How do dental implants prevent bone loss?
Implant posts are made out of titanium, a material that the human body accepts. The jaw bone cannot distinguish between a titanium implant and a natural tooth root. When a tooth goes missing, the implant will provide enough stimulation for the jaw bone which will prevent bone resorption and atrophy.
How do dental implants improve facial posture?
Without teeth, the jaw bone will not receive the stimulation it needs to prevent it from dissolving. This atrophy will drastically change your facial features. Your lips will begin to thin and sink into your face, deeps wrinkles will begin to form around the mouth, jowls will form, and your nose and chin will appear to stick out more. Dental implants will replace the missing teeth and provide enough stimulation to prevent the bone from dissolving. This will improve facial posture and help hold its natural shape.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is comprised of three major parts: the implant fixture, the abutment, and the dental restoration. The implant fixture is the post that is surgically placed in the jaw bone. It resembles a screw and is typically made of titanium. The abutment is a small connector piece that is attached to the implant. It will connect the post to the replacement teeth. The dental restoration is the part that actually replaces the teeth. It will either be a dental crown, dental bridge, or denture depending on how many teeth you are missing.
What kind of diet can I eat with dental implants?
Unlike other tooth replacement solutions, there are little to no eating restrictions with teeth implants. Since implant supported restorations are extremely stable, you are able to chew using greater force. This allows you to eat a large variety of foods including many healthy foods.
How much do dental implants cost?
This is a question that we often get asked and unfortunately, without a dental examination, it is hard to say. The price range for implants can run from $4,000 for a single implant up to $90,000 for full mouth implants. It will depend on how many teeth you are missing, where they are located, the current state of your oral health, and whether or not your dental insurance will provide any amount of coverage.
Can I still get dental implants if I suffer from bone loss?
There is a procedure called a bone graft that can build back up the jaw bone so that it can better support implants. The best way to find out if you require this procedure or if you qualify for implants is to schedule a dental implant consultation with Dr. Christy at her Hendersonville, NC dentist office.
Will I have to be without teeth during the implant process?
Once the dental implants are surgically placed in the jaw bone, it will take about three to six months for them properly fuse with the surrounding bone. Once this takes place, the permanent teeth will be attached. However, you will have a temporary set of teeth (or tooth) to wear to help with aesthetics and function until your permanent teeth can be attached.