Dental Implants in Gainesville

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a surgically placed replacement for the root of a missing tooth. It is placed into the jawbone and creates a sturdy foundation for a natural looking  replacement crown that will match the color and shape of your natural teeth. Most dental implant procedures consist of a dentist placing a small post that is shaped like a screw directly into the jawbone. This is known as an endosteal implant. Another type of implant is the subperiosteal implant. This kind of implant is placed underneath the gums rather than inside of the jawbone. This kind of implant is used when a patient doesn’t have the amount of healthy jawbone necessary for other kinds of implants and can’t have bone graft surgery. Mini implants are another type of implant. These are typically placed in patients who have lost bone mass within their jaws and therefore can’t have regular sized implants placed. If you are missing multiple adjoining teeth, you may need to have an implant-supported bridge placed.

What Do Dental Implants Cost?

Many of our patients are concerned about how much dental implants cost. The amount that you will pay for your implants will depend on a number of factors. One of these factors is whether you receive a single implant or multiple ones. Other factors that determine the cost of your bill is the type of materials used in the post and crown, any additional surgical procedures that are necessary and whether the dentist uses endosteal or subperiosteal implants. To learn more about what your dental implants cost will be, contact our office to book a consultation with one of our dentists. If you’re concerned about the affordability of implants, you should know that dental implants provide you with a strong, durable and long-lasting alternative for your missing teeth. In addition to that, they look and feel just like your real teeth. While they may cost a little more than other restoration work, they offer a number of long-term benefits that those other options don’t provide.

Will My Dental Insurance Cover My Implants?

Patients who are looking for affordable dental implants often ask us if there are dental implants insurance plans available for them to offset the cost. Unfortunately, most dental plans don’t include dental implants insurance. However, our practice provides our patients with flexible financing options that can provide you with assistance in receiving affordable dental implants. Call our team today to learn more.

What Happens During the Dental Implants Procedure?

The dental implants procedure consists of a number of steps that will vary depending on the type of implants that you are receiving. For most implant procedures, your dentist will prepare the site and surgically insert the implant into your jawbone. After this, you will need to wait several months while your jawbone heals and fuses with the implant. Once this has happened, your dentist will add an abutment to the implant. The final step in the process is your customized crown being fitted and cemented into the proper place. For the most part, the pain experienced during the procedure is minimal. Most patients are able to manage their pain via the use of local anesthesia and over-the-counter medications.

What Are the Benefits of Implants?

There are many benefits associated with choosing dental implant surgery to replace missing teeth. These benefits include:

• A natural-in-appearance smile that is both beautiful and permanent
• Increased self-esteem
• Better and easier to maintain oral hygiene than when you have a bridge or dentures
• Improvement in speaking and chewing
• Increased stability in the jaw and increased protection of adjacent teeth

How Do I Care for My Implants?

Taking care of your implants after you have your surgery is incredibly important. Luckily, it’s easy to take care of dental implants. After your surgery, you can use over-the-counter pain medication to take care of any minor discomfort you may feel. Once your mouth has completely healed, you will take care of your implants in the same way that you take care of your regular teeth. This includes brushing, flossing, rinsing with mouthwash and seeing the dentist on a regular basis.

Can I Get Implants?

People who are missing one or more teeth who want to regain the comfort, appearance and confidence that a healthy smile gives them are good candidates for dental implant surgery. However, only a qualified dentist can determine whether or not you are able to receive implants. If you’d like to find out if implants are a viable option for you, schedule a consultation at our practice.

How Long Will My Implants Last?

The length of time your implants will last depends on your oral health and hygiene habits, as well as where in your mouth the implants are located. If you take good care of your implants, they can last anywhere from ten years to a lifetime. To schedule your appointment for dental implants in Gainesville, contact our knowledgeable staff.