Introduction to Dental Implants

Illustration of a straight molar

There are plenty of reasons to replace your missing teeth as soon as possible. If you don’t maintain the space created by the lost tooth, then you risk being subjected to some far-reaching negative effects, that you may not realize.

When you have free large spaces between your teeth, speaking clearly can be a problem. Also, it can affect the way you eat and chew, especially if you have missing molars.

Even if that was not the case, the adjacent teeth may move or shift, causing misalignment. In some circumstances, failure to replace the missing teeth can lead to gum disease and bone loss and decay.

Dental implants can be a treatment option for patients that have lost one or more teeth. It could be due to tooth decay, injury, periodontal disease, or any other reason. 

Generally, the ideal candidates have healthy gum tissues. Adequate bone is also fundamental for supporting and anchoring the implants. And of course, you should be old enough in that the facial growth and development of your jawbone has been completed. 

You may not be a suitable candidate if you use steroids or any other drugs that suppress your immune system or bone physiology.

It’s important to talk to your doctor to see if dental implants are the right treatment option for you. Your oral surgeon at Aiken / Augusta Oral & Facial Surgery will require information about your overall health and history, and then possibly perform some imaging tests to evaluate the bone in your jaw. 

Expect to undergo dental X-rays or CT scans. With these imaging tests, a dentist can make an accurate assessment of your jawbone for the best course of action.

When all the procedures are followed properly by the doctor, implants generally have a success rate of up to 98%. However, people with poor lifestyle choices such as weakened immune systems, to bones and certain health conditions are at greater risk of poor outcomes.

For example, lifestyle choices such as heavy smoking and alcoholism increase the risk of dental implants failing. Health conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, and gum disease can also affect how well your dental implants heal and fuse with your jawbone. That’s why your oral surgeon needs to know the state of your overall health.

What is the cost of dental implants in the Southeast or greater CSRA? The price of your dental implants may be far from average, as this treatment is highly customized for each patient and their individual needs. The cost will vary depending on a variety of factors.

These include:

A dental implant has a crown, abutment, and implant. The implant part is made up of materials like titanium and it’s designed to function as the root of the crown or cap. A quality implant is incredibly durable and can last a lifetime, provided you and your jawbone stays in good shape.

A crown is firmly attached to the implant using an abutment. Occasionally, these components may fail. Therefore, they may need to be replaced with new ones at some point. With proper care, expect your dental crowns to last for many years.

Pain is often a concern for most patients looking to get their missing teeth replaced. The good news is that many patients who have undergone the procedure claim they felt less discomfort than anticipated. Typically, getting a dental implant is less painful than the extraction of a tooth.

A dentist will administer local anesthesia at the time of treatment. After the procedure, you may possibly experience a little discomfort and bruising, for a short time. You’ll be able to return to your day-to-day activities in no time.

Yes, dental implants are considered to be safe. But just like any procedure involving surgery, it’s not completely free of complications. That’s why choosing your dental surgeon carefully can’t be stressed enough. If an issue arises during the process, a properly trained and knowledgeable dentist can help minimize the risk with skillful handling.