Dental implants are a dream come true for anyone who has missing teeth. They replace both tooth and root for a complete dental restoration. Even with this straightforward description, it’s normal to have plenty of dental implant questions – you should have questions, and you should ask your Hampton dentist whatever is on your mind.
1. How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
Of course, one of the very first questions before a patient agrees to any dental procedure is: How much does this cost? The good thing about dental implants is that they are considered a restorative dentistry treatment. Even though they have a cosmetic element and complete your smile, at their heart, they are meant to fix your smile and make it stronger and better. As a result, dental insurance often covers a portion of the cost for this repair, which minimizes the cost significantly.
Dental implants typically range from $3,000 to $6,000 per implant and crown. The total will vary depending on where the implant is being place, whether you need a bone graft, the materials used, and whether any other dental restorations are needed.
2. What Do Dental Implants Feel Like?
With all this work going on in your mouth, you may wonder whether the dental implant will just feel like some awkward thing stuck into your gum. Good news: It will feel (and look) completely normal. There will be an adjustment period, of course, but it will mostly be you getting used to having a tooth or teeth where there weren’t any.
3. How Long Does It Take to Get Dental Implants?
It takes about six months from start to finish to get a dental implant. That may seem like a crazy number, but there are a lot of factors that influence this timeline. Your mouth must be healthy enough for the surgery – if you have gum disease or any other infections, these must be completely cleared up first before your dentist can determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants.
If you need a bone graft in order the implant to take, this will require its own procedure and healing time. Then the dental implant itself will be placed. It will take about two to four months for the implant to fuse with the jawbone and take its place as a substitute tooth root. Once this healing is complete, the final, permanent restoration is attached to the implant rod to complete your smile.
4. Do I Need a Dental Implant for Every Missing Tooth?
Maybe. It depends. If you’re missing two teeth on either side of your mouth, then yes, you need an implant for both. If you’re missing an entire arch of teeth, then no – you can get only four implants placed and have a permanent denture or dental bridges bonded in place to give you permanent teeth.
5. Where Should I Get Dental Implants Near Me?
At Smiles by the Sea, we specialize in dental implant surgery and smile makeovers. If you are missing teeth, it’s time to find a secure way to replace them – and you just might be a candidate for dental implants. Contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Harbpinder Shevchenko and her team in Hampton, NH, to learn more and ask all your dental implant questions.