Dental prosthetics are a great way to restore the function and appearance of your smile. However, with so many options available, it can be difficult to choose. One increasingly popular prosthetic option is dental implants. This advanced prosthetic is the perfect way to restore your smile and boost your confidence. 

While implants are becoming more popular, patients still have many questions about them and whether they’re the right fit for their smile. Having answers to your questions about dental implants can help you make the most informed choice for your oral health. If you’re considering investing in dental implants, keep reading to learn more about this advanced prosthetic procedure. 

What are Dental Implants? 

Dental implants are an advanced dental prosthetic device. During this procedure, your dental team will insert a titanium post into your jaw. Over the next few months, the implant will fuse with your jawbone, ensuring a secure fit. This fusing, also known as osseointegration, is essential for providing the best foundation for your implant. 

After this fusing occurs, your dental team will create a custom crown, bridge, or denture to attach to the post. Unlike some other dental prosthetics, like dentures, these prosthetics don’t shift throughout the day. Additionally, they blend seamlessly with your remaining natural teeth, helping to boost your confidence. 

How Much Do Implants Cost?

One of the most common questions patients have about the dental implant procedure is the anticipated cost. The cost of your dental implants will vary depending on how many you need and the complexity of the procedure. However, a single implant often ranges between $3,000 and $5,000.

Some insurance plans will cover some of the anticipated costs. It is best to contact your insurance to discuss whether they cover any of this procedure, so you have a better idea of how much you’ll pay out of pocket. Additionally, it is often best to schedule a consultation with your trusted dental team for a more specific quote based on your oral health. 

How Do You Prepare for Implants?

There are a few things your dental team will recommend doing before getting dental implants to ensure you have the best oral health possible for this procedure. Some steps you’ll need to take before getting your implants include:

• Deep Cleaning: Before your implant procedure, you may need to get a deep cleaning to remove any tough tartar buildup and improve your gum health. 
• Gingivitis Treatment: If your dental team notices signs of gingivitis, you will need to treat this before you can move forward with your dental implant procedure. 
• Tooth Extraction: You’ll need to extract any dying or damaged teeth before your implant surgery to ensure adequate healing before the post is implanted. 
• Bone Grafting: If you don’t have sufficient bone to support the implant, your dentist may recommend getting a bone graft. 

Essential Long-Term Aftercare Tips

After you get dental implants, it is important that you take care of this costly investment. By providing adequate aftercare, you can avoid implant rejection and ensure they look their best for their expected lifespan. Some of the best ways to care for your dental implants include:

• Brushing and Flossing: Much like any other dental procedure, a great way to protect your implants is by brushing twice daily and flossing at least once daily. This essential care removes any debris from your teeth, helping you avoid cavities in your remaining teeth and inflamed, irritated gum tissue. 
• Eliminate Tobacco Use: If you smoke or use nicotine pouches or chewing tobacco, it is essential that you cut this out of your routine. Tobacco use significantly increases your risk of developing gum disease and slows healing, leading to the potential for increasingly complex oral health problems and implant rejection. 
• Attend Twice-Yearly Dental Appointments: Even if you have a full mouth of implants, it is still important to attend regular dental checkups. During these appointments, your dental team will ensure you clean your implants properly and catch minor signs of oral health problems before they lead to complications. 

Are Implants Better Than Dentures? 

As you begin preparing to transition to dental prosthetics, you may wonder whether dental implants are a better option than dentures. The choice between these two can be tough, and there isn’t one right answer. Ultimately, whether implants or dentures are better will depend on your current oral health and jawbone density.

Some patients, especially those who experienced tooth loss six or more months ago, may not have sufficient bone to support an implant. While you can get a bone graft, this may not be the best option for everyone. In cases where there is not enough bone to support an implant, it is best to talk to your dentist about dentures.

However, if you extract one or more teeth before getting your implant, you may have enough bone for the implant. Implants are a great way to support your jawbone, helping you avoid the complications of bone deterioration. If you are on the fence, it’s always best to speak to your dentist, who will make the best recommendations based on your oral health condition. 

Invest in Quality Implants from Mountain View Dental

Getting dental implants can be costly and time-consuming, but it’s a great way to ensure you have a beautiful, strong smile. When you’re ready to begin this process, it’s essential that you work with a reliable dental team. If you’re looking for a trustworthy, experienced team in the North Ogden area, turn to our Mountain View Dental team for support. 

Since 2011, our team has proudly provided the most reliable dental care to patients across the area. From standard cleanings to advanced dental prosthetics, we have the training, tools, and experience to do it all. With our team on your side, you can trust that you’ll have a smile that you’ll proudly show off.

If you would like to schedule a consultation to discuss dental implants, don’t hesitate to contact our team today.