A Beginner’s Guide to Dental Implants in Hialeah

Florida, USA, August 12, 2024 – Dentists have many procedures at their disposal to help you replace damaged, decayed, or missing teeth. One of the most advanced is the dental implant. This involves creating an artificial tooth that fuses to your bone, making it nearly identical to natural teeth in look and function. This article explains how dental implants work, including their costs, and what factors make you a good candidate for this procedure.

How dental implants work

Dental implants consist of three parts:

• Screw: This fuses to your jawbone, providing stability to secure your implant in place.
• Abutment: This attaches to the screw and provides a place for the crown to sit.
• Crown: This mimics a real tooth, restoring looks and functionality.

There are two types of dental implants:

• Permanent implants: With permanent implants, the crown is bonded to the abutment so that it can’t be removed. These tend to be used for replacing individual teeth.
• Implant dentures: These are removable dentures that snap into place on top of the implant, and are often used for multiple missing teeth.

Dental implants are more complex than other procedures, often requiring at least a few visits. Here’s how the process works for most dental implants:

1. Mouth evaluation: First, the dentist examines your teeth, gums, and jawbone to make sure you’re a good candidate.
2. Tooth extraction: Decayed or damaged teeth are extracted if still present.
3. Screw placement: The surgeon provides anesthesia, then makes an incision into the gums to reach the jawbone. They drill a hole into the bone and place the screw. If you have a subperiosteal implant, the implant screw is placed on or above the bone, and the bone is not drilled.
4. Abutment placement: An abutment is a metal extender attached to the implant. This procedure may be done during the screw placement or a second procedure. The crown will be on top of the abutment.
5. Healing and osseointegration: You wait several months for the wound to heal and the screw to fuse to the bone so that it is stable enough to support the crown. The bone does this by growing and strengthening more bone around the implant. The process of fusing to the jawbone is called osseointegration.
6. Tooth impression: Once the screw fuses to the bone and the initial wound has healed, the dentist takes an impression of your teeth to craft an accurate replacement.
7. Crown placement: After the crown is made, the dentist places it on the abutment. They’ll make sure it feels comfortable and there is no ongoing discomfort, pain, or bleeding.

Three factors to determine if dental implants work for you

Dental implants may be desirable for their aesthetic and functional benefits. However, not everyone is a suitable candidate. Here are some factors your dentist in Hialeah may consider when determining if dental implants are a good option for you:

1. Bone density

The dental implant screw is secured by your jawbone, making bone density one of the most crucial factors in being a good candidate for dental implants. You need a jawbone that has enough thickness and density to support the implant and osseointegrate it. Otherwise, the dental implant procedure is not likely to succeed.

2. Oral health

Your oral health must be in good shape to be a good candidate for dental implants. Untreated cavities, periodontal disease, infections, and other issues could cause complications with the dental implant or procedure. Therefore, make sure to take excellent care of your remaining teeth and gums so the process can go as smoothly as possible.

3. Overall health

Your overall health is important for eligibility as well. Good health can help ensure the osseointegration and healing processes go smoothly. On the other hand, chronic conditions, like heart disease and diabetes, may require the dentist to perform additional evaluations to see if implants are safe for you to undergo.

How much do dental implants cost?

A single dental implant can cost at least $3,909. Costs are high because this procedure is one of the most complex and time-intensive. The extra time and complexity help to craft a tooth that looks and works like a real tooth. That said, several factors can impact the dental implants cost:

• Material used: Some materials cost more than others in exchange for extra potential benefits. For example, zirconia, an advanced ceramic, costs more than titanium.
• Other procedures needed: If you need extra procedures, like X-rays, bone grafts, or teeth extractions, you may pay more.
• The provider’s expertise: Dentists specializing in implants, oral surgery, or similar treatments may charge more than other dentists.
• The provider’s location: Dentists in high-cost-of-living areas, such as urban areas, charge more to account for their higher costs. Additionally, state and local regulations could impact their costs.
• Insurance: Many dental policies cover 50% of major procedures, such as dental implants. However, your plan may vary in coverage, exclusions, copays, deductibles, and other matters.

The bottom line

Dental implants are one of the most advanced restorative dentistry procedures, giving you a brand-new tooth or set of teeth that work just like natural teeth. This can give you confidence in your smile and help you avoid future dental issues. However, it can take several months to complete and be costly, even with insurance. Carefully compare your budget for dental work and your oral and overall health to see if dental implants are the right choice to restore your smile.

Contact Information:
Name: Sonakshi Murze
Email: [email protected]
Job Title: Manager

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¹ Price displayed is the average price paid by Aspen Dental patients nationwide for selected implant. Price listed does not include extractions.