What is a Dental Implant?
Dental Implants are small titanium posts that are inserted into areas of bone where there are missing teeth. There are ceramic implants available but most dental implants are made from titanium. Titanium is extensively used in medicine and surgeries. Titanium is commonly used in total joint replacements, orthopedic and trauma devices, prosthetics, and surgical instruments. Titanium is nontoxic, nonallergenic, and fully biocompatible. They function much like a natural tooth root and are used to replace a single tooth (single crown), multiple teeth (bridge), or even a full arch of teeth (Implant Dentures or ‘All on 4 Restorations’). Dental implants are unquestionably the best way to replace missing teeth.
Compared to traditional dentures and bridges, implants are expected to have better esthetics, last longer, function better, and feel the most natural. See comparison chart to learn about all the benefits of implants.
When dentists and patients are communicating about an ‘implant’ it is important to understand that there are 3 pieces to a complete implant restoration. This can lead to confusion because often times when dentists say ‘implant’ – patients are picturing the actual part that looks like a tooth (the porcelain crown). While dentists are usually referring to just the titanium implant that is secured into the bone and is level with the top of the bone and not the visible tooth structure. To help avoid confusion, here are the three parts to a complete implant restoration.
- Implant – This part is secured into the bone and mimics a tooth root
- Abutment – This part connects into the implant and is the base that supports the crown
- Crown – This part rests on the abutment and creates the appearance of a tooth
What is the process for getting a Dental Implant?
Typically, there are 3 main appointments.
1st appointment: Anesthetic is delivered. The implant is placed and then a healing cap is secured into the implant to help shape the gums for the future crown. Usually, a couple of dissolvable sutures are then placed. For a single implant the appointment is only about 1 hour. The implant then needs about 3-4 months to heal and integrate into the bone and become strong.
2nd Appointment: After sufficient healing has taken place the temporary healing cap is then removed, an impression post is placed on the implant, and an x-ray and impression are taken with the post in place. A shade match is also completed so the new crown will look like your other teeth. The healing cap is then placed back on the implant and the impression is sent to the dental lab where a custom final abutment and porcelain crown are made. The lab usually takes about 2 weeks to fabricate the crown. This 2nd appointment is only about 30 minutes and doesn’t require any anesthetic to be administered. Depending on various circumstances or the dentist’s preference, the implant may be covered completely by the gums at the time of implant placement. In this situation there will be an extra appointment in between the first and second appointments to uncover the implant and place a healing cap. So, 4 appointments in total.
3rd Appointment: The healing cap is removed again and the final abutment and crown are tried in on the implant. The fit is confirmed by a radiograph and the esthetics are approved of by the patient. Sometimes adjustments are made to the flossing areas and to the areas where the teeth bite together until the new crown looks and feels very natural and comfortable. This appointment is only about 30 minutes and usually requires no anesthetic.
If an extraction of a tooth is needed, it is sometimes possible to place an implant the same day as the tooth extraction. The tooth is removed, the implant is placed, and bone graft material is placed around the new implant and sutures are completed. If the implant can’t be placed the same day as the tooth extraction, then a bone graft is completed followed by sutures. Usually, 3-5 months of bone graft integration is then needed before an implant can be placed. For more information about extractions and bone grafts please see our ‘Extractions’ service page.
Are Dental Implants Painful?
Most of our patients report minimal discomfort for the first few days after the implant is placed. The most common response from our patients is that they took a couple of doses of Ibuprofen or Tylenol for two or three days and then didn’t need to take any pain medication after that. Many patients do not need to take any pain medications.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants are intended to be permanent solutions. This is because they interface directly with the jawbone, becoming firmly attached with surrounded bone through a process called osseointegration. Just like your natural teeth, implants can experience bone loss over time so it is important to maintain good oral health care routines, which includes getting regular cleanings. The great news is, implants and implant crowns cannot get cavities. Research has shown that implants can be expected to last around 15-20 years but can realistically last a lifetime with proper home care and regular cleanings.
How Do You Take Care of Dental Implants?
One of the many great features of an implant restoration is that they don’t require any special care. They should be flossed and brushed daily like regular teeth and of course it is important to come for your checkup exams and cleanings at least twice a year.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
The cost for dental implants can vary based on dental insurance coverage and contracted rates. On average, patients with no dental insurance can expect to pay around $3,000 – $4000. Depending on individual dental insurance plans and percentages of coverage for implants and implant crowns the actual amount patients will pay out of pocket will be significantly less than this. Most dental insurance companies and plans will help cover the cost of dental implants and crowns. If patients don’t have dental insurance, we do offer financing options and in-office insurance plans to help with the cost of this very important tooth replacement procedure.
Comparison of Implants, Bridges, and Dentures
Scroll through table below
| Features | Implants | Bridges | Dentures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Function | Superior Chewing Strength | Good Chewing Strength, Some Risk of Breakage | Poor Chewing Strength, Limited Food Choices, Risk of Breakage |
| Comfort | Excellent, Feels Just Like a Natural Tooth | Good, Food Trapping Can Be Agitating to the Gums | Poor, Rubbing on Gums and Bone Causes Sore Spots |
| Longevity | 15-20 Years, Possibly Lifetime | 5-10 Years, Usually Replaced Due to Cavities or Breakage | 5-10 Years, Acrylic Teeth Wear Down Less Effective Chewing |
| Esthetics | Superior Esthetics, Looks Just Like a Natural Tooth | Good Esthetics, Decreased Esthetics Over Time | Okay Esthetics, The Acrylic Teeth Don’t Look as Natural |
| Invasiveness | Moderate, Short Healing Time, Procedure is < 1 Hour | High, Trimming of at Least 2 Teeth is Required | Least Invasive, Unless Extractions of Many Teeth are Needed |
| Hygiene | Low Maintenance, Brush and Floss Like a Normal Tooth | High Maintenance, Special Floss Needed to Clean Underneath | Moderate Maintenance, Soak/Clean Dentures, Apply/remove Adhesive |
| Insurance | Covered By Most Plans | Covered By Most Plans | Covered By Most Plans |
| Cavities | No Risk of Getting Cavities or Needing a Root Canal | Higher Risk of Cavities, Most Common Reason for Bridge Replacement | No Risk of Getting Cavities |
| Cost | Higher Initial Cost, Cheaper in the Long Run Due to Longevity | Slightly Lower Initial Cost | Cheapest Initial Cost, Repairs, Relines and Remakes Needed |