What are Dental Implants: Procedure, Types, Advantages & Cost

 

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots placed in the jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge.

Types of Dental Implants

Dental implants come in different types such as:

1. Endosteal Implants

Endosteal implants are placed directly into the jawbone and provide a strong foundation for artificial teeth.

2. Subperiosteal Implants

Unlike other dental implants, subperiosteal implants are placed under the gum but on or above the jawbone, making them a good option for people with insufficient bone density for traditional implants or who cannot have a bone graft.

3. Mini Implants

Mini dental implants are smaller in diameter, making them less invasive to place, and can be a good option for people with small jaws or who are missing multiple teeth. They function in the same way as traditional dental implants.

4. All-on-4 Implants

All-on-4 implants are used to support a full set of dentures. Unlike traditional implants, which require a separate implant for each tooth, All-on-4 implants use just four implants to support the arch and are a great option for people missing all of their teeth.

What is Dental Implants Procedure?

Getting teeth implants near you requires a few steps. The implant procedure can take several months, depending on the required procedures. For example, a bone graft may be done if you lack the required bone support.

A bone graft is a vital component of the dental implant procedure. During the procedure, a graft may be taken from a cadaver, an animal, or a synthetic substance. Sometimes, the patient’s bone is used as a material.

Once the bone is reconstructed, our implant dentist in Spring, TX, will progress with the treatment process.

> Drilling a Hole in the Jawbone

Your surgeon will create an osteotomy in the jawbone during the dental implant. Drilling a pilot hole will allow your dentist to check the alignment of the implant.

> Insertion of Titanium Posts

The implant procedure involves placing titanium posts into the jawbone, which act like tooth roots. These posts fuse with the jawbone to support the attached replacement tooth. The dentist will typically place multiple implants, with four to six required to support an entire arch of missing teeth. 

> Placement of the Abutment and Crown

The abutment connects the crown to the implants and is placed after the implant is fused to the bone. The final step involves placing the crown to complete the implant procedure.

What are The Benefits of Dental Implants?

Dental implants have numerous benefits like:

– Restores Facial Contours

Dental implants help restore confidence and facial contours by mimicking the shape of your real teeth. They also maintain bone density and prevent adjacent teeth from crowding in the space left by missing teeth.

– Prevents Bone Loss

Dentures or bridges do not prevent bone loss. This condition can affect a patient’s bite and facial structure. Bone loss is common when teeth are missing due to an injury or disease. Dental implants will prevent bone loss because they are embedded into the jawbone. That means a dentist can use bone from another body part instead of bone from the patient’s jaw.

– Preserves Oral Function

Dental implants are permanent tooth replacement solutions to restore oral function after tooth loss. Unlike dentures, they are made of titanium that serves as a support for multiple prosthetic teeth. In addition to helping to fill in a gap, implants can also improve a patient’s self-confidence and self-image. After tooth extraction, implants help preserve healthy bone, adjacent teeth, and enamel after tooth extraction. They are also resistant to cavities. Dental Implants can replace removable dental prostheses as well and can help retain them.

– It Prevents Adjacent Teeth from Drifting toward the Empty Sockets

When you have missing teeth, your neighboring teeth will shift toward the empty socket. The larger the empty socket, the larger the risk of misalignment. This can lead to problems like TMJ issues, gum disease, and stomatitis. Missing teeth also cause your body to stop supplying the jawbone with the necessary nutrients and vitamins. This can result in jawbone atrophy.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

Dental implants are expensive, with the average cost of a single implant ranging from $1,000 to $3,000. Insurance does not cover dental implants, but some may offer partial coverage. A few financing options are available to help make dental implants more affordable. Additionally, many dentists offer cash discounts for patients who pay for their implants.

Schedule an Appointment

Call us or book your consultation with Spring Creek Forest Dental for more information about dental implants in Spring, TX and what you can expect.