What is a dental implant?

01Why it matters

A missing tooth can make it harder to chew and speak. The teeth next to the gap may slowly drift or tilt into the space. The jawbone where the tooth used to be can also shrink over time, because nothing presses on it. An implant replaces the tooth root, so it can help keep that bone in place.

An implant is not the only way to replace a tooth. A dental bridge uses the teeth on each side of the gap to hold a false tooth. Dentures are removable teeth that can replace a few teeth or a whole row. The dentist can explain which choice fits your mouth after an exam.

02How it works

An implant has three main parts:

• The post. This is a small screw-shaped piece, usually titanium, that sits in the jawbone like a root.
• The abutment. This is a small connector that joins the post to the new tooth.
• The crown. This is the tooth-colored cap you see when you smile. It is made to match your other teeth.

The post works because bone can grow right up against titanium and lock onto it. Dentists call this step osseointegration, which simply means the implant fuses with the bone. It can take several months.

03What happens

Getting an implant is usually done in stages:

1. Exam and planning. The dentist checks your teeth, gums, and bone, often with X-rays or a scan.
2. Placing the post. After the area is numbed, the post is placed in the jawbone.
3. Healing. The bone slowly grows around the post. You may wear a temporary tooth during this time.
4. Adding the crown. Once the post is firm, the abutment and crown are attached.

Not everyone is ready for an implant right away. You need enough healthy bone to hold the post and healthy gums around it. Smoking and diabetes that is not well controlled can slow healing. They can also raise the chance that the implant does not take hold.

Some people need gum care or a bone graft first. A bone graft adds bone material to build up a thin jaw. Implant surgery may be done at another office. If a treatment is not offered here, we will tell you where to go.

04Cost factors

The cost of an implant depends on several things:

• How many teeth are being replaced.
• Whether you need a bone graft, an extraction, or gum care first.
• The type of crown or other tooth placed on top.
• Your dental insurance plan. Many plans limit coverage for implants, so call the office to check your plan.
• Payment options. Americana Family Dental accepts CareCredit for care provided at the office, so ask whether it applies to your treatment.

05Caring for it

An implant cannot get a cavity, but the gums and bone around it can still get infected. Brush twice a day and clean around the implant every day with floss or a small brush. Keep up with regular checkups and cleanings. If you smoke, quitting can help the implant last.

Tell the dentist if the gum around an implant bleeds, swells, or feels sore. These can be early signs of infection, and it is easier to treat when it is caught early.

Wondering whether an implant could replace a missing tooth? Call the office and ask what options are available. Contact the office.

06Questions people ask