Why Dental Implants
If you are missing a tooth or teeth, dental implants are a wonderful permanent solution to improve your smile and the functionality of your bite.
Dental implants essentially work as artificial tooth roots by which artificial teeth are placed in the mouth. A titanium screw is placed in the jaw to support one or more artificial teeth. This ensures the artificial tooth, or crown, stays in place, unlike with dentures that can slip out of place. Your dental implant will both look and function exactly as your natural teeth do.
Modern dental implants have been used for more than 30 years and offer the strongest and most natural alternative for missing teeth. They provide increased comfort level over dentures, which can leave sores in the mouth and irritate the gums. Dental implants will look and feel just like your natural teeth.
Additionally, dentures can break or warp overtime, but because implants are placed securely in the jaw, they are stronger and more durable. They can also be cared for just as your natural teeth are. Dentures require additional steps to properly care for, but dental implants are brush just like your natural teeth are, making proper oral hygiene easier to maintain.
Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime, and the procedure is safe, proven and predictable.
Some of The Advantages of Dental Implants
Any patient with healthy gums and bone can receive dental implants, and patients report very little discomfort during the procedure. We will will use a local anesthesia to make the process as comfortable as possible. Any soreness after the procedure can be treated with an over-the-counter pain reliever.
If you are missing a tooth and are ready to improve your smile, call Lowell Dental Arts today to see if a dental implant is right for you.
Dental Implants FAQ
A dental implant is a small, titanium post that is inserted into the jawbone, to which a fake tooth (a crown, denture or bridge) can be affixed.
Patients who are missing teeth – either a single tooth or multiple teeth, may be good candidates for implants. Healthy bone is required in order to securely place the implant, so it is important to have a thorough checkup with your dentist.
For patients who may be missing teeth, dental implants offer a secure way to replace those teeth as naturally as possible. They can improve your appearance, as well as the function of your mouth. They are strong, secure and can last for a very long time.
Like any dental procedure, there is always a risk of infection, inflammation or minor pain. If you have little jawbone, a bone graft may be required before placing an implant. Your dentist will discuss any issues that may arise, and provide ways that these can be managed.
The cost of dental implants is very similar to that of regular fixed bridges. While other options may at first appear to have lower upfront costs, it is important to understand the life of that option. Dental implants can last a lifetime, while others will need to be replaced regularly throughout the course of your lifetime. The average cost of dental implants is between $3,000 and $4,500. Some dental insurances may cover a portion of the cost, but it is important to look at your individual plan to see what it will cover.
While your case is unique to you and your health and habits, for healthy patients with good oral hygiene, dental implants have a 90-95% success rate.
Dental implants are designed to last your lifetime, but their life is dependant on your oral care and the health of your gums. Brush and floss regularly and maintain all check-ups with your dentist to ensure the health of your mouth and extend the life of your implants.
No, unlike dentures, dental implants are affixed securely into your jawbone so they cannot be removed. This allows for the most natural looking tooth replacement.
