How Do Dental Implants Work?

Missing teeth can affect more than just your smile. Your confidence, speech, and ability to chew properly will also be impacted, putting a strain on your everyday life. One way to replace missing teeth and restore both functionality and your smile is with dental implants – the permanent, natural-looking solution that replaces both the root and the crown of the missing teeth. Unlike dentures or bridges, implants integrate with the jawbone to provide unmatched stability and help to preserve bone health. Whether you've lost one tooth or several, dental implants bring back function and improve appearance, making them one of the most effective tooth replacement options available today.
What Are Dental Implants and How Are They Installed?
Made of titanium, dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically screwed into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or bridge. They provide a strong, stable foundation for teeth that are designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth. So, how do dental implants work, and what does the procedure entail?
1. Initial Consultation
You will have an examination of your mouth and undergo X-rays or 3D scans to determine if you're a good candidate. To have an implant fitted, healthy gums and sufficient jawbone are required.
2. Surgical Placement
The titanium implant post is then surgically placed into the jawbone where the missing tooth was. This plays the part of a tooth root.
3. Healing and Osseointegration
For the next several months, you will allow the implant to fuse with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. This will create a strong, permanent base.
4. Abutment Placement
Once the healing process is over, the connector (abutment) is fixed to the implant to hold the replacement tooth.
5. Crown Attachment
A custom-made crown, shaped and coloured to match your natural teeth, is created and secured to the abutment.
These essential steps result in a stable, long-lasting tooth replacement that looks and functions like a real tooth.
The Types of Dental Implants Available
There are several types of dental implants, each offering its own solution to oral problems:
- Endosteal Implants (Most Common): These are surgically placed directly into the jawbone and are usually made of titanium. They are typically screw-shaped but can also be cylindrical or blade-like. These implants tend to be geared toward patients with a healthy jawbone who can support the implant, and are commonly used to support single crowns, bridges, or dentures.
- Subperiosteal Implants: These implants are placed under the gum but on top of the jawbone instead of in it. It consists of a metal frame with posts that protrude through the gums to hold the prosthetic tooth. Due to advances in bone grafting techniques and endosteal implants, this process isn’t commonly used but is still a perfect solution for those who don’t have enough natural jawbone and can’t or don’t want to undergo bone grafting.
- Zygomatic Implants: These implants are longer than usual and are anchored in the cheekbone instead of the jawbone.They are ideal for individuals who suffer from significant bone loss in the upper jaw and cannot receive traditional implants, as bone grafting isn't an option.
- Mini Dental Implants (MDIs): These are smaller in diameter than standard implants, making them the perfect solution for patients with less bone density or those needing stabilisation for lower dentures.Mini dental implants are mostly used to replace small teeth like incisors.
- All-on-4® or All-on-X Implants: This method requires four to six implants strategically placed to support an entire arch of teeth when a full-mouth restoration is needed. These implants offer fast results and stability,supporting full-arch bridges and dentures.
The Pros and Cons of Dental Implants
While dental implants are a popular and effective solution with a multitude of benefits, they also come with some drawbacks that could affect your decision:
Pros
- Implants provide a natural look and feel, functioning like real teeth.
- Implants are extremely durable and, with proper care, can last a lifetime.
- Implants stimulate the jawbone, therefore preserving the bone that can often erode when teeth are missing.
- Implants don’t impact neighbouring teeth, unlike bridges that require the teeth to be filed.
- They restore full chewing ability and don’t slip, giving you back your confidence.
Cons
- Compared to other tooth replacement options, implants are more expensive to acquire and may not be fully covered by insurance.
- Placement of the implant requires oral surgery, which can be uncomfortable.
- Getting implants can be time-consuming, as the process can take several months.
- Implants aren’t a solution for everyone, as sufficient bone density and good overall health are needed for a successful procedure.
Dental implants offer exceptional benefits in function, appearance, and oral health, but they require careful planning, time, and investment. Consult with a dental professional at Smile Society who can help you determine if implants are the right choice for your needs.
How Much do Dental Implants Cost
The cost of dental implants will vary amongst individuals, but prices can be anything from $2,000 to $50,000 upwards.
- A single tooth implant can cost between $3,000 - $5,500. This will include the implant post, the abutment and the crown.
- Multiple tooth implants can be priced between $6,000 - $20,000, depending on the number of teeth replaced. This is often used for bridges or multiple individual crowns.
- The most expensive are the full mouth dental implants (All-on-4), which can set you back $40,000 - $90,000
All of the above may come with additional costs if bone grafting, teeth extractions, CT scans/X-rays or Sedation/Anaesthesia are needed.
Your Dream Smile is Waiting for You at Smile Society
Say hello to a permanent solution that blends seamlessly into your lifestyle. Dental implants are a life-changing step toward a brighter, healthier smile, and we can make it happen at Smile Society. Our implants will provide you with a natural look, stability, and long-term benefits, restoring your confidence, comfort, and ability to enjoy the foods you love. Whether you're replacing one tooth or a whole set, dental implants are an investment in both your smile and your well-being. Get ready to smile widely and laugh loudly, enjoying the renewed freedom that comes with a strong, stunning set of teeth.