Dental Implants - Cost, Procedure, and Recovery Time

For patients who have lost just a few teeth, but have strong remaining natural teeth, dental implants offer a solution that restores the natural function of the mouth and teeth without the need to pull natural teeth and opt for dentures. If you are contemplating having an implant or two, here is what you need to know.

Cost

Dental implants are not considered medically necessary, so many insurance plans that include dentist coverage will not cover an implant. However, it may be covered if you can prove that there is a medical necessity for having an implant. Your dentist should be able to help you decide whether or not there is a case to be made with your insurance provider.

If you do not have insurance coverage, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $5,000 per tooth, depending on your location, the tooth you are replacing, and the material used in the procedure. Your dentist is the only one who can give you an exact quote.

The Procedure

If you opt to have an implant placed, your dentist will begin by placing a small titanium post directly into the jawbone. This has to heal, and when it does, the bone will actually grow around the post. This anchors it to the jaw, much like your tooth’s original root once did.

The recovery time from this first procedure is six to 12 weeks. You must have sufficient time for the bone to re-grow around the implant root. Once it is ready, the dentist will place a connector post to the root post. This is what the crown, or replacement tooth, is connected to.

The crown is made based on a model or impression of your teeth. This helps it match the other teeth in size and shape, as well as allowing it to fit in the space left behind by your lost tooth. The crown is attached to the connector post, and you are ready to begin using your “new” tooth.

Recovery Time

Getting dental implants placed requires oral surgery. The full recovery from the surgery to place the root in place is six to 12 weeks. However, you are not required to abstain from your normal activities for that full time.

It can take between one and two weeks before your tissue is no longer sensitive, and you may need prescription pain medication for two to three weeks if you have several teeth done at the same time, but you can resume your normal eating habits and other activities as soon as it feels comfortable. Most patients who have just one or two teeth done are able to return to work the next day. You may need a day or so to recover for the anesthetic.

Dental implants are just one of many procedures offered by a cosmetic dentist that restore the look and function of your mouth after damage has occurred. If you are in need of an implant, schedule a consultation with your local cosmetic dentist. You will be able to have all of your questions asked, and then schedule your surgery to replace your missing tooth.