What are dental implants?
A dental implant is essentially a way to replace a natural tooth. It is the closest method we have to give you a replacement that closely mimics a natural tooth. There are several ways to replace a missing tooth, but a dental implant is the most similar to a natural tooth.
What conditions would cause a dentist to recommend dental implants?
A dentist would recommend dental implants when there are missing teeth.
What are the advantages of dental implants?
The single biggest advantage of a dental implant is that it allows you to replace your missing tooth with something that is the closest to a natural tooth. It helps in preserving the bone, keeping your jaw strong, and maintaining a natural appearance. Moreover, to replace a missing tooth with an implant, you don't have to affect any other adjacent teeth. It's like replacing one tooth with another.
What is the process I will go through if I decide to get dental implants?
The process starts with an exam to assess your dental health and to determine if you're a good candidate for a dental implant. We consider various factors such as whether you smoke, have diabetes, have a history of chemotherapy or radiation therapy, or are taking medications for osteoporosis that could potentially affect the success of the implant.
What are the steps in the process of placing a dental implant?
The process begins with a dental exam. Once we determine that you are a suitable candidate for implants, we start with the placement process. The process includes numbing the area, placing the implant inside the bone, and then covering it with your gums. The implant, which is a thread, integrates into your bone over a few months. Once it's integrated, we know it's ready for a tooth to be placed on top. We take an impression of the site, send it to the lab, and they fabricate your tooth. You then come back, and we place the tooth on top of the implant. The entire process takes a few months, sometimes eight to twelve months.
When would bone grafting be required?
Bone grafting might be required if there's insufficient bone foundation in the area where the tooth has been missing for a while. The most common indication for a bone graft is when a tooth cannot be fixed or saved and has to be removed, leaving a hole in your mouth. That hole should be filled with bone to preserve the area and create a solid foundation for the implant.
How long does it typically take to recover from dental implants?
Recovery from dental implants doesn't take too long. It's actually easier than an extraction or sometimes as easy as a filling. You're numb during the procedure, and we place some stitches after the implant placement. We recommend taking over-the-counter pain medication like Tylenol for a couple of days. Usually, you can expect a bit of discomfort for a couple of days, maybe a week. Most people don't really experience much discomfort after that.
How long do dental implants last?
If your mouth is healthy and you don't have any other disease that could be affecting your teeth, a dental implant can last a lifetime, especially if it's well-maintained. If you regularly visit your dentist for cleaning and your overall and oral health is good, a dental implant should last for the rest of your life.
Can dental implants get cavities?
No, dental implants cannot get cavities because they are made out of titanium.
What are the costs and financing options involved with dental implants?
Dental implants are expensive due to the extensive research that goes into it and other expenses like the lab fee. You can expect to pay anywhere from $5,000 to $6,000 per implant. However, at Onion Dental, we offer various financing options. We work with third-party companies to provide monthly payment plans. Sometimes, we can offer 6, 12, or even 18 months interest-free payment plans. For those who would like to extend the payment period, we offer financing options with interest that allows you to pay in 24, 36 months, or even longer.
Do most insurance plans cover the cost of dental implants?
Unfortunately, most dental insurance plans do not provide significant coverage for dental implants. They may help with exams and other procedures, but they don't usually cover a significant portion of the cost for dental implants.
How can I schedule an appointment to talk to a dentist about dental implants?
You can give us a call at (941) 269-1332 to schedule an appointment at Olean Dental. We will be more than happy to discuss the next steps with you, see if you're a good candidate for dental implants, and help you get those dental implants placed. If you're ready to take the next step, we're here to help you.