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Atkins & Anderson DDS Blog

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots used to restore a missing tooth or a section of teeth that helps to prevent jaw bone loss. Metal posts or frames are surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath your gums and once in place, allow your dentist to mount replacement teeth onto them. The implantation procedure is categorized as a form of prosthetic (artificial replacement) dentistry but also is considered a form of cosmetic dentistry.

How do dental implants work?

Because implants fuse to your jawbone, they provide stable support for artificial teeth. Dentures and bridges mounted to implants won't slip or shift in your mouth — an especially important benefit when eating and speaking. This secure fit helps the dentures and bridges, as well as individual crowns placed over implants, feel natural.

How do I know if I need a dental implant?

Whether the loss of a tooth comes from non-restorable decay (cavity), severe gum disease, a failed root canal, or accidentally being damaged beyond repair, it can have dramatic and lasting effects on your pearly whites if it’s not dealt with in a timely manner. Left untreated, gaps in your smile not only appear unsightly but can also lead to further problems through a cascade of negative events. To determine if implants are right for you, a consultation with your dentist, oral surgeon, and/or periodontist is needed. During this appointment, your dental professional will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums, evaluating bone density and quantity.

What types of dental implants are available?

The American Dental Association considers two types of implants to be safe. Those include: 

  • Endosteal Implants: These are surgically implanted directly into the jawbone. Once the surrounding gum tissue has healed, a second surgery is needed to connect a post to the original implant. Finally, an artificial tooth (or multiple teeth) is attached to the post individually or grouped on a bridge or denture.
  • Subperiosteal Implants: These consist of a metal frame that is fitted onto the jawbone just below the gum tissue. As the gums heal, the frame becomes fixed to the jawbone. Posts, which are attached to the frame, protrude through the gums. As with Endosteal implants, artificial teeth are then mounted to the posts.

How much do implants cost on average?

There is no hiding the fact that dental implants are expensive. Single tooth dental implant treatments range from $1500 to $7500. When attempting to explain why they are so expensive, it is necessary to understand that the consumer is not buying a product but rather a service and a product. Dental implants are “medical devices” implanted into living tissue. This living tissue is also home to nerves, blood vessels, and sinuses. The placement of dental implants is both art and science which, when done right, has the potential to last a lifetime. Generally, dental implants are not covered by dental insurance. However, more companies are covering dental implants today than they did ten years ago. In many cases, your insurance can help pay for the teeth that are placed on the dental implants, if not the implants themselves. You can call your dental insurance provider and ask if dental implants are a covered procedure.

What can Anderson & Atkins offer me?

At Anderson & Atkins, we want to improve your quality of life with dental implants. We offer both fixed and removable restorations for implants. Our fixed implant is an artificial tooth which is permanently screwed or cemented onto an individual implant abutment. This implant acts as a real tooth—meaning you can't remove it to clean, or during sleep. Our removable restorations for implants, or Implant Supported Denture, resembles a conventional removable denture. It contains artificial white teeth surrounded by pink plastic gum material. It's mounted on a metal frame that's attached to the implant abutment, and it snaps securely into place. It can be easily removed for repair and daily cleaning.

For more information about how Anderson & Atkins can improve your quality of life with dental implants, or if you have any questions about our practice, please feel free to contact our office at (979) 846-1813 or email us at info@craigandersondds.com.

Sources:

https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/i/implants

https://www.clearchoice.com/what-are-dental-implants/

https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-implants

https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-health-bridges

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