Dental implants are the BMW or Mercedes-Benz of tooth restorations. An implant is an investment that is sturdy, reliable, and lasts forever. They are the next best thing when you are no longer able to keep save your natural tooth. Implants essentially replicate the root and tooth in your jaw.
Single tooth dental implants
Dental implants are considered the most durable, functional, and natural solution for replacing a missing tooth. While a bridge will affect adjacent teeth, dental implants involve introducing a titanium post into the jaw bone, providing a stable root over which a crown can be placed. Neither of the adjacent teeth are used in the restoration.
Multiple tooth dental implants
Beyond single tooth solutions, implants are a great way to restore several adjacent teeth or even all missing teeth of an arch (upper or lower). Rather than having many implants, two or more implants can secure an entire section. Implant-supported bridges and dentures are changing the game because they offer several benefits over traditional bridges and dentures including:
- Improved oral health
- Increased comfort and stability
- Longer lasting, more permanent solution
- Improved appearance while also reducing bone deterioration
- Better fit - particularly with full arch dentures
Why Choose Drews Dental: Using our Cone Beam Technology, we fabricate virtual surgical guides to plan and place implants very precisely.
What is a dental implant procedure like?
The Initial Visit
The initial phase for an implant is gathering information by using a Tomography x-ray. This is used to assess the amount of bone available, which is necessary to provide stability for the surgical implant to be placed. If there is insufficient bone, then a graft may be warranted at that time.
The Surgical Phase
The implant is then placed by tapping or threading it into the hole, where it will fit snugly in place during the healing phase. The gum and soft tissue are then stitched closed over the implant.
A dressing may be placed at that time, and healing can range from anywhere between 3 and 9 months. If wanted, a 'flipper,' or artificial tooth, can be made for you to wear so that you are still able to have a natural smile during the healing process.
Once the implant has fully osseo-integrated into the bone (which will be determined by an x-ray), the restorative phase can begin.
The Restorative Phase
This phase involves placing an 'abutment' on the implant, providing a base platform upon which to place the crown. The remainder of the treatment phase then mirrors that for placing a crown. An impression is taken of the implant in relation to adjacent and opposing teeth, and a temporary crown is made. The impression is submitted to a lab that will make the final crown.
The Final Visit
The process for placing an implant from start to finish is longer than any other dental procedure; however, they are also going to outlast any other treatment option available when it comes to replacing missing teeth.
The results are permanent, leaving you with a natural-looking smile, and the confidence to eat the foods you love without worrying about sustaining damage to your reconstructed teeth.
How much does it cost & Is it covered by insurance?
Dental implant costs vary depending on the specifics of the case and while some insurance companies may offer coverage, most still consider it a cosmetic procedure. However, some of the implant related procedures (such as bone grafting) are covered by some plans. We'll help you navigate the ins and outs of your insurance, the overall cost of your dream smile restoration, and look at all of the financing options available to determine what is within reach. We'll also provide you with information about any and all other restoration options to help you make the best possible decision for you!
If you have additional questions about dental implants and whether they're a good solution for you, give us a call at (207) 782-5308 or contact us and we'll be in touch!
