Santa Cruz and Scotts Valley, CA
Tooth loss is a part of life for many people as they age. For years, replacing lost teeth meant having dentures made or bridges installed. However, as technology has advanced rapidly throughout society, so have some of the treatments available in dental science. Patients who have lost teeth now can replace them with dental implants, as installed by state-of-the-art dental practices such as Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant consists of three parts: the implant itself, a titanium screw that is embedded into the jawbone; a porcelain crown; and an abutment that connects the implant screw to the crown. The implant screw, once placed, replaces the root of the lost tooth. Also, because the implant is inserted surgically into the jawbone, the implant is permanent—unlike any other tooth replacement option currently available in restorative dentistry. An implant will not decay, will not interfere with your other healthy teeth and, if cared for well, will last the rest of your life.
Dental implants are becoming increasingly popular. More than 500,000 people undergo the dental implant procedure each year, according to figures provided by the American Academy of Implant Dentistry.
What is involved in the process?
Receiving an implant involves two appointments with your Scotts Valley implant dentist. At the first appointment, the implant screw is placed in the jawbone, and a temporary restoration is placed on top of the abutment if the implant is replacing a front tooth. Otherwise, a temporary restoration is not needed. Once you heal from this procedure, you return to your dentist and have the permanent crown installed.
How much is a dental implant?
For many patients, one of the disadvantages to receiving a dental implant is cost. Each treatment is priced on an individual basis depending on the needs of the patient, but typically having a single dental implant costs approximately $3,000. Many insurance plans will not cover the cost of receiving a dental implant. However, most patients who receive implants find them to be worth the financial cost. Dental implants have a high success rate (more than 95 percent), are permanent, and remain fixed in the mouth. That means, unlike other tooth replacement options such as dentures and bridges, an implant will not shift or slip in the mouth. Also, while dentures and bridgework need to be removed to be cleaned, maintaining an implant is as easy as brushing and flossing like you do your other teeth.
Are implants right for me?
Implants are not for everyone. They are not recommended for children or patients suffering from gum disease. If you have missing teeth but currently have gum disease, Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry needs to treat your gum disease through our periodontal program of care before beginning work on installing a dental implant. In general, however, if you have optimal oral health and are searching for a replacement for your missing tooth, then a dental implant may be the right option for you.
Who should install a dental implant?
Remember not every dentist is qualified to install a dental implant. Receiving the implant screw itself is a surgical procedure, so it is important to seek the services of a dentist in Scotts Valley with experience and training in the specifics of implant dentistry.
Dental Implants in Scotts Valley
Ready to learn more about dental implants or any of the other treatment options available at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry to replace lost teeth? Just call us at (831) 438-4411 to schedule a consultation.
Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry serves patients located in the California communities of Los Gatos, Santa Cruz, and Scotts Valley.