Dental implants replace the roots of missing teeth, offering a more natural appearance and many short and long-term benefits. They can also help maintain jaw health. In cases where gum tissue or bone loss has occurred, a graft can be used to restore these structures before implant placement.
Unlike other restorations like fixed bridges or removable partial dentures, implants do not weaken adjacent teeth. The cost of a full jaw restoration, however, can be expensive.
Costs
Dental implants are the closest to natural teeth replacements, restoring function & beauty while protecting facial structure. They can be more expensive than other tooth restoration options, but they offer longer-term stability & better aesthetics. The cost of dental implants Joliet IL includes the implant itself, the abutment, & the crown. The implant itself consists of a medical-grade titanium screw that is surgically placed into the jaw bone.
The implant will then heal for 4-6 months. During this time, patients can use temporary dentures or bridges. Once the implant is healed, a custom-made crown will be attached to complete the restoration.
Other costs associated with dental implants include x-rays or CT scans, a bone graft, and preparatory procedures. The bone graft can add another $500 to $3,000 to the total cost of the procedure. Other expenses can include anesthesia & sedation, which may cost up to $400. However, these costs are usually not covered by insurance. A successful implant requires healthy gums & sufficient bone for support.
Benefits
Dental implants stop the domino effect of tooth loss dead in its tracks by stimulating new bone growth. The titanium metal used in the implant stimulates a natural affinity to bone cells, encouraging new growth and strengthening the existing structure. This process is called osseointegration.
Dental implants are long-lasting and durable, but they do require regular oral hygiene, including daily brushing and flossing. Patients should also schedule dental checkups and cleanings at least twice a year to ensure proper health and function.
A comprehensive dental exam should be performed before dental implants Joliet IL are placed. The dentist will evaluate your mouth, including your gums and jawbone to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Heavy smokers and those with uncontrolled chronic disorders are at higher risk of implant failure because smoking restricts blood flow to the area and slows healing. Patients with autoimmune diseases or other medical conditions should be evaluated on an individual basis.
Risks
Dental implants are the best way to replace missing teeth. They help return chewing function and cosmetic look to the mouth, and they are more comfortable than other tooth replacement options such as dentures.
The implants are titanium anchors surgically placed into the jaw bone where teeth are missing. The anchors act as tooth root substitutes, and the bone bonds with them to form a strong foundation for artificial replacement teeth. Small posts that protrude through the gums are then attached to the implant, forming the basis for a partial or complete dental prosthesis.
In general, patients with good oral health and a commitment to practicing excellent dental hygiene are candidates for dental implants. However, some factors can increase the risk of complications with the implants. For example, patients with diabetes or who take medications that affect healing should be cautious about getting dental implants. They should also tell their doctors before undergoing any imaging procedures, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), that can cause implant movement or damage.
Requirements
Unlike traditional tooth replacement solutions, dental implants replace the entire tooth, including the root. They can be used to replace a single missing tooth, or multiple missing teeth in a row. They also help prevent the bone deterioration that can lead to the loss of adjacent healthy teeth.
A successful dental implant treatment requires an adequate amount of jaw bone tissue to bond with the titanium post. In cases where there is insufficient bone tissue, a surgical procedure known as sinus lift or bone graft can be performed to build up the area.
Once the area is numb, a small hole is created in the bone where the implant will be placed. The anchor of the implant is surgically placed into the gap and then the abutment is fitted to the anchor. Once the anchor is healed, the artificial teeth are attached to the abutment. These teeth look and feel like natural teeth, and they can help you eat and speak normally again.
