Dental implants are an increasingly popular treatment option for those missing one or more teeth. The importance of implants is that they can help people who have lost teeth.
An implant is a small post made of titanium that is surgically implanted into the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone over time. Once the implant heals, a tooth-colored replacement is attached, giving the patient a natural-looking and functioning tooth.
Implants offer several advantages over other types of tooth replacements, such as dentures or bridges. However, they also carry some risks, which your dentist will discuss with you before you decide whether or not to have them.
If you’re considering dental implants, it’s important to understand the surgery involved, the potential benefits, if the insurance covers it, and the associated risks. Let us talk about it one by one.
Dental Implants Surgery—The Know How
Dental implants surgery is a common and relatively safe procedure used to replace missing teeth. The surgery typically carry out under local anesthetic and usually takes an hour or two to complete.
A small incision is made in the gum tissue where the implant will be placed, and the implant is then inserted into the jawbone. The gum tissue is then stitched closed around the implant. It is possible that, in some instances, a temporary denture may place over the implant while it heals.
The implant will then fuse with the bone over time, creating a strong foundation for the restoration. Once the implant has healed, a dental restoration can be attached to it, completing the tooth replacement process.
Patients will typically need to take time off work to recover, with most being able to return after around five days. However, recovery time varies from person to person, but most people feel comfortable returning to their normal activities within two weeks.
Implants are typically made of titanium, which is biocompatible and therefore unlikely to cause an infection or other reaction.
Advantages of Dental Implants Surgery
The Advantages of Dental Implants Surgery are many. One of the biggest advantages is that implants feel like your own teeth. They are permanent, unlike dentures, which can slip or move around in your mouth. Other replacement options, such as dentures or bridges, can be uncomfortable and may need to be replaced or remade over time.
Dental implants surgery also restores the appearance of your smile, since implants are similar to natural teeth in appearance and feel. They are more aesthetically pleasing than other options, and they do not affect the surrounding teeth the way that bridges can.
A dental implants surgery can help preserve healthy bone tissue in your jaw. Implants stimulate the bone to prevent it from shrinking, which can happen when you lose teeth. This is especially important for people who are considering dental implants surgery later in life, since bone loss is common as we age. If you need help from the oral surgeon in Brooklyn, please contact 1st Impression Dental
Furthermore, implants are biocompatible, meaning that they are not rejected by the body like some other forms of replacement teeth. Implants are also very strong and can last for many years with proper care. Unlike dentures or bridges, implants do not require any special maintenance and can be brushed and flossed like normal teeth.
Another advantage of implants is that they can be used to replace a single tooth or an entire row of teeth. In contrast, dentures must be replaced every five to seven years and bridges require the use of healthy teeth on either side of the gap to be bridged.
While dental implant surgery offers many advantages, we should also be aware of the risks associated with it. Let us find out.
Risks Associated With Dental Implants Surgery
There is no doubt that dental implants are an ideal solution for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants, like any surgery, come with risks. Some of the risks include:
- Infection: One of the most common risks associated with any type of surgery is infection. This is especially true with dental implants, as the area around the implant is often quite susceptible to infection.
- Bleeding: Bleeding may occur during or after surgery. This can lead to excessive swelling and bruising.
- Nerve Damage: There is a risk of nerve damage with any type of surgery. This can be particularly troublesome with dental implants, as it can lead to numbness or tingling in the lips or tongue.
- Bone Loss: Another common risk associated with any type of surgery is bone loss. This can be a particular problem with dental implants, as bone loss can lead to instability in the implant and eventual failure.
- Problems With The Implant: Though rare, but dental implants are not always successful. In some cases, the implant may fail or may cause problems such as pain or difficulty chewing and may have to replace or remove.
- Jaw fracture: There is a small risk of jaw fracture too. This can cause difficulty opening the mouth and chewing.
The risks associated with dental implants surgery are typically low, but they do happen in rare cases.
Dental Implants: How Much Do They Cost?
Even though each case is different, but on an average, single dental implants will cost between $1,500 and $2,000 per implant. Some people will only require one implant, however others who are missing many teeth will require several.
This is just the price of the dental implant. There are additional expenses, such as:
- The crown (the tooth itself)—this may be stock or custom
- The foundation (the part that connects the implant and the crown)
- The price of removing teeth and their roots
- The price of the doctor’s appointments.
- Preoperative care
- Recovery care
The overall cost for a single implant can be between $3,000 and $4,800 when including these additional charges, which can vary from $1,500 to $2,800.
On the surface, dental implants appear to be very expensive, especially when compared to alternative tooth replacement options. However, the two options, bridges and dentures, often need to fix or replace every 5 to 10 years.
The expense of this routine maintenance may soon outweigh the cost of relying on implants, which may last a lifetime (if you take care of them properly). They also help keep your jawbone from sagging, something bridges and dentures cannot accomplish.
Does Insurance Cover The Cost Of Dental Implant?
Dental implant procedures do often not cover by standard dental insurance coverage. You can check into the cosmetic dental procedure coverage, which may cover a percentage of the total cost of the dental implants. Your dental implant insurance coverage could be 50% of the cost, which means your insurance will pay half of the procedure.
Also, even though most dental insurance plans do not cover dental implants, some plans may still offer coverage for a portion of the cost. It is important to check with your insurance provider to see if they offer any coverage for dental implants.
To Wrap Things Up
Dental implants are an attractive and permanent solution for people who have lost teeth. The surgery is usually successful, even though there some risks involves. These risks can minimize by working with an experienced surgeon and choosing the right dental implant material.
It is also important to know that dental implants do not usually cover by insurance. Be sure to get all the facts before making a decision on whether or not this is the right treatment for you.
If you are considering this treatment, be sure to talk to your dentist about all the risks and benefits involved. Make sure you understand the surgical procedure and what it will entail.
