Dental Implant Services

Dental Implants: What are They?

Small, screw-shaped posts that are typically made out of titanium, dental implants act as replacements for missing tooth roots. Endosteal dental implants, which are most commonly used in dental implants surgery, are placed in the jawbone and act as foundations for replacement crowns. If there’s not enough jawbone to support implants and a bone graft is out of the question, subperiosteal dental implants, which are placed below the gums and above the jawbone, may be used instead.

Dental Implants Cost: What to Expect

Patients are usually understandably concerned about the cost of dental implants. Dental implants cost, however, varies considerably depending on factors like the materials that are used for the post and crown, whether or not additional procedures like bone grafts are required, and whether or not dental implants insurance is available. When seeking affordable dental implants, please remember that they have many advantages over alternatives like bridges and dentures, and they bring many long-term advantages to the table too.

What About Dental Implants Insurance?

Chances are that you do not have dental implants insurance because very few dental insurance plans offer it. Still, if dental insurance implants are available to you, check with your provider to find out the cost of dental implants with insurance, as it should save you some money. Through one of our convenient, flexible financing options, your dental implants cost may be mitigated considerably too.

Typical Dental Implants Procedure Steps

While the process of dental implants varies slightly depending on whether endosteal dental implants or subperiosteal dental implants are used, the procedure usually unfolds as follows. First, the area is prepared, and the implant is placed in the jawbone. Over a period of several months, the jawbone fuses and heals to bond the dental implants into place. Upon your return, the dentist will attach a connecting piece called an abutment to your implant. Next, your custom-created crown will be fitted and cemented. Any dental implants procedure pain that you experience should be mild, and it can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medicine and local anesthesia.

Dental Implants Benefits

Some of the best advantages of dental implants are:

• A permanent, beautiful, natural-looking new smile
• Improved self-confidence and self-esteem
• Improved chewing and speaking abilities
• Increased protection of nearby teeth
• Increased jaw stability
• Easier and better oral health and hygiene compared to bridge and denture wearers

Caring for Dental Implants

Immediately following your dental implants procedure, manage any pain that you experience with over-the-counter pain medicine. Otherwise, dental implants care after surgery is the same as caring for natural teeth. Therefore, make sure to continue brushing, flossing, and rinsing with a dentist-approved mouthwash daily. Be diligent about coming in for your regularly scheduled cleanings and examinations, where your dental implants will be assessed by the dentist.

Who Needs Dental Implants?

An ideal dental implants candidate is someone who is missing one or more teeth and who wants to regain a nice, natural-looking smile. Sufficient healthy jawbone must be available, or a bone graft may be required. If a bone graft can’t be performed, dental implants in Columbia may still be an option. The dentist may simply opt to use subperiosteal dental implants instead. The only way to find out for sure is by coming in for a thorough evaluation with our dentist.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

One of the first things patients ask is, “How long does a dental implant last?” If you’re curious about how long dental implants last, please understand that it varies depending on things like your overall oral health hygiene as well as the location of your implants in your mouth. As long as you properly care for and maintain your implants, however, you can expect them to last anywhere from 10 years to a lifetime. If you are interested in affordable dental implants, come visit us in Columbia.