If you’re missing one or more teeth, whether the cause was disease or trauma, then a dental implant can restore your smile and the structural integrity of your jawbone. Unfortunately, when you are missing teeth, your remaining teeth can become misaligned, and your facial structure can become distorted. Dental implants can prevent these issues from occurring.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth that looks, functions and feels like your natural tooth. It is used when you are missing a tooth or when one or more teeth need to be extracted and replaced. The post is usually made of titanium because it’s strong and lightweight. Titanium is also very durable, and it assimilates easily with the jawbone through a process known as osseointegration. This makes it extremely strong because it becomes part of the jawbone.
How Much Will Dental Implants Cost?
The cost of each dental implant will be unique to the individual, but your cost will be determined by several factors, such as the following:
- The number of teeth involved and their location
- Any additional procedures that you may need, such as a bone graft
- The number of office visits required
- The materials used
- Your location
- Your individual dentist’s rates
Our team will provide you with a comprehensive cost estimate during your initial exam.
Be aware, though, that not everyone will be a good candidate for dental implants in Austin, Texas. You must be in good overall health, you must have enough jawbone to accommodate the implant and you must not have health problems that impair your ability to heal.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Most dental insurance plans don’t cover the dental implant’s cost. Depending on the circumstances, your health insurance might cover some of your dental implant’s cost, but your insurance provider will be the best source of information on this. If you want dental implants in Austin, Texas, then talk to us about our flexible financing options. We can help you receive the procedures you need without worrying about finances. Dental implants insurance is available, so ask us for the details if you’re interested in obtaining dental implant insurance.
What Involved in the Dental Implants Procedure?
When you come to our office for your dental implant procedure, we’ll perform any additional procedures that you might need before we start on the implant procedure. Next, we’ll prepare the site for the installation and drill a hole in your jawbone to accommodate the titanium post, and then, we’ll place the post. You’ll go home to heal — and we’ll provide you with aftercare instructions — and when the site has healed, you’ll return to have the abutment and crown installed.
If you’re having a subperiosteal implant, an implant-supported bridge, or mini implants, your procedure may vary slightly from the above. The procedure above is for a single, endosteal installation. Your dentist will let you know if you need another type of implant.
What Are the Benefits of a Dental Implant?
One of the main benefits of a dental implant is its convenience. It requires no special maintenance, it looks and functions like your natural tooth, and it can last for a lifetime. Particularly, if you need only one or a few implants, you’ll always have a mouth full of teeth, and you won’t have the inconvenience of dentures or removable bridges. Affordable dental implants are within your budgetary reach, so ask us about them.
What Are the Different Types of Dental Implants?
Usually, an endosteal implant is placed directly into the jawbone. However, for those who lack sufficient jawbone and don’t want a bone graft, subperiosteal implants can be placed between the jawbone and the gums. Smaller, mini implants are available on an individual basis and installation is similar to the dental implant procedure for a single implant.
How Do I Care for My Dental Implant?
You will care for your dental implant as if it were your natural tooth. After the procedure, the healing process for the post may take as long as several months, so don’t stress if you heal slower than you expected. When we place the abutment and crown, we’ll use a special, permanent cement so you don’t have to worry about it falling out. Pain from this procedure is usually mild and can be managed with over-the-counter analgesics. If you experience problems, be sure to call our office promptly.
How Long Does a Dental Implant Last?
When properly cared for and maintained, an implant can last for decades or a lifetime. A dental implant doesn’t need any special solutions or maintenance. You care for it the same as you do your natural teeth. However, if you’re missing one or more teeth due to decay or infection, ask your dentist about improving your oral hygiene routine so that you don’t lose more teeth and jeopardize your dental implant installation.
Where Can I Find Affordable Dental Implants?
If you want implants that are affordable, look no further than our office in Austin, Texas. We have experienced providers for implants, and we can help you fix your missing teeth with dental implants. Call us at 512-600-3535 to schedule a consultation and restore your beautiful smile at a price you can afford.