The Top 10 Questions You’ve Had about Dental Implants, Answered

While dental implants are quickly becoming one of the most popular tooth replacement options around, there are a number of questions patients may have regarding the treatment. At Jackson Dental, we want our patients to feel fully informed when it comes to making this long-term dental investment. With that in mind, here are some of the top questions patients have about dental implants, along with answers that will clear up any confusion you have about the procedure. 

1. Why should I consider a dental implant?
   Compared to other tooth replacement options, dental implants are the only treatment proven to encourage bone regrowth and healthier smiles. As soon as teeth go missing, the supportive jawbone begins to deteriorate and causes additional oral health problems. Patients who wear dentures and bridges often experience this deterioration within a few years of wearing their prosthetic. Since dental implants are surgically placed into the jaw, implant patients are able to fully avoid these health problems.

2. If I wear dentures, can I get an implant?
   Yes! Dental implants are highly recommended for patients who’ve had to deal with dentures for any amount of time. Depending on how long you’ve been missing teeth and the overall condition of your smile, you might be required to undergo preliminary treatment like bone grafting or gum grafting to prepare the bone and tissue for dental implant surgery. When replacing a denture with a dental implant, our Belle Fourche dentist will use several dental implants to support a full mouth restoration. The number of implants and size of the restoration will be determined during your consultation.

3. How much do dental implants cost?
   The cost of dental implants varies from case to case – while some patients may just need the implant to be placed, others may need to undergo supplemental treatments, which can add to the cost. Overall, dental implants cost an average of $3,000 – $4,000. While this upfront cost can be significantly higher than traditional restorations like dentures or fixed bridges, the investment comes with lower long term costs.

4. Does insurance cover dental implants?
   Unfortunately, dental insurance companies are slow to recognize the long-term benefits of dental implants. As such, few offer dental implants as a covered procedure. Often, insurance plans are most effective when applied to the extra costs of dental implants like sedation, scans and x-rays, and consultations. To cover the surgical cost of treatment, options like third-party financing with CareCredit as well as in-office payment costs can help make dental implants affordable for all patients.

5. How long do implants last?
   Dental implants are designed to provide you with a lifelong tooth replacement. With proper care at home and regular dental visits to our Belle Fourche practice, you can expect your dental implants to last a lifetime. This is a vast improvement from the average 5-7 year lifespan of dentures and fixed bridges.

6. What are the complications of dental implants?
   Like any other procedure, dental implant therapy comes with a certain number of potential complications. The biggest risk patients face is infection at the surgical site during recovery. Peri-implantitis in particular affects a number of individuals later and can require the implant to be removed.

   While these complications can be scary, it’s important to note that they are more likely to occur in patients who do not care for their implants properly. Closely following Dr. Jackson’s post-surgery instructions, an effective daily hygiene routine, and regular check ups can all help prevent the risk of infection and implant failure.

7. What are my restoration options for dental implants?
   Dental implants can uniquely be adapted to support restorations of almost any size, making them ideal for patients missing any number of teeth. For patients missing just one tooth, a single implant will be used while patients missing multiple neighboring teeth may receive an implant supported bridge or implant dentures. During your consultation, our dentist will evaluate your smile and identify which restoration best suits your needs.

8. How long do dental implants take to heal?
   Every dental implant case is unique. As such, the length of recovery varies from patient to patient. On average, dental implants can take between 3-6 months to heal and longer if you need to undergo bone grafting before receiving dental implants. The recovery period is probably the most important part of the entire implant process. As such, our team at Jackson Dental places a huge emphasis on ensuring your recovery is as successful as possible.

9. Can a general dentist place dental implants?
   Traditionally, periodontists and oral surgeons have been the expert sources for implant surgery. However, thanks to greater access to advanced continuing education courses, more and more dentists are able to take the necessary courses to bring implant dentistry to their communities.
10. When can I start using my dental implants?
    Once your dental implants have fully healed, you’ll return to Jackson Dental to have the restoration covered and placed. Typically, this final step takes around two weeks and leaves you with a fully functional, beautiful smile.

At Jackson Dental, our goal is to provide patients with all the information they need to make the right decision for their smile. For more questions about implant dentistry, call our dentists in Belle Fourche today and schedule your complimentary dental implant consultation.