Losing your teeth can be bothersome. But, the good news is you can replace them through artificial methods, like dental implants. While there are tons of options that you can choose to respond to your teeth or tooth loss, a dental implant is the most advance and effective way to replace teeth.
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What is a Dental Implant?
As the name implies, a dental implant is simply an implant to replace a missing tooth. It is an “appliance” that is attached to the jaw and under the gum line.
Typically, a titanium screw will be drilled into the jaw wherein an artificial tooth is attached. This material is used as it has the ability to attach itself to the bones.
Dental implants are very sturdy and long-lasting, which makes it the most ideal solution to replacing teeth.
Dental Implants Procedure:
Before you get a dental implant, keep in mind that the whole process will take time. Since the procedure is meticulous that needs proper consultation and decision-making, here is the step-by-step process to help you understand the whole picture:
• Consultation
Primarily, you will need to consult with North York Smile Center for Dental Implants about your plans of getting dental implants. Your teeth will be examined, as well as the overall condition of your dental health. This may involve x-rays, manual check-ups, and inspections.
• Preparatory Treatment
Preparatory treatments will be needed once you decide to push through with the procedure. Your dental experts will tell you all about this aspect of the process. And normally, this will start after the results of the initial consultation become available.
• Implant Placement and Artificial Tooth Fitting
Once all things are set, you will then proceed to the actual placement of the implant. You will be given anesthesia, so you won’t feel a thing during the procedure.
Your chosen dentists will cut into the gums and drill a hole in the jawbone. For some patients, the artificial tooth will be placed immediately. But, in most cases, this is when the waiting game starts.
It will normally take 6 weeks to 6 months before the implant settles. And when your mouth is all healed and ready, the natural-looking tooth will be screwed in place.
• Recovery and Aftercare
After the procedure, your dental technician will tell you what to do in terms of caring for your new set of teeth. This may include the foods and drinks you should only eat and the schedule for your next dental visits.
Also Read Important Facts About Dental Implants
Types of Dental Implants:
Generally, there are four types of dental implants. Your dental expert or technician will discuss these types to you to make sure you know your options. But, in most cases, dentists will recommend the best and most appropriate type for your procedure.
• Two-Stage Dental Implant
The two-stage dental implant will simply place the implant to the jawbone through surgery. After a few months, another surgery will follow to expose the top of the implant. Once exposed, the dental technician will then attach the abutment and temporary crown.
• Single-Stage Dental Implant
The single-stage procedure is similar to the two-stage type. The only difference is that that implant that will be placed into the jaw and gum is much longer for the exposure.
After a few months of healing, patients will return for the placement of the abutment and restoration. But, since the implant is already exposed, surgery is no longer needed.
• Endosteal Implants
Endosteal implants are the most common type of all. Most dentists use this style, especially if no special surgeries and treatments are needed.
In the procedure, the implant will simply go directly to the jawbone. A small hole will be drilled so that the implant can be placed.
• Subperiosteal Implants
There are those patients who have a weak or shallow jawbone. In this case, endosteal implants cannot be done. And this is where subperiosteal implants come in.
In this type, instead of drilling a hole in the jawbone, the implant may be placed on either the bone or above it.
Alternative Dental Implant Techniques:
Before dental implants have become available, patients who have lost teeth and wanted to replace them have the option to choose from bridges, crowns, and dentures. And among all these alternatives, dentures were the most popular. Aside from the convenience of the procedure, it is also the most cost-friendly of all.
While these alternative treatments and solutions are also effective ways, dental implants are the most preferred option to replace teeth. It is a long-term solution to this kind of concern, and it is also sturdy.
However, it is quite an expensive procedure. Even so, it remains to be an investment.
How Long Does A Dental Implant Procedure Take?
Depending on the type of procedure, a dental implant, in general, will take 6 to 12 weeks on an average note.
But, as mentioned, there are those patients that accomplished the whole procedure in less than a month. Likewise, there are those people who require more time to heal and recover from the initial drilling and implant. And this may even reach up to 6 months before proceeding to the next step.
Dental Implants Cost
Dental implants are fairly expensive. Aside from the fact that it costs per tooth implant, the procedure is also meticulous and time-consuming, which adds to the overall pricing of the entirety of the implant.
On an average note, the price starts in the range of $1500 to $2500 per tooth. But, the price can even reach up to $6000-$7000, depending on the dental conditions, dental experts, and procedures.
Final Thoughts
If you are planning to replace your missing tooth or teeth, and you are wondering how dental implants work, this is the base guide to understand the whole picture.
Quite obviously, some of these things may appear different in the actual since not all dental health and conditions are the same. So, it is best if you consult and talk to your dentists as well after going through your research.
