Dental professionals have turned to dental implants for several decades now. Still, many dental patients who could benefit from dental implants don’t understand what they are or how they work. Dental implants can replace missing teeth and offer many benefits.
How Dental Implants Work
A dental implant is a prosthetic device that replaces missing teeth. They are used to replace a single or multiple missing teeth. These implants consist of a small titanium screw placed directly into the jawbone by a trained professional dentist. A dummy cap, a partial denture, or a complete denture is fixed at the top above the gumline, making it look like a natural tooth. An implant tooth has three parts: the dental implant, the abutment, and the artificial tooth.
Dental implants are usually intended to be a long-term or permanent solution to missing teeth. They are often preferable to dentures or other methods of replacing teeth because they:
- Stay in place well
- Are long-lasting
- Don’t need to be removed
- Look like natural teeth and can be color-matched
The Dental Implant Process
Your dentist will use local anesthesia or IV sedation to numb your mouth. They will then cut into your gums and insert the implant into the jawbone at the location of the missing tooth or teeth. After attaching the implant to the jawbone, the dentist will close the gums over the implant, ensuring it’s completely covered.
After a few months of healing, you will go back for the second phase of the procedure. Your dentist will ensure that the jawbone is growing around the implant before proceeding. Once the titanium implant has integrated with the jawbone, the dentist will place an abutment over the part that will hold the new tooth. The dentist will also create a crown, fixing it to the abutment after your gums have healed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Are Dental Implants Long-Lasting?
Dental implants last longer than natural teeth since they don’t suffer diseases such as decay. However, if the gums are experiencing various health problems, the durability of the implants can be compromised. Dental implant patients must be committed to excellent oral hygiene and have regular professional dental check-ups. Under the right conditions and when cared for properly, dental implants can last a lifetime.
Are Dental Implants Covered by Dental Insurance?
Typically, basic dental insurance policies exclude coverage of a dental implant procedure. However, suppose you enroll in cosmetic dental procedure coverage. In that case, it will usually cover part of your cost, possibly up to half. Our office can bill your insurance for you, and we also offer convenient financing options through CareCredit, Alphaeon®, and Lending Club to help you afford the smile you have always wanted.
Learn More About Dental Implants at 508Dentist
At 508dentist, we are here to serve all of your dental implant needs. Whether you want to know if you are a good candidate, ready to become an implant patient, or need to have your implants replaced, we are here for you.
For your convenience, we have offices in both Swansea, MA, and North Attleborough, MA. Get started today with your dental implants by contacting us online or calling us at 508-336-8478.