Dental Implants

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a titanium screw inserted into the jawbone. On top of it is a tooth-like cap that mimics the feel, appearance, and function of a normal tooth. Implants are a great option for patients who are missing teeth. Your dentist will match the shade of the implant to blend in perfectly with your natural teeth, making it nearly impossible to tell that a tooth is not your natural tooth.

Are Dental Implants Cosmetic or Reconstructive?

The short answer is a little bit of both. It may be difficult to determine when implants are “necessary,” but our team is here to help you determine if they are right for you. Dental implants are usually considered an elective procedure, as they are not strictly necessary. However, implants do provide reconstructive benefits not just for function, but for your other teeth as well. Gaps in your teeth soften gum tissue and provide room for your other teeth to shift in undesirable ways. Implants, as they are titanium screws inserted directly into your jaw, eliminate this gap. This prevents your other teeth from sliding and shifting, which can help you avoid costly dental repairs. Additionally, implants can help patients chew better, as well as improve speech.

How Are Dental Implants Inserted?

Dental implants are performed in multiple stages to allow for healing time in between procedures. The process may take several months from start to finish, and including the following steps:

1. Removal of the damaged tooth, if needed
2. Jawbone preparation, such as grafting when needed
3. Dental implant placement
4. Bone growth and healing
5. Abutment placement
6. Artificial tooth placement

Once you have completed steps one and two, your dentist will open your gum and expose your jawbone. They will drill a hole into the bone where your metal post will be placed. At this time, you will still have a gap where your artificial tooth will be placed, and a temporary partial or denture may be placed for cosmetic appearance if needed. Over the next several weeks to months, your jawbone will unite with the new metal post. Once your bone has adapted and healed, your dentist is ready to place your artificial tooth.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

The cost of dental implants can vary depending on your insurance plan and the dentist you choose. Higher quality, long-lasting implants will likely be more expensive. Kurt R. Kwiatkowski DDS, SC provides durable implants that can last a lifetime. Our team will work with patients to review their insurance benefits and out-of-pocket costs, as well as review solutions to pay using Care Credit or payment plans.