Missing teeth can significantly impact your quality of life, affecting your appearance, speech, and overall oral health.
Dental implants are a permanent and natural-looking solution to missing teeth. These implants are surgically placed into your jawbone, providing a stable foundation for replacement teeth.
Dental implants can restore your smile, improve your chewing function, and boost your self-confidence.
If you’d like to learn more about dental implants, schedule a consultation with Nebraska Oral & Facial Surgery. Our experienced team of oral surgeons will assess your specific needs and discuss your options for dental implants.
How Dental Implants Work
Dental implants work by replacing the missing tooth roots with artificial ones, providing a stable foundation for replacement teeth.
The process begins with a surgical procedure to place a titanium post into your jawbone. This post is designed to fuse with your jawbone, creating a strong and durable bond. This process, known as osseointegration, typically takes several months to complete.
Once the post has integrated with your jawbone, an abutment is attached to it. The abutment extends through your gums and serves as a connection point for the artificial tooth. This abutment is usually made of titanium or zirconia.
Finally, the artificial tooth is attached to the abutment. This can be a single crown, a bridge, or a denture, depending on the number of missing teeth and your specific needs. Artificial teeth are designed to look and function like natural teeth, restoring your smile and chewing ability.
Dental implants offer several benefits over other tooth replacement options, including:
- Durability: Dental implants are designed to last for many years, even a lifetime, with proper care.
- Natural appearance: Dental implants can restore your smile and improve your self-confidence.
- Function: Dental implants allow you to eat and speak normally.
- Comfort: Dental implants are typically very comfortable and do not require any special care.
If you are considering replacements for your missing teeth, it’s important to consult with a qualified oral surgeon. They can evaluate your oral health and determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure.
Types of Dental Implants
There are several types of dental implants. Each solution addresses different tooth loss situations, each offering unique benefits and considerations.
The choice of implant type will depend on factors such as the number of missing teeth, your oral health, and your personal preferences.
If you are missing one or a few missing teeth, then a single implant or an implant bridge may be suitable to your situation.
Single tooth implants are a straightforward solution for replacing a single missing tooth. Our oral surgeon will place a titanium post into the jawbone. When that’s healed, we’ll attach a crown to the post, restoring the natural appearance and function of the missing tooth.
Implant bridges replace multiple, consecutive missing teeth. Two or more implants are placed into the jawbone, and a bridge is attached to them, spanning the gap created by the missing teeth. This provides a stable and natural-looking solution for multiple missing teeth.
And you also have options available if you’re missing a full row of teeth. Both of which are considerably better for your oral health than traditional dentures.
Implant overdentures are a type of denture supported by implants, offering greater stability and comfort compared to traditional ones.
There are two main types of implant overdentures: ball-retained and bar-retained. Ball-retained overdentures use small metal balls that snap into place on the implants, while bar-retained overdentures use a metal bar that attaches to the implants.
The best type of dental implant for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Factors such as the number of missing teeth, your oral health, and your budget will all influence your decision.
Cost of Dental Implants
The cost of dental implants can vary significantly depending on several factors:
- Number of implants: Replacing a single tooth can cost less than replacing multiple teeth.
- Type of implant: Single-tooth implants, implant bridges, and implant overdentures, can have different costs.
You should consult with one of our oral surgeons for a personalized quote. They can assess your specific needs and provide you with a detailed breakdown of the costs involved, including the implants, crowns, surgical fees, and any additional expenses.
Many dental insurance plans offer coverage for dental implants, although the extent of coverage can vary. During your consultation, we can help you with understanding what your insurance will cover.
Please note that these are general estimates, and actual costs may vary. It’s always best to obtain a detailed quote from a qualified dental professional to get an accurate understanding of the costs associated with your specific dental implant procedure.
Schedule Your Consultation
Ready to take the next step toward a confident and healthy smile?
Contact Nebraska Oral & Facial Surgery to schedule your initial consultation for dental implants. Our oral surgeons will evaluate your oral health, discuss your options, and build a personalized plan for your specific needs.
Don’t wait any longer to improve your quality of life. Schedule your consultation today at one of our Lincoln or Columbus offices.
Discover how dental implants can transform your smile and your confidence.
