Fairhope Dental Implants

Are Implants Right For You?

The best candidate for dental implants is a person who is in generally good health overall and practices good dental hygiene. People who use tobacco in any form will not benefit from implant surgery, and those who have had organ transplants should not have implants. If you are a transplant patient or you have suffered from periodontal disease, talk to your dentists about implant alternatives that may be available to you.

Implant Process

Obviously, you will go through a thorough dental exam and health evaluation before anything else. Once it is determined that you are a good candidate, the dentist will begin by drilling a tiny pilot hole in your jaw while you are under anesthesia. This hole is then gradually widened, using larger drill bits; the reason is to protect the bone tissue from damage.

A small titanium screw is then inserted into this hole to serve as the root for the prosthetic tooth. Titanium has a unique molecular structure that permits bone tissue to fuse with it, which is why it has been so useful in other kinds of bone surgery. Once the bone has had a chance to grow around this screw and hold it in place, you will return to receive the final prosthesis. Ceramic is the best choice for a number of reasons; although it seems fragile, it is actually quite strong – and resembles natural tooth material as well.

Cost

Dental implants can run anywhere from $1,200 to $3,000 apiece, depending on the part of the country, what tooth is being replaced, and how complex the operation is. The main drawback is that the costs of implants are not usually covered by private dental insurance plans, so you will wind up paying out-of-pocket. Most dental business offices do offer some type of financing with easy monthly payment plans tailored to fit your budget.

Please call us today at SweetWater Dentistry in Fairhope, AL  to schedule a complimentary consult at:
251-210-2773