What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are metal posts that are placed directly into the jawbone to replace missing, extracted, or badly damaged teeth. These posts are made of titanium; they are implanted directly into the jaw so that the bone can fuse around the implant, providing a permanent and secure fit.
Implants are often paired with a crown procedure to place an abutment, or false tooth, on top of the metal post to restore the look and function of the original teeth. Implants are a welcome alternative to bridges and dentures because they are more secure and long-lasting. With that said, the procedure is a bit more involved.
Dental Implant Procedure
First, you’ll visit your dentist for a consultation to make sure that dental implants are right for you. Dentists will also take this time to take x-rays and molds of your mouth to prepare for when the implant is placed at a later date.
Next, you’ll get a bone graft if necessary. Typically, you need to have a strong jaw in order to be able to support a dental implant, and if you have a weak jaw, you might need to get a bone graft to enhance its strength. There are several options for dental bone grafts, including a natural bone graft from another location of your body or a synthetic graft made of a substitute material.
Once the bone graft is healed, you can get the implant placed. This is done at an oral surgeon’s office, who will cut open your gyms and expose the bone. Holes are then drilled into the bone, and the metal post is placed.
Since it serves as the tooth root, it is placed deep in the bone for a secure fit. You’ll be under local anesthetic throughout, so you don’t need to worry about feeling a thing.
Once the implant is placed, you’ll need to wait a few months for the bone to fuse around the post in a process called osseointegration. Once the bone is healed, an abutment tooth is placed over the post to replace the structure and function of the original, natural tooth.
Dental Implant Recovery
The recovery process for dental implants is a bit more involved compared to non-invasive procedures like bridges or dentures. After the procedure takes place, you might experience some swelling in the gums and face, pain at the implant site, bruising on the skin or gums, and minor bleeding,
With that said, once it heals, you treat your implants like you would a normal tooth. This means you’ll continue to brush and floss as you typically would to prevent gum disease and practice proper oral health.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Despite the long surgical and recovery process associated with implants, there are many benefits to enjoy. One of the most significant benefits is that these provide a permanent, secure solution to dentures, which often slip, slide, and feel uncomfortable in the mouth.
Dental implants are also not susceptible to cavities in the same way as real teeth, making them even more durable than real teeth in many ways. They also look much more like real teeth compared to dentures, bridges, and crowns.
Cost of Dental Implants
The main drawback of dental implants is their cost. Dental implants are a relatively costly procedure, especially considering that you need to pay for each implant separately. Dental implants can cost anywhere from $3,500 to $6,500 per implant, depending on the type of implant you get.
Dental implants may or may not be covered by insurance because some insurance companies may consider them to be cosmetic procedures that do not actually serve to benefit your oral health. Even then, considering that over 33% of the American population doesn't have dental benefits to begin with. This makes it nearly impossible for people to pay for the out-of-pocket costs associated with dental care.
But with Flossy, you can save up to 50% on the out-of-pocket costs of common dental treatments, including dental implants. No monthly premiums, no hidden fees, and no annual dues – the price you see is the price you pay for your procedures.
And just because you’re saving doesn’t mean the quality of care suffers. All of the dentists in our network are vetted against a set of rigorous criteria, including graduate degrees from accredited programs and excellent patient reviews.
Don’t wait any longer to get the dental care you need. Find a dentist in the Tucson area today and get started.
What Are Some Alternatives to Dental Implants?
If you’re worried about going under the knife with dental implants, there might be some other alternative treatments that you can save upwards of 50% on through Flossy.
Dentures
Dentures are a temporary fix for missing teeth that are basically a set of false teeth that adhere to your gums in order to restore the look and general function of your teeth. These are nice for people who do not want surgery and want the freedom to remove their dentures, but note that dentures only give you a percentage of biting force and are a lot less secure compared to implants.
Bridges
If the surrounding teeth of a gap or missing teeth are in good shape, a dental bridge might be the way to go. These are exactly as they sound: an abutment tooth is held over the missing tooth gap with crowns that are attached to the remaining teeth. These are more secure than dentures but less secure than implants.
In Conclusion
Dental implants are permanent fixtures that fit into your gums via a titanium post. These not only replace the structure and appearance of a tooth but also replicate the function of a tooth because the post is fused to the bone in the jaw.
Dental implants are one of the most beneficial tooth replacement options, but they come at a high cost. Luckily, Flossy is here to help. Flossy can save you up to 50% on dental implants — even without insurance.
Make an appointment with a dentist in the Tucson area today and get started on a healthier, brighter, and more confident smile without breaking the bank.
Sources:
Dental implant surgery | Mayo Clinic
Dental coverage, access & outcomes | ADA
Dental Bridges: Who Needs Them, Types, Costs, Procedure & Care Issues | Cleveland Clinic
Dental Bone Graft: Process, Healing & What It Is | Cleveland Clinic
Osseointegration: An Update | PMC
