Did you know that an estimated 500,000 implants are done in the U.S. each year? Given the sheer number of implant procedures and their incredibly high success rate, you can rest assured that dental implants in Anthem are a fantastic option for replacing missing teeth, especially since they can be customized for a wide variety of circumstances.

But like any investment you make, it’s worth it to spend some time researching the procedure, cost and any other considerations that may come up. In this blog, we’ll help you along by reviewing the process of getting an implant and also a few things to keep in mind before you get started.

What Is the Procedure Like?

The implant procedure is actually much easier than many people realize! The first step is having the implant placed in the jaw, which is simply a titanium post that acts a replacement root.

This step requires a small surgery, before which your dentist makes sure you’re completely numb and comfortable. It generally takes around two hours.

Next, the post is given 3-6 months to integrate, or fuse, with the surrounding jawbone. During this time you’ll be able to chew and function normally.

Finally, you’ll return for the crown. After molds are taken, a custom-made crown that matches the shape and color of your existing teeth will be attached to the post, completing the restoration. It will look and feel very natural!

What Other Considerations Are There?

One of the first things people want to know about is cost. A good ballpark estimate is between $3,000-$4,500 for a single implant. However, depending on your unique situation, there could be additional procedures that are necessary:

• Extraction – If the failing teeth that need replacing haven’t been removed yet, the first step will be an extraction. This can also add time to the procedure because the area needs extra time to heal before the implant can be placed.
• Bone-grafting – On the other hand, if your tooth has been missing for quite some time, you may have lost the bone mass necessary to support the implant. Bone-grafting can be done beforehand to correct the problem.
• Implant-retained bridge or denture – If you’re missing several teeth, or all the teeth in one arch, your dentist will also need to make a bridge or denture after placing the implants. In this case, your dentist will review all of your options that will fit your specific needs.

Once you’ve decided that implants are for you, the first step is to schedule an evaluation with a qualified dentist in Anthem.

Dental implants are an investment in yourself that can last a lifetime with basic maintenance and care. And now that you know a bit more about the process, you’ll be on your way to having a beautifully restored smile in no time!

About the Author

Dr. Lori Anderson is a general and cosmetic dentist that specializes in transforming her patient’s smiles with modern options like dental implants. She understands the impact that losing teeth has on her patient’s overall quality of life and loves being able to restore not only their smile, but their confidence as well. If you have any questions about the implant process, she can be reached via her website or at (480) 455-7411.