement of your permanent restoration can be completed in one visit. This also means your recovery time will be quicker. This helps to reduce the cost of your implant treatment.
What Will the Cost Be?
Implants are a long-term investment that can pay off with improved dental health and aesthetics for years to come. The exact cost of an implant treatment will depend on several factors, including the number of implants required and whether or not the patient needs pre-implant procedures, such as bone grafting.
The location of the implants will also impact cost, as implants in the front of the mouth tend to be more complex than those placed in the back. X-rays and imaging will add to the total cost, as will anesthesia or sedation.
Lastly, the type and material of the restoration will factor into the price of an implant. Choosing a more expensive, premium-brand restoration will add to the overall expense. A consultation will provide a breakdown of the total costs for your unique implant treatment.
How Will I Know if I’m a Candidate for Dental Implants?
During the evaluation process, dentists look at many factors to determine whether or not a patient is a good candidate for implant dentist arles ga. This includes their age, general health and if they have any chronic conditions that may interfere with healing. It’s also important to disclose any medications that may heighten the risk of complications with surgery and healing.
Having sufficient bone density is another key factor. If a patient’s jawbone is too weak, they won’t be eligible for dental implants, but they can still receive a bone graft to increase their ability to heal.
A patient must be committed to following a strict oral hygiene regimen and routine visits to the dentist. Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption can hinder the healing process, so these habits must be halted.