What are Dental Implants?
Robina Dental implants are one of the most effective, long-term solutions for replacing missing teeth. They look, feel and function like your natural teeth because they are anchored in the jawbone.
They are used to replace individual missing teeth, or in combination with other dental prosthetics to support a bridge or denture. They can also be fashioned for patients with a variety of medical conditions, such as trauma to the jaw or head and neck cancers.
What Makes a Patient a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Typically, anyone who is healthy enough to undergo a routine tooth extraction or oral surgery and has sufficient bone in the jawbone to secure the implant can be considered a candidate. People with health problems, including autoimmune diseases, diabetes or cancer, should be evaluated by their doctor before considering dental implants as an option.
Are Dental Implants Painful?
During the initial treatment planning process, we take X-rays of your mouth and a model of your jawbone. These will help us determine if you have sufficient bone for the procedure and whether you need a bone graft before your implant can be placed.
A bone graft is an option for those who have a low volume of bone in their jaw. It can be made from your own bone or bone substitute, and it provides a firm base for the implant to attach to.
The implant itself is made of a metal that’s biocompatible with the human body, called titanium. It is placed in the jawbone and then a crown is added to finish it off.
If you have a severe gum disease or have lost all of your upper or lower teeth, we can place a set of four to six dental implants and use them to anchor a removable denture. With this arrangement, the denture can’t slip and offers better chewing strength and stability compared to a traditional denture.
Are Dental Implants Costly?
The cost of dental implants depends on the number of implants and the materials that are used for the restorations. It can range from $3,500 to $14,000 per tooth, depending on the brand and type of implant system.
Are Implants Reliable?
Implants have a very high success rate, but they can be susceptible to complications from infection, poor oral hygiene and bite pressure. In these cases, the dentist may need to remove the implant and clean up the bone before re-placing it.
Are Dental Implants Eligible for Insurance?
Many insurance companies will cover the cost of dental implants if you have a dental condition that prevents you from using other types of tooth replacement. Your plan may also pay for a consultation with your doctor.
Are Dental Implants Easy to Care for?
Dental implants are a relatively simple process that can be performed under local anesthetic by a qualified oral surgeon. The procedure usually lasts about an hour. After the surgery, you’ll need to follow specific instructions to protect your new tooth and maintain good oral health.