Dental implants are metal rods that are directly inserted into the jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. Once they have permanently secured to the jawbone, an artificial, natural-looking crown is placed on top, restoring full oral function and aesthetics. In recent years, dental implants have become the most common and most preferred method to replace loose or missing teeth.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Lehi men and women can benefit from dental implants in many ways. Because they are permanently affixed within the mouth, they will not slip or slide when you eat or speak. Additionally, dental implants:
Preserve Your Jawbone
Because they act like natural tooth roots, the jawbone is stimulated by dental implants. This stimulation is essential to maintaining a healthy and strong jawbone. Additionally, this stimulation works to preserve the shape of your face by protecting against bone loss.
Provide a Permanent Solution
Unlike dentures and bridges, dental implants are permanently secured into the jawbone. This means you will never have to replace them (as long as you care for them properly).
Are Easy to Care For
Dental implants can be cared for using normal oral hygiene techniques. Patients should brush twice a day, floss and use mouthwash once a day, and keep their biannual visits to their general dentist for dental cleanings.
Restore Full Oral Function
By permanently replacing your loose or missing teeth, dental implants effectively restore oral function. Lehi patients can return to a life full of eating and drinking anything and everything they want.
Protect Surrounding Teeth
Dental implants don’t require support from any surrounding teeth; therefore, your remaining teeth are preserved when you choose dental implants instead of bridges or caps.
Offer a Full Mouth Restoration
If you are missing most or all of your teeth, Dr. Price can restore your entire mouth with as few as 4 implants per arch using All-on-4 dental implants.
Are Natural-looking
Dental implants are custom made to match each individual patient’s mouth and existing teeth, leaving you with a smile that looks beautiful and natural.
Video: Listen to our patient talk about his experience with dental implants and Dr. Price.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
In order to be considered for dental implants, you’ll first need to schedule an appointment with Dr. Price in Lehi. During your appointment, he will perform a full oral evaluation, take images and X-rays, and talk to you about your overall health and oral history. Additionally, he will perform a screening to determine your eligibility for dental implants.
Generally speaking, ideal candidates for dental implants include those who:
- Do not have existing periodontal disease
- Have a healthy jawbone structure
- Do not smoke or use other tobacco products
- Are in good oral and physical health
- Are emotionally ready to walk through the entire dental implant process
Dr. Price customizes every dental implant procedure for each individual patient. If during your initial consultation, he determines that you need to have a pre-surgery in order to prepare your mouth for dental implants, he will explain in detail how that process will work and what you expect from the procedure.
Cost of Dental Implants
The cost of dental implants will vary from patient to patient and will be determined based on the number of implants needed and whether or not you require any other procedures before your implants can be placed.
Some dental insurance companies will provide some coverage for dental implant placement. Our team will work with you and your insurance company to determine an estimate of your final cost. If you do not have dental insurance, Utah Facial & Oral Surgery accepts several types of payment and can assist you with financing options if needed.
Video: View a list of instructions to follow before your surgery to avoid complications.
Recovery After Dental Implants
Most dental implants patients will not experience much swelling after their dental implants procedure and should be able to return to work and other normal daily activities within a day or two. However, dental implants need time to bond to the jawbone. It will take about 4 months for this to occur. Afterward, you will have a stable and strong foundation for your new crowns, which will be placed by your general dentist.
As a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Price specializes in placing dental implants. You can expect an incredibly supportive and comfortable experience when you choose him and his team.
To schedule your first appointment, call his office in Lehi today at (801) 446-4428.
