Dental Implants—FAQ
Receiving a dental implant is an important step towards increased self-confidence and better dental health. Before you take this step, we always want to make sure you’ve had all your questions answered so you can get your tooth implant in full confidence.
Listed below are a few of the most commonly asked questions we receive about dental implants. If your question isn’t listed below or you’d like more information, don’t hesitate to reach out to us! Here at Arlington Dentistry by Design, we are passionate about helping our patients feel confident in their dental procedures.
What Are Dental Implants?
It’s important to have a good understanding of what a dental implant, or tooth implant, actually is before you begin the procedure!
During the dental implant procedure, the implant is made up of two key parts. The first part is a small titanium rod or screw, which is placed directly into the patient’s jawbone. This anchors the new tooth in place long-term.
The second part of a tooth implant is a dental crown, which goes on top of the titanium post and is what makes the dental implant look like a tooth. This crown is durable and designed to match your teeth in size, shape, and color.
When it’s completed, a dental implant is an artificial tooth that looks and functions just like a natural tooth. When you take good care of your dental implant, you can expect it to look great and last for years!
How Do Dental Implants Work?
When the titanium post of a tooth implant is placed into your jaw, your jawbone will gradually bond with it. This secures your implant in place just as though it were a natural tooth root.
Similarly, the crown on top of your dental implant is designed to look and function just like the natural tooth it’s replacing. With the implant secured in your jawbone and the crown designed to match your original tooth exactly, it’s no wonder that a dental implant can serve all the same functions as a natural tooth!
How Much Are Dental Implants?
This is another very common question, and unfortunately it doesn’t have just one answer. The average cost of dental implants will vary person to person depending on a handful of different factors.
The biggest factor in determining your tooth implant cost is the condition of your teeth and what kind of implant restoration you will need. Depending on your teeth, you might need more or less treatment than someone else in a similar situation.
Your insurance also plays a large role in your total tooth implant cost, as different insurance plans will cover more or less of the treatment. We highly recommend looking into your insurance to understand their payment options before your treatment!
With all these factors at play, the only way to accurately determine the cost of dental implants for you personally is by meeting with your dentist, Dr. Khalil. He will be able to give you a precise estimate based on your specific situation.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants are designed to last. With proper care, the dental implant itself has the potential to last a lifetime, although the crown on top of the implant could benefit from a replacement once every ten or fifteen years.
To make sure your dental implants meet their long-lasting potential, it’s important to take care of them. This means regular brushing, flossing, and dentist appointments. In short, your dental implants don’t need any more care than your natural teeth!
How Long Does a Dental Implant Procedure Take?
To answer this question, it’s important to remember that there are different dental implant procedures available to you. Same-day dental implants, for example, will take less than a day from start to finish!
A traditional tooth implant, on the other hand, usually requires at least two visits to the dentist. At your first visit, your dentist will place the implant in your jaw and then give it days or weeks to heal. At your next visit, the dentist will top the dental implant with a crown to complete the procedure.
Our Team is Happy to Answer Any Questions You Might Have About Dental Implants!
If you still have questions about the dental implant procedure or any other aspect of tooth implants, contact us today! We can answer your questions and schedule an appointment to repair your smile at the same time.
