What is a Dental Implant?
While dental implants may seem like a modern solution, they were actually pioneered in the early 1950s by orthopedic surgeon Per-Ingvar Brånemark. Today, implants are a widely used and reliable alternative to dentures for replacing one or more missing teeth or teeth that are too damaged to repair.
A dental implant is a small titanium screw that acts like a natural tooth root. Implants can replace a single tooth or multiple teeth, helping restore both function and confidence, especially for patients who have difficulty chewing or eating.
The implant is surgically placed into the jawbone, where it gradually fuses with the bone over a few months. Once fully integrated, a custom crown is attached, mimicking the look and function of a natural tooth.
Unlike traditional bridgework, dental implants are supported by the jawbone itself and don’t rely on adjacent teeth for support, making them a durable and long-lasting solution for tooth replacement.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Dental Implants
If you’re considering dental implants, it’s natural to wonder about the cost. Several factors can influence the final price, including the number of teeth being replaced and the number of implants required. Your dentist will also consider the number of appointments needed to complete your treatment.
Additional procedures may be necessary to support your implants, such as X-rays, extractions, or bone grafts. These treatments can add to the overall cost but are often essential for achieving a successful, long-lasting result.
The Dental Implant Process
Dental implants can provide a durable, natural-looking solution for missing or damaged teeth. The process typically takes three to nine months and involves a few key steps:
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Diagnosis
Before deciding whether a patient can have dental implants, Dr. Girard will examine the missing teeth location(s). The patient’s jawbone will also be examined to ensure that it is strong enough to support the implants. To evaluate this, Dr. Girard will take a 3D scan of your jaw. This will be combined with a digital scan of your mouth to get a complete digital model, both internal and external. This will be used to plan out the orientation of the implant as well as the desired depth.
Once Dr. Girard decides that you can have dental implants, the process will take multiple appointments, and you will have your new tooth within three to six months.
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The implant
Dr. Girard will prepare your mouth for the implant by applying local anesthesia. Some patients are given sedation as well. Both options will ensure that you won’t feel any discomfort during the procedure. An incision will be made in your gum to insert the implant.
The dental implant is effectively a metal screw inserted into the jawbone; this becomes a replacement root for the artificial tooth. Once the implant has been inserted in the correct place, the gum will be closed over it, and the implant will remain covered. Dr. Girard would see you again one week later to assess the healing.
Over the next two months, the bone and metal will become fused, which will ensure the implant stays in place.
During the next appointment, Dr. Girard will determine that the dental implant is secure and whether your bones have fused with the implant satisfactory.
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The Replacement Tooth (The ‘Crown’)
The last step in the process will be to create a new tooth that will be attached to the implant. Dr. Girard will create a custom tooth by making digital impressions of your teeth to ensure that it’s precisely the correct size and shape. The replacement tooth is called a crown.
Dental Implant FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about dental implants at Oaklands Dental.
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How are dental implants different than natural teeth?
With single teeth and some bridges, we sometimes find that you get more food stuck between the teeth when eating, because the implant is smaller in diameter to the natural teeth, so the gap at the gum line is sometimes larger than normal.
Also, natural teeth have a ligament that allows some movement. Implants do not have a ligament, so they feel a bit different.
Dental implant-retained teeth need close monitoring over the years to ensure that they are not only cleaned regularly like real teeth, but to also ensure that the bite is appropriate.
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Will I need someone to drive me to and from my appointment?
If you have been given sedation to avoid discomfort, you will likely feel groggy for a few hours after the procedure. In this case, you would need to ask someone to drive you home, as you won’t be able to drive yourself after having the implants placed.
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What do dental implants cost?
Implants can cost more than some other kinds of replacement teeth and might not be covered by your dental plan, but they are very durable and are the closest thing to restoring your real teeth.
Dental implant cost varies but is generally around $4,000 to $5,000 per replacement tooth (for both the implant and the crown). If your goal is to avoid dentures altogether, but you need a full set of replacement new teeth, this is likely to cost around $25,000 to $30,000 per jaw (upper or lower).
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How long does a dental implant last?
If you care for your implant properly, it can last a lifetime. This includes proper brushing and flossing at home, as well as attending regular dental hygiene cleanings and exams at your dental office.
The longevity of a dental implant may also depend on other factors, including medical conditions, nutrition, genetics, or the development of any dental diseases.
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How do I care for my dental implants?
You should care for a dental implant just like you care for your natural teeth.
Regular dental hygiene visits and maintaining a proper brushing and flossing routine at home can help prevent diseases from developing in the surrounding teeth and gums, which can negatively affect your dental implants.
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Does getting a dental implant hurt?
During dental implant surgery, your dentist will administer anesthesia to make you comfortable so you won't feel pain during the procedure.
After the first part of the procedure, where the implants are placed, you may end up with bruising and swelling. Some people also experience minor bleeding, and discomfort is common but usually short-lived and managed with over-the-counter medication. Soft foods, such as soup, will likely be more comfortable at first.
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How long does the dental implant process take?
The entire dental implant process usually takes about three to six months to complete, depending on your treatment plan.
Your dentist can provide you with a more specific timeline based on your particular case.
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Will my insurance cover dental implants?
Some insurance companies will cover the cost of dental implants, while some will only pay for a portion of the cost, and others won't pay for any part of it.
To determine what part, if any, of your dental implant treatment will be covered by your insurance, check with your insurance provider.
