Dental implants are the current standard of care for missing or damaged teeth. The treatment replaces the original tooth’s root with a small titanium post, which connects to one or several artificial crowns. This approach anchors your tooth in a way that’s durable and natural-looking.
Over the course of our surgeon’s careers, they have restored thousands of missing and damaged teeth for Lehi and South Jordan patients. As board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons, they specialize in placing dental implants, returning an aesthetic appearance and full functionality to their patients. Just as importantly, by choosing Utah Facial & Oral Surgery for your care, you can expect an incredibly supportive and comfortable experience.
Dental Implants Walkthrough
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer you several advantages:
1. They Conserve Your Teeth.
Restorative options like bridges or caps require grinding down healthy teeth. Dental implants fully restore a tooth without affecting the health of their neighbors.
2. They Preserve Your Bone.
Your supporting bone structure may shrink away after you lose a tooth. Beyond weakening your jaw, this change can actually affect your appearance, giving you a “puckered” look over time. Dental implants help prevent bone resorption.
3. They Last a Lifetime.
Unlike bridges, which have a lifespan of around 10 years, dental implants are meant to last a lifetime..
4. They Allow For Complete Dental Restoration.
You can have your entire dental arch replaced permanently with as few as four implants. Denture-wearers, in particular, may benefit from an All-on-4® procedure.
All together, treatment with dental implants provides the closest replacement to your own teeth with a natural look, feel, and function.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
Dental implants can provide a long-term solution for missing or damaged teeth, making them an attractive option. Many patients choose them due to their strength, stability, and durability, as well as the fact that they blend in with natural teeth, making them a seamless addition to your smile. Dental implants may be right for you if you want replacement teeth that you can care for and treat just like existing teeth. They can restore and revitalize your smile, leaving you feeling more confident and self-assured about how you look and what you eat. You may be a good candidate for dental implants if you have:
Healthy oral tissues and gums: Your gums should be free from periodontal disease and infection. They should be coral pink, moist, firm, and have a stippled appearance. Healthy gums do not bleed during brushing, and they follow the curve of your teeth. Any periodontal disease should be treated prior to getting dental implants.
Enough bone in your jaw or are eligible for bone grafts: Bone density plays an important role in dental implants since the titanium posts are inserted into the jaw and fuse with existing bone. If the bone is weak or deteriorated, a bone graft can be used to build a stronger foundation and provide additional mass and stability.
One or more missing teeth that need to be replaced: Large gaps from missing teeth can be unsightly and allow remaining teeth to shift out of place. Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, several teeth, or an entire arch. The number and location of missing teeth will determine how many implants are needed and what type of prosthetic is used.
Good overall health: Any chronic health conditions such as diabetes should be well-managed. Let your oral surgeon know ahead of time about any underlying conditions, cancer diagnoses, radiation that you have had to your head or neck, or if you are a smoker. They will take these circumstances into consideration when developing a treatment plan.
In general, you’re a candidate for dental implants if you have missing or damaged teeth and are healthy enough for treatment. our surgeons and the staff at Utah Facial and Oral Surgery can talk with you about your options and help you compare implants against alternatives.
Usually, the hurdle of having dental implants placed is a lack of bone mass. Dental providers without the necessary skills may decline patients who don’t have this supporting bone. As specialists with advanced training and technology, our surgeons can typically rebuild lost bone for patients, even in the most challenging cases.
Cost of Dental Implants
The cost of dental implants in Salt Lake County and Utah County can vary compared to other areas of the country. Cost is also dependent on each patient’s individual situation. There is no one set price for implants. Some of the factors that influence the cost of dental implant procedures include:
- The number of implants needed and their location.
- Any tooth extractions that are needed.
- Any bone grafting prior to or during dental implant surgery.
- The type of implant used.
- The type of dental prosthetic used.
- The complexity of the surgery.
- Any follow-up care.
- Any dental insurance coverage.
Once your oral surgeon has fully examined your teeth and what is necessary for dental implants, they can give you a more accurate quote in regard to cost. Dental insurance may or may not cover some of the expense depending on your specific plan and the reason behind getting implants.
Does Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
While dental implants have become the standard for tooth restoration, more and more dental insurance companies provide some coverage for dental implant placement. At the time of your consultation, we will help you understand your insurance benefits and provide the best possible estimate of your out of pocket costs.
Your Consultation for Dental Implants
Salt Lake County and Utah County patients can schedule a visit with us by phone or online. During your appointment, you’ll have a chance to meet with one of our surgeons, discuss your needs, and get answers to any questions you may have.
Typically, we will also perform imaging with X-ray and cone beam CT scans to create a detailed map of your mouth. Our surgeons will use these images to determine where your implants should go. Extensive planning promotes more durable, attractive results and a more comfortable surgical experience.
You’ll leave the office with an outline for treatment along with clear and simple pricing. In some cases, a dentist may refer a patient to us who has a badly damaged or infected tooth, and we can provide treatment on the same day as the consultation.
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What to Expect from the Procedure
On the day of your procedure:
- You’ll receive anesthesia to keep you comfortable and relaxed during the surgery.
- The doctor will gently remove your damaged teeth, clean these sites, and place the dental implants.
- Depending on your needs, our surgeons may also pack bone material around the implants to give them greater stability.
Numbing medication will help you wake up relatively pain-free. The practice will also provide guidance and prescribe medication so you can manage discomfort in the days that follow.
Post-Op Instructions
What Is the Recovery from Dental Implants Like?
Typically, patients don’t experience a lot of swelling and go back to work within a couple of days. For a single implant, there’s not a lot of downtime.
After the dental implants are placed, it takes about four months for them to integrate with the surrounding bone. This helps to create a strong and stable foundation for your new teeth.
After four months, Salt Lake County and Utah County patients will return to our practice for a checkup. Then, they’ll visit their general dentist, who will place the crowns, bridges, or prosthesis to complete the treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
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What type of anesthesia will I have?
Most patients have IV sedation and receive numbing medication so they can sleep through the experience. Our surgeons can tailor this approach to your needs.
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Does getting dental implants hurt?
Since people are usually sedated and desensitized, they shouldn’t experience much pain during the process. Placing dental implants is a precise and targeted procedure, and as a result, many Salt Lake County and Utah County patients tell us they’re less sore than after a tooth extraction.
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How do you ensure long-lasting results?
Our practice invests in the best materials and technology for a more durable result. As examples:
- We only use premium-brand dental implants and never less-recognized or unproven components.
- Price plans procedures with software that accurately shows the best locations and angles for the implants.
- We treat surgical sites with platelet rich plasma and fibrin to speed healing.
With our commitment to high-quality outcomes, you should be able to enjoy strong teeth and a natural-looking smile for years to come.
Learn more about treatment with dental implants in Salt Lake County and Utah County. Contact our practice online or by phone at (801) 446-4428.