A tooth implant is a titanium screw that replicates the root of an artificial tooth. It’s placed in the jawbone during outpatient surgery. The bone bonds with it in a process called osseointegration.

If the jawbone is too soft to support an implant, a bone graft can strengthen it. Alternatively, a bone-substitute material can do the trick.

Cost

Dental implant surgery can cost more than other options for replacing missing teeth, but the long-term benefits can outweigh the initial investment. Several factors influence the cost of dental implants, including location, surgeon’s expertise, and the type of implant required.

Preparatory procedures also increase the total cost of the procedure. For example, if a patient’s jaw bone density has deteriorated from inactivity, a bone graft procedure may be needed to build up the site for an implant.

The abutment, which connects the implant to the replacement tooth/teeth, can be made of different materials and prices vary. Typically, titanium is the material of choice for most implant-supported restorations. A dental practitioner should be able to explain the different options available. Lastly, dental insurance may cover some of the costs of a tooth implant. In addition, many dental practices offer monthly payments or other financing options to make the procedure more affordable for patients. This includes the cost of sedation during treatment, which can be useful for people who experience anxiety when visiting a dentist.

Procedure

The first step in the process of getting a dental implant involves a comprehensive oral evaluation to determine whether or not you are healthy enough for this surgical procedure. You will also need to get a medical evaluation from your doctor, since some health conditions can interfere with healing after the surgery.

Once the dentist has determined that you are a good candidate, they will prepare your jaw for the implant surgery. This typically involves removing the damaged or dead tooth and performing a bone graft to give the post portion of the implant a stronger anchor.

Under local anesthesia, the surgeon will make a small incision in your gum tissue to expose the underlying bone. A hole is then drilled into the bone where the titanium post will be placed. This drilling is done carefully to avoid damaging nearby tissues. The surgical site may experience some pain, swelling, and bruising, but this usually resolves within a few days. You will be provided with appropriate medication to help control this pain. You should also rest and keep the area elevated to reduce swelling.

Recovery

The recovery process for tooth implant surgery varies depending on the individual and can take several months to complete. It is important to follow the dentist’s instructions regarding diet, oral hygiene, and medication to avoid infection and speed up healing.

Swelling, minor pain, and bleeding are typical after the procedure. Patients are advised to take over-the-counter or prescribed painkillers as directed. It is also advisable to rest as much as possible to avoid disrupting the healing process.

It is essential to avoid strenuous physical activity after dental implant surgery. This is because it increases blood pressure and can delay the healing process. However, low-impact exercises such as swimming and cycling are recommended to help improve circulation and reduce inflammation. Regular dental visits are also important to monitor the progress of the implant and ensure that it heals properly. During the visit, the dentist may remove any non-dissolving stitches and assess how well the site is healing.

Maintenance

After your implant is healed, it’s important to follow an oral hygiene routine that will help keep plaque and bacteria at bay. This routine should include daily brushing and flossing, with special attention to the sides of the mouth where plaque tends to build up. It’s also crucial to visit your dentist regularly for dental implant checkups. This will help spot potential problems and prevent them from developing into more serious complications.

Be careful when eating, drinking, and rinsing, as you may unintentionally disturb the implant site, which can cause bleeding or interfere with the healing process. It’s also important to avoid smoking and other substances that can affect your oral health, and to maintain a healthy diet of whole foods that will support bone growth.

Be sure to attend all your follow-up appointments, as these will ensure the healing process is progressing as expected and that any problems can be spotted and dealt with quickly. Failure to do so may lead to complications that could require surgery.