Things to know before getting dental implants in Uptown Charlotte

Did your dentist tell you that you need dental implants to restore your missing teeth? Are you now overwhelmed because of your dental restoration options?

Don’t fret if you’re unsure about getting dental implants in Uptown Charlotte. Our Uptown Charlotte dentist created this piece to help make this choice a little easier and help you understand why dental implants may be your ideal solution. Continue reading to learn more about dental implants and the things you need to know before getting them.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a replacement tooth root created from pure titanium. Dental implants are quite small. They are placed in your jawbone (under your gum) to act like regular tooth roots. These roots then provide a strong foundation for removable or fixed replacement teeth that are custom-made to match the look of your natural teeth.

Now that you know what a dental implant is, let’s go over the different available types.

Types of dental implants

There are three different types of dental implants, and your dentist may recommend any of these three based on the condition of your teeth and your preference. 

Endosteal Implants

This is the safest and most common type of dental implant. Endosteal implants are suitable for most patients, but the post requires a healthy jawbone to fuse to and takes the longest to heal (4 – 6 months).

An endosteal implant is essentially a placeholder post that looks like a screw. This metal post is surgically placed into your jawbone and allowed to fuse with the bone to create a stronghold. Once the surrounding tissue is healed and forms a secure root, your dentist can then attach false teeth (dental crowns or bridges) onto the post to replace your missing teeth.

If you’re not comfortable with the idea of placing something into your jawbone, the second most common implant below might be more suitable for you.

Subperiosteal Implants

Unlike endosteal implants, subperiosteal dental implants rest on top of your jawbone instead of being fixed into the bone. However, they are still attached under your gums.

This procedure involves placing a metal frame under your gums with a titanium post attached to it. Your gums will eventually heal around the frame to hold it securely. The healing process is shorter and usually takes around 1 – 3 months. Once it’s healed, your dentist will attach false teeth onto it to replace your missing teeth.

This procedure is only recommended for patients who don’t have enough jawbone for endosteal implants or don’t want to undergo intensive oral surgery to add bone to the area.

Zygomatic Implants

This is the least common and most complicated type of dental implant procedure. This is because the implant is placed on your cheekbone rather than your gums or jawbone. Therefore, this type of dental implant is only reserved for patients with insufficient jawbones.

Zygomatic implants take 2 – 4 months to heal and can last up to 12 years.

How long do dental implants last?

On average, dental implants last for 25 years. However, the implants can last for a lifetime with regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. On the other hand, false teeth (prostheses) supported by the implants are more likely to get damaged and may need to be replaced every 10 – 15 years.

Is a dental implant painful?

No. You shouldn’t feel any pain during dental implant surgery. This is because the procedure involves the use of local or general anesthesia. However, you might feel a little pain and discomfort after the surgery when the anesthesia administered by your dentist wears off. Thankfully, you can manage this pain and discomfort with over-the-counter medications like Advil or Tylenol.

What are the pros and cons of getting an implant?

The pros

• It is the best teeth replacement option due to its longevity.
• It restores your chewing ability.
• A dental implant helps keep adjacent teeth stable.
• You can restore the cosmetic appearance of your teeth.
• The procedure helps prevent the shrinking of your jawbone due to bone loss.
• It helps to preserve the health of the surrounding teeth and gums.
• It improves the quality of your life.
• A dental implant can help improve your speech.
• It can help improve your oral health and self-esteem.

The Cons

• It can be costly.
• Dental implant procedures come with a lot of risks, such as damage to nearby teeth, injury to the surrounding tissues, and implant failure.

That’s why you should consider your options and only allow experienced professionals, like Dr. Stacey Alston, to guide you through your dental restoration journey.

How much do dental implants cost?

The average cost of getting a dental implant ranges from $3,500 – $6,700 per tooth. However, due to varying individual needs and insurance plans, giving a specific estimate for your tooth implant cost without seeing a dentist is difficult.

When you come into our office, Dr. Alston will examine your teeth to determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants. Then she’ll make recommendations and provide you with a precise estimate for your dental implants and treatment costs.

Restore your smile with dental implants in Uptown Charlotte

Missing teeth can dent your smile, hurt your self-esteem, and lead to other significant issues down the road. Thankfully, dental implants are here to save the day and provide a permanent fix.

At Genesis Family Dentistry, we offer dental implant restoration in Uptown Charlotte near Plaza Midwood and other innovative dental services to restore your teeth, preserve your oral health, and keep your smile bright! Schedule an appointment with us today or call (980) 272-4700 to learn more about dental implants and other dental restorative options available to you.