I have always been one of those people who loves to get out into the world and talk with other people, but a few years ago, I realized that I had to do something about my smile. My teeth were yellow and unattractive, and it was really discouraging to see how much different my smile was. I knew that I needed to get my teeth fixed, so I started working with a professional dentist to make things right. Within a few short months, my smile was completely transformed, and I knew that I owed it all to my dental professional. Check out this blog for more information about working with a dentist.
Harper Hughes
Dental Implants are screws surgically positioned beneath the gum line to support a tooth replacement. They are used to restore healthy smiles for patients that have lost a tooth. They are effective because they replace missing teeth but leave the patient with the natural look and feel of their natural tooth. Dentists like John S. Lyon DDS also use dental implants to improve facial appearance and aesthetics.
Do You Qualify For Dental Implants?
Your dentist will assess your soft tissue's thickness and perform medical tests to determine if a dental implant procedure would put you at any risk. Medical absolute contraindications include patients with uncontrolled metabolic diseases, such as diabetes, and those that are acutely ill. Relative contraindications include patients with wound healing difficulties, bone metabolism disorder, or immunocompromised patients. Other people who may not qualify include pregnant women, alcohol and substance abusers, heavy smokers, and patients on high-radiation treatments. Your doctor will be able to tell if you are eligible after completing appropriate examinations.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
While dental surgery is an outpatient procedure, it is performed in stages, and the entire process can be tough without proper care and knowledge. Your dentist will remove the damaged tooth and then prepare your jawbone for surgery, a process that often involves bone grafting. The oral surgeon then places the implant metal in your jawbone and finally installs the extension of the metal implant and the molded tooth. There is a healing break after each of these steps, and some breaks could take months. After some of the procedures, you may experience swelling of your gums and face, bruised gums, minor bleeding and pain at the implant site. You will need to see your dentist often and adjust your diet to soft foods after every procedure until the site heals. Schedule doctor's visits, travel plans, and major work projects accordingly.
How Much Will it Cost?
According to Dental Implant Cost Guide, the average total for a single dental implant in the US is $4,000. Tooth implant costs range from $1,000 to $3,000, while the abutment and crown will cost you between $500 and $3,000. Additional costs include extraction, bone grafting, X-rays, and CT scans, which could cost you an extra $5,000 to $10,000. Unfortunately, most insurance companies only cover up to 10 percent of the cost because they classify dental implants as a cosmetic procedure. Before committing to the process, find out how much your insurance plan will cover and if your dental surgeon provides or can recommend other payment options.
Who is the Best Dental Surgeon for You?
The first thing to do before committing to a dental implant procedure is to find a professional dental implant expert. They should be licensed by a professionally recognized agency such the American Dental Association, have education specific to dental implants, be experienced and competent. You also must ensure you are comfortable with your doctor since you will be working together for months. Remember to check their reviews online and have all your concerns clarified.
Dental implants are a significant investment, and if it is not done right, nerve damage and costly infections can occur. You therefore must work with an expert whose track record you are confident in and gather as much information as you can about the entire procedure.