How Long Do Dental Implants Last and Do They Hurt?

Nobody wants to research tooth replacement. You lose a tooth or your dentist informs you that one cannot be saved and you turn to Google, eyes wide with apprehension, and type in "how much does it hurt? How painful is it?" In an anxious muddle, you read the questions you think people might ask and you ask yourself. This post tackles the concerns you have about the subject in layman's terms and walks you through what to expect.

A post made of titanium is surgically placed in the jawbone. When it fuses with the bone, a crown is placed on it and voilà, an artificial tooth that can feel and look indistinguishable from the real things. You might think the post itself is the implant, but the whole thing makes up a false tooth. First comes the post, then an abutment to which the tooth-like crown is affixed. So there are three things that make up an implant. The crown is what you see, but the abutment and post serve essential functions. The post replaces the root, which is why an implant is much more than just a bridge or denture. It prevents your jawbone from withering away.

When you consider local dental implants, you have to keep this detail in mind. While bridges or dentures are anchored on the existing teeth or the gums, an implant stands alone.

How Long Do They Last

The post typically lasts a lifetime. The crown above it may have to be replaced once in a decade or so because of the strain it undergoes while you chew. Your teeth can last decades if you do not grind them or chew ice, so the same goes for dental crowns. If you survive the initial healing process and take good care of your implant, you should not have too many problems in the future. The main reason for implant failure is gum disease, particularly if you are a smoker. Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial.

A competent dentist near Burbank CA will advise you on that.

Do Dental Implants Hurt

The area around the implant is numbed. While the dentist is working, you may feel pressure or some vibrations but no pain. A few days after the surgery, you may feel tenderness and swelling around the area. There is also the discomfort of a tooth extraction, which usually disappears after a few days or a week. You must take it easy for a while and avoid hard foods and use a bag of frozen peas to bring the swelling down. Do not ignore any pain that lasts for more than a week, however; in that case, you should contact the dentist. You may want to ask for a sedative if you are particularly tense. Many practices offer sedatives and a competent dentist near Burbank California will never condemn you for asking.

What the Process Looks Like Start to Finish

You think you have to make just one appointment, but there are several stages. The process begins with a consultation, during which the dentist takes a scan or an x-ray of your jaw to plan the location and angle of your implant. If the affected tooth is not salvageable, he may have to extract it. If you have a particularly thin jaw, he may have to perform a bone graft before he can place the implant. Then comes the actual implant surgery, after which you will have to wait for three to six months for the post to fuse with your jaw. The abutment and crown are fixed during a later procedure. Some procedures allow you to finish the entire process in a matter of days, but not everyone is eligible. A good dentist will know if you are one of them. The process takes that long because the post has to grow into the bone, a process known as osseointegration.

What Does It Cost and Why Does It Vary So Much

Nobody wants to hear about costs, but here we are. A tooth replacement with an implant and a crown may cost a few thousand dollars on average. The price varies depending on the number of teeth you have to replace, whether you need a graft or extraction in addition to the implant and if you want to be put under during the procedure. Implants in California are generally more expensive than the national average. Beware of cheap prices because they sometimes come with strings attached, such as the removal of your existing teeth or additional fees for the crown. When considering local dental implants, make sure the price includes everything and ask for a breakdown. It helps to shop around, but you also do not want to get hit with an unexpected charge in the middle of the process.

Does Insurance Cover Implants

Sometimes, partially, rarely entirely. Insurance companies view implants as a luxury, unfortunately, but some plans include them in their coverage. You often have to pay for the procedure yourself and get reimbursed later. Contact your provider to inquire if yours covers any part of the implant, the crown, the extraction or the scans required for the procedure. You should also ask the dentist about financing options and reimbursement. An FSA or HSA may be a viable option for you. Some offices accept third-party payment, others do not, but a competent receptionist at a dentist near Burbank CA will be able to assist you with the process.

Who Is and Isn't a Good Candidate

Anyone who is in good health may be eligible for an implant. You must have sufficient jawbone and healthy gums for the procedure. Having diabetes or smoking can interfere with the healing process, but it is not an absolute deal-breaker. The dentist may want to treat any condition before the implant to avoid complications. Older people generally make good candidates, but younger people must wait until their jaws are fully developed. If you were told that you are not eligible several years ago, it may be a good idea to call and ask again. The field has changed considerably in recent years and new graft options have become available.

How to Pick the Right Dentist for the Job

Ask around, but do not base your decision only on the waiting room's décor. Find out how many implants the dentist performs per year and if he can show you examples of his previous work. Ask who does the actual surgery and who installs the crown. If it is a general dentist, ask if he has received any additional training. All of these are legitimate questions to ask. When searching for a dentist near Burbank CA , keep in mind that you will have more than one appointment, so location is an important factor. Many procedures can be surprise visits, but the consultation is generally a good time to ask your questions. Read reviews, but look for the ones that have fewer than five stars, because those often indicate specific issues. You should always trust your instincts and ask for more time if you feel rushed. You cannot rush a multi-step procedure, in most cases.

Conclusion

Dental implants are an investment of both time and money, but they can often provide excellent value in the long run. An implant feels natural and rarely fails. It lasts a lifetime and preserves your jawbone, which a bridge cannot do. Do your research, ask blunt questions and make sure you get an itemized bill before the procedure. When weighing the options of local dental implants, set up a consultation with a reliable dentist near Burbank CA and ask to see your scans. You will get much more information that way and will be able to make a more informed decision about the type of implant you want.

FAQs

How much do local dental implants cost?

The bone structure, the number of teeth and additional complications such as extraction or grafting influence the price. A tooth replacement with an implant and a crown usually cost several thousand dollars. Make sure that the quote includes the crown, because many cheaper options do not.

How do I find a good dentist near Burbank CA for implants?

Look for experience, before-and-after photographs and good reviews. Set up a consultation and ask the dentist about his experience, how many implants he performs per year and if he can show you an example of one of his previous patients.

Are dental implants painful?

Your mouth will be numb during the procedure and the dentist will only give you medication if you feel discomfort. You may feel tender the next couple of days and your gums may also swell for a few days but most people manage on their own with over the counter medication.

How long does the whole implant process take?

The entire process normally takes several months. Placing the implant is only one stage, and dentists normally recommend waiting between three and six months before attaching the abutment to allow the post to fuse with the bone.

Is getting a dental implant better than a bridge?

An implant is generally much better option because it does not rely on the neighboring teeth and it does not put as much strain on your gums. It also preserves the jawbone, unlike a bridge. However, it does normally cost more than a bridge, so make sure you ask your dentist about the benefits and the costs.

Can anyone get dental implants?

Most people can, if they have a strong enough jaw, but a person with poor periodontal health should get in touch with the dentist to discuss the options. Smoking, diabetes and some conditions can interfere with the healing process but a dentist may want to recommend periodontal treatment first.

How do I take care of an implant?

Brush and floss twice a day, and make sure to maintain your oral hygiene. Treat the implant like you would treat a natural tooth.