A dental implant is a procedure to replace lost teeth. Dental implants are fixed in the patient’s jawbone, so they function like natural teeth. Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth or several teeth. Implants can also hold a fixed bridge, and they can also hold removable, partial, and even whole dentures. Missing teeth must always be replaced since they can cause other teeth to move and the whole bite to collapse.
Alternatives to dental implants
Other dental treatments can also replace lost teeth, these include the following:
- Fixed bridges.
- Removable dentures.
- Root canal therapy (endodontics).
- Dental implant procedure
Before the procedure
Before starting the procedure the dentist will check the patient’s complete medical history and make a full dental evaluation to develop a plan. If there are health conditions that can cause issues (for example, diabetes), other types of restorative treatments will be advised.
The dentist can also take CT scans or dental X-rays to have the implant placed at the best position with minimal risk.
First stage
The first stage of the dental implant procedure consists of an initial surgery to place the implant post in the jawbone; This stage is carried under local anesthesia; it follows the next steps:
- An incision is made in the gum tissue.
- A hole is created to place the titanium implant.
- The implant is placed into the hole.
- The gum is stitched.
- The site is left to heal.
After the initial procedure, new bone cell tissue will grow around the implant post, so it is important to take care of the healing area after the first stage.
Second stage
This is the shortest stage; it takes place between three and eight months after the first stage. In this stage, the implant is exposed and evaluated to determine if the implant post is successfully locked into the jawbone. If the implant was successful, then there is a second surgical procedure that has the following steps:
- An incision is made to the gum to expose the implant.
- A post or “healing cap” is placed.
- The abutment is placed into the implant, it connects both parts and holds the crown in place.
- The final crown is made.
Are dental implants painful?
No. Dental implant procedures are done under local anesthesia, so there is no pain to be expected. The recovery process also has no pain at all.
How much does a dental implant cost?
Dental implants are expensive procedures, but they are also the best treatment for lost teeth. A dental implant can cost between $1,500 and $2,000, and the dental crown can add around $500 to $1,000 to the final cost.
Where to get dental implants in the Phoenix Metro Area?If you are looking for a place to get your dental implant in the Phoenix Metro Area you can come to Somos Dental. You can contact us through our phone number 623-404-9216 or by filling our online form that includes a free first appointment. You can also find us at any of our six locations in Downtown Phoenix, Mesa, Desert Sky Mall, Avondale, Laveen, and Camelback.
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