What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small, biocompatible titanium post that is surgically placed in the jawbone. This post will serve as the artificial root for the prosthetic tooth. The dental implant is restored with a dental crown if you are missing a single tooth, with a dental bridge if you are missing several teeth in a row, or with a denture if you are missing a whole row of teeth.
How long does it take to get dental implants?
After the comprehensive evaluation, Dr. James Dickert and Dr. Agatha Lynn will help determine your best treatment option. Dr. Dickert and Dr. Lynn offer dental implants in their Charleston, SC, dental office for one or several missing teeth. We will coordinate the surgical phase of your implant procedure with a local oral surgeon, who will place the post.
Generally, a 3-6 month recovery period is necessary for all soft tissues to heal and the post to integrate with the bone. The final restoration, a custom-made dental crown, bridge, or denture, will be placed in our Charleston dental office after the post has been fully integrated. In some cases, we may be able to provide a temporary restoration while the implant heals.
Does dental insurance cover the cost of dental implants?
Everyone’s dental insurance is different, and coverage will vary depending on your plan. Dental insurance is designed to cover routine care, dental emergencies, and basic dental care. Typically, dental insurance will not cover dental implant placement. Some may cover the dental restoration (a dental crown, dental bridge, or denture) or tooth extraction if required.
We are happy to pre-estimate your portion of the total cost of the dental implants and file your dental insurance for you. West Ashley Family Dentistry offers convenient payment options, including financing, to make budgeting for dental implants as easy as possible.
Why should I choose dental implants over other dental restoration options?
Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option to preserve the jawbone, preserve the health of the surrounding teeth, and give you back full chewing function. A dental implant will look, feel, fit, and function just like your natural teeth and require very little extra care.
When getting a dental bridge, the surrounding healthy teeth must be ground down to provide a surface to attach the bridge. There is no need to damage healthy teeth to get dental implants.
Am I A Candidate For Dental Implants?
Dental implants are for people who are missing one tooth or several or all of their teeth. Dental implants are for patients who are overall healthy and have healthy bone structure, whether young or old. Dr. Dickert or Dr. Lynn will perform a comprehensive exam at their Charleston, SC, dental office to ensure you qualify for dental implants.
How does the cost of Dental Implants compare to dentures and dental bridges?
Dentures and dental bridges cost significantly less than dental implants upfront. Dentures and bridges require a lot of care and will eventually need to be replaced, realigned, or rebased. This cost can easily exceed the cost of dental implants over time, depending on wear and tear. Dental implants cost more but are a permanent solution and look just like your natural teeth. If cared for properly, they will last forever.