Dental implants are permanent teeth replacements that look and feel just like your natural tooth. They also prevent jaw bone deterioration and preserve the shape of your smile.

Dental implants consist of three parts: the post, abutment and dental crown. The post is a titanium rod that is surgically implanted into your jaw bone.

What is a Dental Implant?

Dental implants are a modern treatment that can replace a single missing tooth or multiple teeth. They consist of three parts: a post, an abutment, and a crown. The post is surgically placed in your jawbone, where it will gradually fuse to the bone over time. The abutment connects the single tooth implant Lancaster TX to the crown, which can be either removable or permanent.

Implants are more comfortable than dentures, and they are also healthier for your gums and jawbone. With a dental implant, you can eat, drink, and speak normally again without having to worry about losing more teeth or gagging due to ill-fitting or loose appliances. Plus, they don’t require damaging healthy adjacent teeth like a standard dental bridge does. Unlike other tooth replacement options, an implant will stimulate and preserve the bone to prevent jaw bone loss.

How is a Dental Implant Placed?

A dental implant is a permanent tooth replacement solution that can last for years, or even a lifetime, if it’s properly cared for. First, your dentist will evaluate the health of your teeth, gums and jawbone to ensure you have enough healthy bone to support an implant. If necessary, a bone graft can be done before implant placement.

Once you’ve been given a local anesthesia, your oral surgeon will make a cut to open the gum and expose the bone. A hole will then be drilled into the bone and the metal implant post screwed in place.

A healing cap is then placed over the top of the single tooth implant Lancaster TX to keep tissue and bone from growing overtop of it. Once the healing process is complete, your dentist will install a crown to the abutment.

How Long Does It Take to Place a Dental Implant?

The duration of the entire implant process varies greatly depending on your individual needs and oral health. The first step involves a comprehensive dental examination and x-rays of the mouth and jaw. During this consultation, your dentist will ensure that you have sufficient bone density to support the implant.

Following this, you’ll wait several months for the implant to fuse with the jaw bone in a process called osseointegration. During this time, you’ll receive medication to control pain and discomfort and be encouraged to eat soft foods.

Once the site has healed, your doctor will re-expose the implant by making an incision into the gum tissue. Then an abutment is placed on the implant and a crown is fitted over it to complete the procedure.

How Much Does a Dental Implant Cost?

The cost of dental implants will vary depending on your unique needs. Your dentist in Lancaster TX will create a treatment plan that addresses the specifics of your situation and offers you an accurate price estimate.

Other procedures that may be required before the implant placement process begins can also affect the overall cost. For example, if you don’t have enough healthy bone tissue in your jaw to support an implant, you may need to undergo a bone graft procedure before placing the restoration.

Some dental insurance plans may cover the cost of dental implant surgery and/or the abutment and crown. However, many dental practices offer affordable financing options to help patients pay for the procedure.

Are Dental Implants Right for Me?

If you are missing one or more of your teeth, dental implants may be a good option. They can restore your natural smile, improve your speech and allow you to eat most foods without restriction. Dental implants also prevent your surrounding teeth from shifting out of place.

A dental implant is usually a minor surgery, similar to having a tooth pulled, and you will experience some discomfort, bleeding and bruising after the procedure. However, this is less painful than losing a tooth.

The best candidates for dental implants are adults who do not smoke and have a healthy immune system, which is not compromised by chemotherapy, radiation or other medical conditions that can affect healing after surgery. Good oral hygiene practices are also important, as is avoiding bad habits like biting your nails and drinking excessive alcohol that could damage the implant site.