What’s the difference between a dental implant and a bridge?

The difference between these two tooth replacement options is how they are supported. A dental implant is surgically placed in the jaw for support. A bridge is supported by crowns placed over the healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth with one or more artificial teeth suspended in between.

Are dental implants covered by insurance?

Many dental insurance plans don’t cover dental implants because they are considered to be a cosmetic procedure. In some cases medical insurance will cover the implant but not the crown. The only way to know for sure is to contact your insurance provider.

How much does a dental implant cost?

The cost of dental implants varies based on a variety of factors, such as the number of implants needed, the type of implant, whether any preparatory procedures are needed, and other factors. We can provide you with an estimate of the cost after an evaluation.

What is the success rate of dental implants?

Dental implants have a 98% success rate. For most patients they are a highly effective tooth replacement option. In rare cases a dental implant may fail due to infection or bone health issues. But if your dentist performs the procedure correctly and you follow post operative instructions, your implant should be successful.

How long does the dental implant process take?

The placement of your dental implant(s) may take between 1 and 2 hours depending on your situation. The process of osseointegration, where the implant fuses with the bone, takes a few months. The entire process from the first consultation to the final crown placement could take anywhere from 4 months to a year.

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Dental Implants in Ladys Island

Sea Island Dentistry provides dental implants in Ladys Island, South Carolina. Call 843-986-0157 today to schedule your appointment.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is surgically placed in the jaw. It can support a crown to replace a single tooth, or a bridge or dentures to replace multiple teeth. An implant consists of a titanium post that fuses with the bone in your jaw to form a solid bond. It works like a natural tooth root, providing comparable form and function.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are considered to be the highest quality tooth replacement option due to their many benefits:

Natural function. Once the implant fuses with the bone it can withstand the bite force of a natural tooth. This means you can eat the foods you love without worrying about damaging your implant.

Natural appearance. An implant looks very natural because the structure is similar to a real tooth. The porcelain crown resembles tooth enamel in color and texture.

Lasts forever. A dental implant, once placed and effectively healed, can last for the rest of your life.

Won’t damage healthy teeth. Dental implants have no negative effects on the healthy teeth around them. In fact, the effects are only positive. They prevent the other teeth from shifting into the gap left by a missing tooth and they help spread the bite force more evenly across the teeth.

Types of Dental Implants

Single Tooth Dental Implants

Dental implants replace tooth roots in the mouth. Implants provide a strong foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth and can aid in the prevention of bone loss in the jaw.

Learn more about Single Tooth Dental Implants

Implant Supported Bridges

An implant supported bridge is a restorative solution for spaces where three or more adjacent teeth are missing. This restoration typically requires two implants to support the porcelain bridge. The bridge provides a functional and aesthetic replacement for a patient’s natural teeth.

Learn more about Implant Supported Bridges

Implant Supported Dentures

For patients who are missing many or all of their teeth, implant supported dentures may be an alternative to traditional dentures. This solution requires the placement of two or more implants. In order to replace a full arch denture, a minimum of four implants is generally recommended. Eligibility for this solution is dependent upon a number of factors, with jaw bone density being one of the most significant determining factors.

Traditional dentures rely on an acrylic base that sits directly on the gums, held in place by a paste or adhesive. Using implants as supports for dentures allows for a smaller and more comfortable base and less shifting of the prosthesis during use.

Implants can support both full and partial dentures as well as both fixed and removable dentures. If a removable denture is selected, the denture will “snap” on to the implant rather than requiring the use of denture paste or adhesives.

Learn more about Implant Supported Dentures

Full Arch with Only Four Implants

This procedure is a unique implant solution that allows patients with a completely edentulous (toothless) upper or lower arch to replace all of the teeth in that arch using only four implants as anchors.

Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

If you have one or more teeth that are missing or need to be extracted and replaced, you may be a good candidate for dental implants. The biggest consideration is how long your teeth have been missing and the condition of the jaw bone in that area. When a tooth is missing the support structures begin to weaken and dissolve, including the jaw bone. If the bone is too thin or weak to support an implant, you may need a bone graft procedure first. Not everyone is ready for an implant immediately, but most patients can be ready with a little preparation.

Why Choose Sea Island Dentistry?

When it comes to dental implants, accurate placement is crucial. Sea Island Dentistry has the experience and technology necessary to place dental implants at the right depth and angle for success. We provide a range of dental implant procedures from single tooth replacement to implant supported bridges and dentures. If you’re going to invest in dental implants, it makes sense to choose a dental practice you can trust.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants

To learn more about dental implants, call 843-986-0157 or request an appointment today.