Implant Questions and Facts
What are dental implants?
Implants are natural looking replacements for missing teeth. The implant itself is a post that attaches to your jawbone. This post provides an anchor for your general dentist to place crowns, bridges or other restorations.
Dental implants begin with an evaluation by your general dentist who will then refer you to a periodontist.
For more detailed information, please see the section entitled "Dental Implants."
Do implants work as well as natural teeth?
Dental implants function much better than removable teeth, (e.g. partials or dentures). Patients often comment that dental implants are so natural in appearance and function that it is like having their natural teeth back. Today's advancements make implants function within 90% of the efficiency of natural teeth in terms of both bite and feel.
How much do dental implants cost?
The cost of dental implants depends on many factors including, but not limited to:
- The location of the implant
- The condition of the implant site
- Other health conditions which might cause complications.
- The cost of the actual abutment, implant and crown.
When evaluating the cost of an implant versus bridges or dentures, it is important to take note of the ongoing costs. Both dental bridges and dentures have disadvantages that often lead to repeat treatments and ongoing care.
With dental bridges, the adjacent teeth must be shaved down to be able to support the bridge. This can lead to weakness and other dental problems. Dentures do not provide bone stimulation and your jaw bone will shrink as a result. Because of this dentures have to be re-fitted and replaced many times.
Although dental implants cost more at the out-set, they can be the most cost-effective and aesthetic choice over a lifetime.
How soon is it possible to eat after receiving dental implants?
As soon as the final restoration has been placed, you can resume normal eating again. A strict soft diet is necessary between placing the implant and placing the final restoration, since stress prior to the final cementing of the restorative tooth could cause the implant to be weakened and fail.