Dental implants have completely changed the way we approach tooth replacement. Unlike dentures or bridges, implants are placed directly into the jawbone. This gives them a strong, stable foundation and makes them look and feel a lot like your natural teeth.
If you’re thinking about getting a dental implant or just exploring your options, it’s important to understand how the procedure works, what it costs, the different types of dental implants available, and any risks involved. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know, so you can make an informed decision.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are essentially screw-shaped or cylindrical posts made from titanium or zirconia, usually ranging from 4 mm to 16 mm in length. While they definitely help improve the look of your smile, their real value goes beyond aesthetics. Because they are anchored into the bone, they help support the structure of your jaw and keep surrounding teeth properly aligned. Over time, it also prevents bone loss that often happens when a tooth is missing.
What are the Different Types of Dental Implants?
In the past, only two types of dental implants were commonly recognized. However, modern dentistry now classifies dental implants into various types based on factors such as bone penetration, material, tissue response, and implant body design.
Below are the main 4 types of dental implants:
- Endosteal: An implant that is present “in the bone.” Typically shaped like screws, cylinders, or blades, endosteal implants require sufficient bone height and density for successful placement.
- Subperiosteal: An implant that rests on the jawbone just beneath the gum tissue. These are no longer used since they offer poorer long-term results when compared to endosteal implants.
- Transosteal Implants: Known as the most invasive type, these implants are used in patients with severe jawbone deficiencies. The implant is inserted through the chin and into the mouth, resting on a metal plate fixed at the lower border of the mandible.
- Mini Dental Implants (MDIs): These implants have a narrower diameter than standard implants and are designed for minimally invasive procedures. They are especially useful for stabilizing lower dentures in patients with limited bone structure.
What is the Procedure for Getting Dental Implants?
Getting a dental implant is a multi-step process that begins with careful screening and ends with the placement of a custom-made tooth replacement. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Initial Evaluation and Candidacy Check
Patients considering a dental implant undergo a thorough screening process to assess whether or not they are suitable candidates for the procedure. A normal, healthy individual with proper oral hygiene and no debilitating medical conditions is an ideal candidate.
We usually don’t advise dental implants for patients who smoke, have poor oral health, or suffer from conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or osteoporosis. Furthermore, patients either undergoing or about to undergo radiation therapy are also advised against the approach.
2. Oral Examination and Treatment Planning
If you’re given the green light for the procedure, your oral cavity will undergo a thorough examination. Digital imaging will also be done to assess the quantity and quality of the jawbone.
Additionally, any teeth with visible signs of decay and damage might be removed. Your dentist will chalk out a custom treatment plan for you after the assessment is complete and the preventive measures are taken.
3. Implant Placement Surgery
To make sure you’re comfortable during the procedure, you’ll be given either local anesthesia or a sedative. Then, to place the base, your dentist will cut the gum and expose the bone. After drilling the ample amount of space required, the implant post will then be placed within it.
4. Healing Phase and Osseointegration
Post-procedure, you might feel a little sore and will notice some swelling. This can be easily managed with medication prescribed by your dentist.
Over time, your jawbone gradually grows around the implant post in a process called osseointegration. This is what gives the implant its strength and stability, allowing it to function like a natural tooth root.
Osseointegration typically takes anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months, depending on your individual healing response.
5. Abutment Placement
When the dentist feels that the integration has been completed, they will place a small connector called an “abutment” above the gum line.
6. Creating the Final Prosthesis
Following the gum healing, impressions of your upper and lower jaws will be taken and then sent to a lab. The lab will manufacture the crown/bridge/denture to be placed on the implant.
On a subsequent visit, the prosthesis will be placed on the implant. You will be asked to come to the dental office regularly to assess the implant’s progress.
Which Implant Is Right for You?
When it comes to choosing the right dental implant, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. At Le Sueur Family Dental, we take several factors into account to make sure we select the most effective and long-lasting option for your specific case.
Some of the things we look at include:
- Availability and quality of the jawbone
- General health and medical history of the patient
- Number and position of missing teeth
- Patient’s budget and treatment expectations
Are There Any Downsides to Dental Implants?
While dental implants have a high success rate, there are still some drawbacks. Most implant-related issues are either due to poor oral health or rejection by the body’s immune system. Other contributing factors may include insufficient jawbone density, systemic diseases such as diabetes, or issues related to surgical technique.
Another thing to keep in mind is the overall timeline. Getting a dental implant can take several months from start to finish. And while the results are worth it for many patients, the cost can be a drawback. Unfortunately, most insurance plans don’t cover implants, so it’s often an out-of-pocket expense.
Are Dental Implants Safe?
Yes, dental implants are generally very safe. Most dental implants are made of titanium, while ceramic (typically zirconia) implants are used as a metal-free alternative. Both materials are biocompatible, meaning they integrate well with the surrounding tissues, and they rarely trigger allergic reactions. However, routine dental visits and good oral hygiene are essential for long-term implant success.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
The cost for a single implant to a full-mouth restoration varies from one dental office to the other. They usually cost up to thousands of dollars. And because dental insurance providers aren’t much help, it can be a pretty nerve-wracking task to come to a decision. But before you decide to forego this route entirely, get in touch with us at Le Sueur Family Dental. Because we believe you can’t put a price on a great smile.
Conclusion
Dental implants offer more than a pretty smile; they provide stability, longevity, and improved oral health. With various types of dental implants now available, it’s easier than ever to customize treatment based on your needs.
Looking For Expert Advice and Personalized Treatment?
Book your appointment with Le Sueur Dentist today to get dental implants from the experts. Call us today at (507)-665-6812 or visit us at 219 South 2nd Street, Le Sueur, MN 56058.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How long do dental implants generally last?
With consistent care and maintenance, dental implants can last for decades, and in many cases, even up to a lifetime. - Is the implant procedure painful?
The procedure is typically pain-free as it is performed under local anesthesia or sedation. Patients may experience mild discomfort or swelling post-surgery, which is manageable with medication. - Can smokers get dental implants?
Yes, but smoking significantly raises the risk of implant failure. It interferes with healing and osseointegration. Quitting smoking before and after the procedure is highly recommended for a successful outcome.
