Dental Implants - A More Permanent Solution to Missing Teeth Than Dentures Or Dental Bridges

Dental implants are a more permanent solution to missing teeth than dentures or dental bridges. With proper care, they can last for life and give you a healthy-looking smile.

The first phase involves placing the implant in your jawbone. Once the implant heals, your dentist will attach a replacement tooth (crown). This procedure usually requires local anesthesia.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants Apopka are permanent replacement roots that provide a strong base for crowns, bridges or fixed dentures. They are made of titanium, which fuses with the bone and is bio-compatible (not rejected by the body). Implants help preserve jaw bone in the area of the missing tooth, and they also prevent the adjacent teeth from shifting position.

Most people who are missing one or more teeth are candidates for dental implants. However, the success of implants depends on a patient’s overall health and habits, as well as the condition of their jawbone.

Most patients report minimal pain and swelling following implant surgery. If needed, dentists or surgeons can prescribe pain medication or antibiotics to treat any discomfort. Patients are encouraged to call their dentist if they experience pain or unusual symptoms, such as bleeding that doesn’t stop. This is a sign that the dental implant may be infected and needs to be treated immediately. Typically, an infection can be prevented by keeping the implant clean and scheduling regular checkups.

How Are Dental Implants Placed?

After a thorough oral exam, which often includes X-rays and 3D imaging, the dentist will evaluate your mouth, teeth and gums to make sure you are a good candidate for dental implants. If the jawbone is too thin or soft to support an implant, the dentist may suggest a bone graft to build up the area.

The dentist will then create a small incision in the gum tissue to access the bone. They will then insert the implant post, which will eventually become a part of your jawbone. The dentist will then close the incision, and they will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor healing and determine when it is safe to place a restoration on the implant.

Some patients are able to have the restoration and dental implant placed all in one visit. This can help reduce recovery time, but the surgeon will want to be certain that the implant has fused to the bone before they can safely add the restoration.

How Long Do Dental Implants Take to Heal?

The healing process for dental implants Apopka can take some time, but it’s important to remember that they are a long-term solution for missing teeth. Before you undergo surgery, I will perform a pre-surgery assessment to make sure that you are a good candidate for the procedure and that there are no medical conditions that would interfere with the recovery and healing process.

The amount of pain and discomfort after the surgery can vary from person to person, but it should dissipate as the swelling and bruising fade. It’s also important to continue eating a soft diet while the implant site heals, so that it doesn’t experience undue stress.

Once the implant site has healed, you will need to continue to care for it in the same way that you would your natural teeth, including brushing twice daily and flossing and seeing your dentist and hygienist regularly. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.

What Are the Costs of Dental Implants?

Dental implants Apopka offer patients an opportunity to replace missing teeth with a permanent and natural looking tooth replacement option that is closest in appearance and function to the tooth being replaced. They are often the preferred method of tooth replacement over alternative options such as dentures or dental bridges due to their durability and longevity.

However, implant treatment is not without cost. The total costs of the procedure can vary depending on a variety of factors including geographic location, dentist fees and any preparatory procedures that may be necessary. For example, if a patient does not have sufficient jaw bone density to support an implant they may require a bone graft or sinus lift procedure which will increase the overall cost of their treatment.

Many private dental insurance plans cover the cost of an implant or part of it. Additionally, there are a number of other financing options available to help patients afford the treatment that they need.