At Comprehensive Dental Care, our Gainesville dentists strive to be a resource for our patients to make the best decision about their dental care. Dental implants can help patients replace missing teeth from injury, medical issues, age, or dental disease. If you are missing a tooth or multiple teeth, dental implants can help you regain your beautiful smile. Schedule a dental implant consultation today!
What Are Dental Implants?
When people refer to a dental implant, they’re probably thinking of the tooth portion of implants. However, dental implants consist of three separate components: the implant, the abutment, and the artificial tooth or teeth. Every component of a dental implant act as a prosthesis to replace missing teeth as seamlessly and as naturally as possible.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
The implant, a small titanium post or screw, is inserted into the jawbone to create a stable foundation. Once the jaw and area around the implant heals and the implant integrates into the bone, an abutment can be attached. The final step is to connect the artificial tooth to the abutment, which can be a single crown or cap, a bridge, or a partial or full denture.
What Are Dental Implants Made Of?
The dental implant post is titanium alloy, similar to hip and knee replacements. This ensures that the implant lasts and does not have any complications from degradation or infections. While metal allergies to titanium are incredibly rare, zirconia is an excellent alternative.
What Do Dental Implants Look Like?
Like dental veneers, the tooth portion of the dental implant is made to look and feel as natural as possible. In addition, each implant is custom-designed to match your other teeth so that the implant will not be noticeable to anyone else.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants have a lasting power that natural teeth cannot match. That’s because dental implants aren’t susceptible to dental disease or decay. However, gum health is paramount in ensuring that the implant remains stable and in place in the jawbone. With proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, you can expect most dental implants to last anywhere between 10–15 years, though the location of the implant will have an impact on the wear and tear of implants. For example, back teeth are used more for chewing, so they will wear down faster.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost & Does Insurance Help?
Typically, the cost of replacing a single dental implant is on par with a traditional fixed bridge, and dental insurance might cover some dental work. However, each case is unique, and the patient’s needs, bone quantity and quality, and the area can affect the final cost. For more information on how much a dental implant might cost you, call our Gainesville dentists to schedule a consultation for dental implants in Gainesville, FL.