In modern dentistry, dental implants have transformed how we replace missing teeth. Gone are the days when missing teeth meant uncomfortable dentures or bridges that didn’t quite restore your smile’s natural look and feel. Implants offer a solution that restores your smile while improving your oral health and quality of life. This comprehensive guide will explore everything you need to know about dental implants.

What Are Dental Implants?

Before explaining implants in detail, it makes sense to cover a high-level overview.

High-Level Overview

In the most simple explanation, the tooth has two parts. Those parts are the crown and the root. The crown is the visible part of the tooth, above the gum. The root is the part of the tooth inside the gum connecting the tooth to the mouth. Dentists place dental implants, artificial tooth roots made of titanium(in most cases), into the jawbone beneath your gums.

Terminology

With that explanation out of the way, let’s go over common names for dental implants. People often refer to them as tooth implants, oral implants, artificial teeth, and artificial tooth roots. In dentistry, the name chosen frequently depends on whether you’re referring to the root or the crown. Technically speaking, the artificial tooth root contains two parts(an implant body and an abutment). But we’ll refer to them together as dental implants for our purposes. Outside the field, many people use all the names interchangeably.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

1. Clean and Natural Appearance

Dental implants are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, giving you a beautiful smile that you can be proud of. Because they are anchored securely in the jawbone, implants also prevent the bone loss and facial sagging that can occur with missing teeth.

2. Confidence and Comfort

Unlike dentures, dental implants won’t slip or cause discomfort when eating or speaking. They are permanently fixed in place, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile confidently.

Because implants replace the roots of teeth, the new tooth won’t be able to feel hot or cold temperatures. Other than that, they feel just like real teeth.

3. Durability and Longevity

Dental implants are permanent artificial teeth. With proper care, they can last a lifetime. This makes them a cost-effective solution for tooth replacement in the long run.

It’s worth noting that the artificial crown is not as durable as the implant root. Typical wear and tear gives it an average lifespan of 10-15 years. This usually isn’t an issue because the crown costs far less than the entire implant.

4. Improved Oral Health

The new teeth preserve the integrity of your natural teeth. This differs from dental bridges, which require the adjacent teeth to be shaved down for support. They also stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss and maintaining the overall health of your mouth.

The Cost of Dental Implants

What is the average cost of dental implants?

Across the country, the average cost of a single dental implant is between $3,000 and $8,000. In Ballwin, MO the average is between $4,500 and $11,000. Depending on your specific case, the price could be even higher. Getting implants can be a complicated process, and it is common for there to be required steps before you’re able to get implants.

What affects the cost of implants?

The cost of implants can vary based on a wide array of factors. What number of implants will you require? How complex will your procedure be? Is there any treatment or other preparation you need before starting the procedure?

Answers to these questions create various situations with associated costs. Let’s assume a procedure only requires a single tooth. Other factors, like having healthy gums and jaw bones, simplify the procedure. In cases such as this, a dental implant in Ballwin could be as low as $4,500.

Here are some of the factors that have an impact on the price:

• Insurance: This is one of the more significant impacts on price. Some insurers don’t cover the cost of implants at all, and others can make the cost of implants very affordable.
  
• Procedure Complexity: Having gum disease, requiring bone grafting, and other factors outside of placing the implant can severely shift the cost of your procedure.
  
• Implant type: Different materials and technologies are used in dental implants. Each has its pros, cons, and price.
• Implant Location: The process of replacing a tooth in the upper jaw can be impacted by your sinuses. If so, additional surgery may be required.
  
• Number of implants: The more teeth being replaced, the more costly the procedure will be.
  

The listed factors can make the price of implants very high. While these artificial teeth may have a higher upfront cost than other tooth replacement options, many patients find that the long-term benefits outweigh the initial investment.

The Dental Implant Process

The dental implant process typically involves several steps:

1. Consultation and Treatment Planning

Only some people are candidates for implants. The first step is for your dentist to evaluate your oral health and determine whether you are. It is normal for this to involve a comprehensive oral exam, imaging techniques(like CT scans and X-rays), and other diagnostic tests to assess the condition of your jawbone.

2. Implant Placement

During a surgical procedure, the implant body is placed into the jawbone. It will go beneath the gumline, but local anesthesia removes the associated discomfort.

Over the next few months, the implant will fuse with the bone as part of a process called osseointegration. This will normally take anywhere from 3 to 6 months.

3. Abutment Placement

After fully integrating with the jawbone, an abutment is attached to the implant body. This serves as the foundation or post for the final restoration.

4. Restoration

Finally, a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the abutment. With it being custom, it will match the color shape, and size of your other teeth so that the result looks natural. This final step completes the restoration and restores both the function and appearance of your smile.

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Dental implants offer a permanent solution for tooth loss that can improve your appearance, comfort, and oral health. Dental implants can provide a lifetime of smiles with proper care and maintenance.

As stated earlier, dental implants are suitable for many people, but only some are candidates. Factors such as overall health, oral health, and the jawbone’s condition will be considered during the consultation process.

Ballwin Dental Care will work with you to assess your readiness and determine the best treatment plan to restore your comfort and appearance. If you’re considering dental implants, contact our office at 636-227-2552 or click here to schedule an appointment with our experienced team. We can’t wait to help you achieve your best smile ever!