Tooth implants may be an answer for residents of Ogden, Utah who suffer from teeth that are discolored, chipped, missing, crooked or crowded. The implants are put in place during a multi-step procedure, and in many cases, they look so lifelike that only the patient or dentist knows that they’re prosthetics. Unlike bridges or dentures, implants are permanent and won’t shift out of position in the mouth. Patients claim they feel much more natural.
A patient who wants a tooth implant consults with their dentist to find out if they are a good candidate for the procedure. Some people do not have healthy gums or don’t have enough bone in their jaw to support the implant. In that case, they may need to have a bone graft before they receive a tooth implant. The bone is harvested from another area of the patient’s body, so there is no risk of rejection. If the patient has gum disease, the gum disease needs to be corrected before the procedure.
There are two basic types of tooth implants. They are endosteal implants and subperiosteal implants. In the former, a post is implanted in the jawbone and fuses with it. When the fusion or osseointegration is complete, the gum tissue is opened up, and an abutment is placed on the post. In the second, a frame with posts is placed on top of the jawbone but just beneath the gums. When the gums heal over the frame, it is permanently attached to the patient’s jawbone. The artificial teeth are then placed on the posts. There can be one tooth or a number of teeth on a bridge.
It takes at least several weeks before the posts or the frame are ready to accept the teeth implants. However, some dentists implant both the post and the artificial crown at the same time. This is called immediate loading, and it works best with people who have lost all of their teeth or all of their front teeth. The posts still have to fuse with the jawbone, and the patient needs to eat a soft diet for at least three months.
Types
Tooth implants can be made of several materials. Porcelain dental crowns are made of ceramic fired at high temperatures and can be made to match the patient’s other teeth precisely. Crowns can also be made of porcelain over metal, gold alloys or base metals. The last two are usually found in the back of the mouth.
Cost
Teeth implants cost more than dental bridges or dentures because they are permanent and feel more natural. The average single tooth implant can cost between $1700 and $3000. Unfortunately, most health insurance doesn’t cover dental procedures or covers them very sparingly.
If You’re Interested in Tooth Implants, Call North View Dental
Residents of Ogden love to look their best, and for some people that may mean a tooth implant that restores their smile and youthful appearance. To set up a consultation at North View Dental for our high-quality tooth implants, call (801) 528-9099, or schedule an appointment
