Everything You Need to Know about Dental Implants

Unfortunately, people lose one or many dental pieces throughout their lives. 

Among the most common causes of tooth loss, you can find the following:

1. Poor oral hygiene – It is the most common one. A person that skips dental brushing and flossing will develop cavities. If untreated, you can lose a tooth.

2. Periodontal disease – If you have poor oral hygiene, not only can you develop cavities but suffer from periodontal disease (although, like dental caries, other factors contribute to it). This condition affects the tissues that support your dentition. If you lose bone, your teeth may shift and fall out (severe periodontitis).

3. Dental trauma – A blow in the face or a fall may lead to a knocked-out tooth. If it happens to you, your dentist can evaluate the possibility of re-implanting the tooth or offer dental implants near you.

4. Tooth agenesis - It is a developmental anomaly in which the person is missing one or many teeth. The most common are the lateral incisors.

As you can tell, there are many reasons for losing a tooth. Luckily, we offer dental implants in Naples. Keep on reading to see how they work.

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a device that looks like a screw and replaces the root of a missing tooth. It is a metal post that your dentist places inside your jawbone.

In a preoperatory appointment, your doctor will take a set of x-rays and CBCT to evaluate your bone and determine the correct location of the implant. They may ask you for a blood test to ensure you have no issues with your coagulation. You can ask about costs and anesthesia during this visit.

If you get too anxious, we suggest sedation dentistry. Our dentist in Naples, FL. Is an expert with it. 

The procedure consists of minimal oral surgery. Your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area for you not to feel any pain. Then, they will drill the dental implant inside the jawbone and place an abutment on top. Over the abutment, a prosthetic dentist will place a porcelain dental crown (once the implant and the bone fuse).

The osseointegration takes about three months. You may schedule a consultation with a dentist near you afterward for the restoration.

Who Qualifies for Dental Implants?

Any person with a fully developed jaw and maxilla can opt for dental implants. Your doctor will check on the density of the bone and see if you have enough to support it. If you do not, you may benefit from bone grafting.

Bone grafting consists of taking bone from a donor site to a recipient, which in this case, would be the jawbone. It takes about three months for it to heal.

Another aspect to consider is the oral care the patient has. If you suffer from periodontal disease or have cavities, your doctor will address these issues first; however, they do not interfere with the surgery. Your dental professional will advise how to keep excellent oral care for you to enjoy your implants without problems.

How Long Does a Dental Implant Last?

Dental implants are the first devices in dentistry to integrate with the bone. They become part of your anatomy and last for a lifetime! They are expensive, but it is a long-term investment.

How Much Does a Dental Implant Cost?

Dental implants vary from $1,500 to $3,000. You may contact your insurance company for coverage, although many companies do not offer it because they consider these devices a cosmetic dental procedure.