Dental Implant Years After Extraction?
Dental implants are an increasingly popular solution for replacing missing teeth. During the initial stage of the implant process, an implant is surgically places directly into the jawbone. Patients who lost a tooth or had a tooth extracted years ago can still be good candidates for implants. Implant patients need a healthy jawbone to provide adequate support to the implant. In some cases, the patient may need bone grafting when their jaw bone is insufficient to provide support. The following article will review commonly asked questions regarding dental implants.
A general dentist who has completed the required training is able to complete the dental implant procedure. Dentists can be distracted by the initial costs associated of providing dental implants as these costs can be quite high. The initial setup costs may include things such as training, facility upgrades, enhanced technology, and special equipment.
Patients sometimes struggle to find a dentist who is qualified and provides implants at a reasonable price. Dental implants are expensive and an investment. The cost can prevent some patients from pursuing this option for the replacement of their missing teeth.
Specialists
A common misconception is that patients must use an implant specialist for their dental implants. Some general dentists also think patients are more comfortable having a specialist complete the procedure. About 90% of general dentists around the world are able to perform the dental implant procedure. In the U.S., however, only about 15% of general dentists are qualified. Any dentist who invests in the necessary training, equipment, and technology is qualified to perform the dental implant procedure. Patients should feel comfortable working with a general dentist to receive their implants.
Implant Cost
The average cost for a single dental implant is about $1,000 to $3,000. Abutments and crowns cost about $500 to $3,000. The overall cost for a dental implant can range from $1,500 to $6,000 per tooth or more.
Infection
Many argue that dental implants are the best solution available today for replacing missing teeth. Implants provide patients with a tooth that appears and functions just like the natural teeth. Because the implant procedure includes the surgical placement of the implant, there is a risk for infection. Signs and symptoms commonly associated with an infection include:
- Chronic bleeding following surgery which worsens or does not improve with time
- Persistent fever
- Pain or swelling at the implant site
Patients who experience these symptoms should follow up with their dentist right away. It is important to act quickly in order to avoid damage to the implant or bones. It is possible for a patient to experience infection months after they undergo implant surgery.
Gum Disease
While gum disease or periodontitis often cannot be cured completely, it can be often be managed and controlled. Most patients can prevent periodontitis through good oral hygiene. This includes twice daily brushing and daily flossing. In addition, patients should consume well-balanced diet which has good nutritional value. It is also important to make frequent visits to the dentist for an examination and professional cleaning. During these visits, the dentist can also determine if there are any issues or early signs of gum disease.
Dental Implant Failure
Dental implants have an impressively high success rate of 90-95%. While implant failure is rare, it is possible.
Follow up with your dentist if you are considering dental implants to replace your missing teeth. Even if you have been missing teeth for a few years, you can still be a good candidate for implants.