Dental implant surgery is not a procedure that you can just walk into the dentist and get. There is a lot of planning involved, and many different specialists have to be involved to ensure your success.
Sometimes the current jawbone site is not strong enough to support an implant. In those cases, a bone graft may be required.
Cost
Dental implants are more expensive than other tooth replacement options like dentures and partials, but they last much longer and provide more function. These factors make the investment well worth it in the long run.
The cost of the implant itself depends on the type used, its size and material. The surgery to place the implant will also affect the total cost.
If you don’t have enough bone density to support the implant, your dentist may need to perform a bone graft procedure to strengthen the area. The cost of the graft can vary depending on the source and type of tissue used, from synthetic to natural donor bone.
The location of your office and the cost of living in the area can affect prices as well. Your dentist or oral surgeon should provide you with an estimated or firm cost before beginning treatment. Many dental offices offer payment plans to help patients afford treatment. Flexible spending accounts (FSA), health reimbursement or savings accounts and dental insurance may cover some or all of the expense.
Procedure
After you’ve gone through the evaluation process, the dentist will provide a written treatment plan. It will detail the cost and expected timeline for each step.
During the surgical procedure, your dentist will make an incision in the gum to expose the bone. Then they will drill into the bone to create a space for the implant screw. They will use local anesthesia to ensure you don’t feel anything during this process.
If there’s not enough healthy bone in the area, a bone graft may need to be done before you can get the implant. The graft can be from other parts of your body, or it can be synthetic.
You may also have to undergo a series of appointments that allow for healing and osseointegration. Some chronic conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, cancer, and long-term steroid use can slow the healing process.
Recovery
You’ll want to take it easy at first, especially for the initial 48 hours after your dental implant surgery. Spitting, using a straw, poking the surgical site, and smoking can disturb the blood clots that form around dental implants, leading to pain and bleeding.
Symptoms like pain and swelling typically peak during the first 24 hours after your surgery, but they should fade as you recover. You can manage your pain with prescription or over-the-counter medications, including ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
You should also rinse with warm salt water to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation, but do not brush the teeth near the surgical site until after the second day. You can start to brush normally after that, but do so gently. It’s also important to continue to floss daily, and schedule regular professional cleanings with your hygienist to prevent infection. These appointments can also help your dentist monitor how well the implant is healing and detect potential problems before they become serious.
Maintenance
Dental implants are a great way to restore missing teeth. They look and feel natural, and can last for 25 years or more with proper care. To maintain your dental implants, practice good oral hygiene habits and eat a healthy diet. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. Rinse your mouth with lukewarm salt water after meals.
You should also avoid hard and sticky foods after surgery. The abrasions caused by these foods can disrupt the blood clot and lead to bleeding or infection. In addition, you should not drink through a straw or disturb the surgical area.
Lastly, it is important to schedule regular visits to the dentist for dental cleanings and x-rays. These visits can help you catch any issues early and keep your implant in excellent condition. Taking these steps will ensure that your dental implant is successful. Dental implants are the most advanced solution for missing teeth and have a success rate of over 97%.