A patient considering dental implants likely has numerous questions. The following questions and answers can help someone thinking about dental implant surgery better understand and prepare for the procedure.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
What Exactly Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a replacement for the root of a tooth. It’s made of titanium and is surgically placed, by dental surgical specialist, into the jaw bone, providing a stable foundation for a new tooth. It preserves bone while stimulating bone growth.
What’s the Difference Between Dental Implants and Dentures, Partials or Bridges?
Dental implants preserve bone and don’t impact the health of the remaining teeth. Bridges, on the other hand, require trimming down the teeth surrounding the gap, and dentures put pressure on remaining teeth, causing them to loosen as well as the jaw bone causing it ti atrophy over time. These alternative methods also accelerate the need for additional dentistry and the bone resorption process, leading to a collapse of the bite.
Do Dental Implants Look Natural?
Yes, teeth supported with dental implants look, feel and function just like natural teeth.
Understanding the Dental Implant Procedure
Who Can Get Dental Implants?
Not every patient is a good candidate for dental implants. A patient needs good quality and quantity of jaw bone, and they can’t suffer from uncontrolled illnesses such as diabetes.
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
From start to finish, dental implants can take a few weeks or a few months. The length of treatment depends on multiple factors and the number of implants being placed.
Does the Procedure Hurt?
Many patients compare the implantation procedure to having a tooth pulled. Afterward, simple over-the-counter medications such as Advil or Tylenol should suffice for keeping discomfort levels under control.
What Is Aftercare Like?
Patients must clean their new teeth. For single implants, regular flossing and brushing is fine, but those with implant-support bridges may need to use a floss threader. A patient with a full-mouth replacement might need a specially designed brush.
Success Rates for Dental Implants
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Most implants have a long-term success rate of 95 to 98 percent and can last conceivably a life time. In comparison, a tooth-supported bridge only lasts for an average of 10.1 years.
What’s the Failure Rate for Dental Implants?
As dental implants are one of the most successful procedures in the industry, they have only a very small chance of failure.
Understanding Costs and Insurances for Beverly Hills Patients
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
For a patient in the Beverly Hills area, the cost of dental implants depends on the number of missing teeth, the condition of the patient’s bone, and the materials used for the replacement teeth. There is no set fee; each procedure fee is customized based on the procedures the specialist will need to perform.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Because most dental plans only cover basic dental care, dental implants are usually not included, although some dental plans are now helping with the cost of dental implants and or the crowns that are placed on the implant.
Schedule Your Dental Implants in Beverly Hills
Do you live in the Beverly Hills area? If so, schedule your consultation today to see whether dental implants are the right choice for you.
