Are you interested in getting a dental implant but want to learn more about them? You’ve landed on the perfect blog! The Cashmere Family Dentistry team is here to pull back the curtains on dental implants and share everything you need to know about the procedure, including the benefits, discomfort levels, the types of implants offered, and what you can expect cost-wise.
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth inserted in place of an extracted one. This is a standard surgical procedure provided for dental patients who have a missing tooth that needs replacement or suffer from bite issues and need a tooth extracted. They are custom-made to match your natural tooth color, shape, and size so it won’t appear out of place after the procedure.
The prosthetic tooth is typically attached to a titanium rod and inserted into your jaw, allowing for an initial foundation for the tooth to settle into. The result gives you a permanent solution to a lost tooth and a natural-looking smile. It serves the purpose of filling in your smile and prevents any loss in overall oral functionality. With proper care, a dental implant can last for over 25 years.
Advantages of Receiving an Implant
Many benefits follow a dental implant, including improved aesthetics. A missing tooth can dent your self-esteem and prevent you from smiling in front of others. We strive to help patients regain lost confidence and feel more confident in sharing their happiness. Additionally, dental implants help retain the natural shape of your face, so you don’t have to worry about changes in your appearance later in life.
As mentioned, they last for many years and provide the strength necessary to continue everyday tasks such as chewing and speaking. Their improved functionality means you won’t have to undergo another procedure for your new tooth. They also do not cause speech difficulties, so you won’t need to worry about whether or not the implant will blend in with the rest of your teeth or affect tongue position.
Types of Dental Implants
If you think you may need a dental implant, there are two main kinds for you and your dentist to consider: endosteal and subperiosteal. Both treat different cases depending on your needs. Dr. Janie and Ryan Busk and the oral surgeon you are referred to will talk you through which will best suit your case.
Endosteal
The most common procedure is the endosteal implant, which means “in the bone.” They are attached to a short titanium pole embedded into your jawbone, meant to replace the tooth root. A hole is drilled into the bone for it to be placed, and it is later surrounded by gum tissue during the healing process. Endosteal implants provide a solid, permanent base perfect for patients in good oral health and whose jawbone has a proper bone density to drill into.
Subperiosteal
There are also subperiosteal implants available. Instead of drilling into the jaw, a hole is made below the gums, where a metal frame is installed on top of the bone. After allowing time for it to heal, the implant is then installed. They are then placed on top of the bone as a solution for patients who have significant erosion or bone loss in their jaw to cause less trauma to the area. The gums eventually stabilize the implant for long-term success.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Several stages go into preparing, placing, and completing your dental implant. Dr. Janie and Ryan Busk will start by referring you to a trusted oral surgeon they know. The oral surgeon is the oral healthcare professional who can extract your tooth and place the artificial one.
Once the area has healed after about two weeks, you can return to Cashmere Family Dentistry, where our dentists can complete the final step of restoration. Depending on your needs, they will place either a crown or a bridge that will blend in with your smile. This part of the process provides a final covering on top of the new tooth, preserving its strength and improving its functionality.
Is It Painful?
Patients typically feel mild discomfort upon receiving a dental implant. The oral surgeon you see will likely offer local anesthetic options so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. After the surgical procedure and your crown or bridge is placed, over-the-counter pain medications will be prescribed to you to manage any symptoms of swelling or discomfort. We will do what we can so you can recover as smoothly as possible.
Post-Implant Care
Caring for your dental implants does not require any special maintenance compared to the rest of your teeth. However, daily oral routines, such as brushing and flossing, are vital in ensuring your permanent teeth last a lifetime. We also recommend attending your regular biannual dentist appointments so we can help keep your teeth in perfect condition and alert you to any issues that arise.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
The average cost of a single dental implant ranges between $3,000 and $6,000 without insurance, changing based on the severity of the case, how many implants you need, and if any additional work is required. If you expect to use dental insurance, our team encourages you to check your policy to see what will be covered, if anything. Cashmere Family Dentistry is always happy to help you sort through insurance questions.
Protect Your Teeth with a Dental Implant!
Now that you understand more about dental implants, we hope you feel less intimidated by the process that may be ahead of you. If you have any questions about the process or what else to expect, our practice in Cashmere will gladly provide the answers you seek. Request an appointment with Dr. Janie or Ryan Busk today and get started on improving your oral health!
