Behind the Scenes: Dental Implants

Offering several benefits over alternative treatment options, dental implants have become one of the most popular treatment tools available in restorative dentistry for patients who are missing one or more teeth.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a permanent tooth-replacement option. The dental implant itself is a screw-like dental prosthetic composed of biocompatible metal. The dental implant is implanted directly into a patient's jawbone where it fuses with the natural bone matter and mimics a tooth's naturally supportive root system. 

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants have many advantages over alternative tooth-replacement options such as traditional dentures or bridges. 

Comfort and Security

The advantage that patients can appreciate every day is that dental implants look, feel, and function just like natural teeth. They do not slip around inside the mouth or rub against the soft tissues resulting in sores. Instead, they are just as strong, sturdy, and secure as natural teeth, so patients can comfortably enjoy eating all of their favorite foods without worrying about the security of their dentures or dental bridges. 

Jawbone Health

One of the most important advantages that dental implants offer is that they support the health of the patient's jawbone. Since implants are inserted in the jawbone and act like natural roots, they provide vital, bone-growth-triggering stimulation to the jawbone. This prevents the deterioration of the jawbone over time which can change a person's physical appearance and also harm the health of neighboring teeth. 

Dental Implant Treatment Applications: When to Consider Dental Implants

Most commonly, dental implants are used to support a dental crown, replacing a single tooth. However, they are also often used to support dental bridges and dentures that can replace several or all of a patient's missing teeth. 

With such a wide range of treatment applications, dental implants are an appropriate treatment option for most patients who are missing one or more teeth. 

What Is the Procedure for Getting Dental Implants?

The treatment process for getting dental implants can be fairly lengthy, offering requiring several months to a year for completion, depending on the individual patient's treatment needs and healing time. 

Treatment begins with a consultation, examination, and diagnostic images that allow our dentist to evaluate the patient and design a personalized treatment plan. 

For some patients, treatment begins with a bone grafting procedure that will help to strengthen and increase the jawbone's mass to better support a dental implant. This procedure is followed by a period of healing and bone generation. 

The next step is to place the dental implant in the jawbone. This is a fairly simple oral surgery that is performed with patients completely numbed and usually sedated to ensure no pain or discomfort is experienced. This is followed by another period of healing during which the dental implant will become osseointegrated with the jawbone. 

After an implant has been placed, the next steps differ depending on the type of dental restoration the patient is receiving. For example, if the patient is getting a dental crown, then a metal abutment will be placed and a crown will be cemented to the abutment. If the patient is receiving a denture or dental bridge, the final treatment steps will differ slightly depending on the type or bridge or denture being placed. 

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

The price of dental implants can vary depending on the number of implants needed, the tooth being replaced, and whether or not treatment is a one-for-one tooth replacement, a dental bridge, or an implant-supported denture. On average, an individual dental implant costs $1,000 to $4,500. 

Dental implants are typically considered restorative dental treatments. As a result, dental insurance policies are more likely to help cover the cost of implants. 

Our office staff can provide you with an estimated cost of care by providing you with estimates of any treatments you have been recommended in addition to helping you understand your dental insurance coverage. 

Restorative Dentistry at Austin Brown DDS

If you have been searching for "dental implants near me", look no further than dental implants in Clayton, California with our experienced dentist, Dr. Austin Brown. Whether you're missing one tooth, multiple teeth, most of your teeth, or all of your teeth, you don't have to continue living with a diminished quality of life. Dental implants are an excellent restorative tool that leaves patients with a natural look, a secure fit, and a comfortable feeling. 

To learn more about restoring the form and function of your smile with dental implants, we welcome you to request a consultation at Austin K. Brown DDS in Clayton today. 

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