Dental Implants
Dental implants are a very reliable source for effective tooth replacement. Whether you have lost one tooth or multiple, implants can provide a permanent solution that looks great and functions naturally.
Dental Implants in Germantown, MD
Dental implants are special posts made of titanium alloy which are surgically placed into the jawbone. This can be done to replace individual missing teeth or to support full all-on-4 or partial dentures. These posts act as an artificial root for a crown when they are used to replace individual teeth. Dental implants stabilize bone levels and can prevent bone loss, resulting in better long-term support, function, and esthetics.
Dental implants require less adjustment or shaving of surrounding teeth than other restoration methods, such as dental bridges. They are more flexible and provide a more natural feeling than dental bridges, partial or full dentures.
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How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
At Suburban Dental, we provide high-quality affordable dental care so our patients can always receive the treatment they need. The cost of dental implants can vary based on the materials used, insurance coverage, and other factors. However since tooth extractions and bone grafts are included in our dental implant cost, there are fewer variables at Suburban Dental compared to other practices. Our office is always happy to provide you with updated estimates on the cost of a procedure after your initial consultation. The cost of a fully restored tooth is:
- $3500 from start to finish, including tooth extraction and bone grafts if necessary.
We know many patients are concerned about cost, payment plan options, and insurance coverage when considering dental implants. Our staff is happy to work through these concerns with you so you can get the care you need. Many patients make use of the external payment plan providers we partner with that you can learn about below.
Learn About External Payment PlansDental Implant Process at Suburban Dental
- Consultation & Exam. To decide if dental implants are the right restoration method for you we will conduct a full exam, including a special x-ray called a CBCT scan, and discuss your treatment options.
- Tooth Extraction & Bone Grafting. If any teeth require extraction, the procedure will be scheduled once a treatment plan is established. This will also require some recovery time to ensure the site is ready for the implant procedure. Any bone grafting necessary to support the implant will then take place which will require at least a few months to heal.
- Implant placement. Once the site is ready the implantation can take place. The implant will be placed into the jawbone and a healing cap will be placed over the implant. This is followed by regular check-ups to ensure proper healing.
- Implant healing. After your implant is placed, osseointegration begins. During this, your jawbone heals around the dental implant providing a solid base for your new artificial tooth. This process takes approximately 3 months.
- Abutment & Crown Placement. Once healing is complete the abutment or connecting piece, and replacement tooth, or crown, can be placed.
Common Questions About Dental Implants
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How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants themselves are meant to last a lifetime. The post itself will fuse with your jawbone and should never require replacement or further intervention unless rare complications occur. Dental crowns, or the artificial tooth itself, that is attached to the dental implant can have a lifetime of between 10 and 30 years. Dental crowns require the same care as normal teeth. With twice-a-day brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups the lifespan of your crown can be greatly increased.
Dental implants are a very safe and effective type of restoration dentistry. However, there is a small chance that the dental implant will fail to integrate with the jawbone in the short term period after implantation and need to be removed. Certain medical conditions can put you at a higher risk for implant failure. As with any surgery, there is a potential risk of surgical complications when placing a dental implant.
At Suburban Dental we provide all our patients with thorough post-op instructions and a maintenance care contract that serves as a warranty on the implant as long as the contract is followed.
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Are dental implants painful?
The most painful part of the dental implant process is extracting any teeth that implanted crowns will replace. However, any extraction will include anesthesia meaning little to no pain during the procedure and only a few days of recovery. Any pain experienced during recovery should also be manageable using over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen.
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How do I know if I need a bone graft?
If you have insufficient bone material to support dental implants a bone graft may be necessary. The only way to know for sure that you need a dental bone graft is to be examined by your dental implant specialist. However, if you have lost a tooth or multiple teeth and have gone without replacement for some time the chances of needing a bone graft are higher. Missing teeth lead to gradual bone loss over time. Similarly, if you have noticed a change in your jaw shape over time that can also be indicative of oral bone loss.
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Are there any aftercare recommendations?
We recommend our patients use Waterpiks after receiving their dental implant. This is both because we know traditional flossing is difficult, both to perform and maintain as a habit, and because Waterpiks are highly effective in their own right.
Additionally, we provide patients with thorough post-op instructions and a maintenance care contract that serves as a warranty on the implant if the contract conditions are followed.