Dental implants are artificial tooth roots with a success rate of over 95 percent. If you are considering replacing missing teeth with dental implants, answers to the top six implant questions can help you make an informed choice. The answers can also help you think of what to ask during a dental implant consultation.
1. What Are the Types of Dental Implants?
Regardless of how many teeth you are missing, there is a dental implant solution to replace them. The types of dental implants include the following:
- Single tooth – You can get a dental implant for each missing tooth.
- Multiple teeth – A dental implant bridge can replace two or more missing teeth in a row.
- All teeth – An implant-supported denture can replace an arch of missing upper or lower teeth.
2. Is a Dental Implant Painful?
A dental implant is not painful. You will be comfortable throughout the dental implant procedure for these reasons:
- Sedation – Before your procedure, an implant dentist or oral surgeon will give you sedation to keep you calm and relaxed. Sedation also decreases sensitivity to pain.
- Local anesthetic – Numbing your gums and the areas around the surgical sites block the nerves and helps give you a painless experience.
- Precise implant placement – Advanced implant dentists use digital technology for precise implant placement.
Post-surgical discomfort
You will get instructions for remaining comfortable after dental implant surgery as the sedation and local anesthesia wear off. Take the medication as prescribed. You can also take these steps to minimize discomfort:
- Apply cold packs to the side of your face where you received dental implants.
- After the first day, use the prescribed antibacterial rinse.
- Rest and sleep with your head elevated.
Read our detailed article on what to expect with a dental implant procedure.
3. How Long Does a Dental Implant Last?
If you get quality implants, regular exams, and routine dental cleanings, your implants can last a lifetime. Regular brushing and flossing around implants like natural teeth will prevent plaque buildup and gum infection. Factors that can affect dental implant longevity include:
- Your nutritional habits
- Tobacco use
- Teeth grinding
- Monitoring medication conditions you may have that affect the healing process
4. How Does the Lifespan of Dental Implants Compare with Other Options?
Below is a comparison of the lifespan of dental implants with other tooth replacement options:
- Dental implant – 20 years to a lifetime
- A dental bridge – 10 years
- Removable partial denture – 5 to 10 years
- Complete removable denture – 5 to 10 years
5. How Much Does a Dental Implant Cost?
According to a 2022 Forbes Health article, the average cost of one implant in the U.S. is $3,000 to $4,500. The price may vary depending on these factors:
- Your location in the U.S.
- The implant dentist’s fees
- Whether multiple providers are involved with your treatment plan (e.g., a surgeon and a restoring dentist vs. one provider for the entire process)
- Whether you need tooth removal, bone grafting, or gum grafting before dental implant placement
6. Which Insurance Covers Dental Implants?
Many premier or higher-tiered dental insurance plans offer coverage toward dental implants. Still, no insurance plan will cover the entire cost of your implant procedure. Contact your dental insurance provider to ask about coverage. The insurance company may require a pretreatment estimate from your implant dentist before giving you an estimate of what insurance will pay toward dental implants. Some dental plans deny dental implant benefits unless you require implants due to trauma or genetics.
Costs for dental implant placement include:
- Consultations
- X-rays
- 3-D CT scan
- Sedation
- Anesthesia
- Extractions
- Bone graft
- Gum graft
- Implant fixtures
- Implant surgery
- Surgical supplies
Your dental plan will pay for some services, but you can expect out-of-pocket fees.
Request a Dental Implant Consultation
During a dental implant consultation, Dr. Mo Saleh of Vancouver, Washington, will answer all your questions about the process. After an exam and 3-D CT scan, Dr. Saleh can determine whether you qualify for dental implants. He will explain the pros and cons of dental implants vs. other treatments.
Dr. Saleh is a Diplomate of implantology and makes dental implants affordable without sacrificing quality.
Contact Vista Dental today.
