What Patients want to know about Dental Implants
Kingsport, TN
Whether someone has lost a tooth or needs one extracted, dental implants have changed the game for restorations by offering a reliable, long-term and show-stopping solution. Dental implants are a multi-step process, and some patients can feel confused or overwhelmed about them at first. That’s why our dental lab in Kingsport has compiled the following list of what patients want to know about dental implants.
What’s the cost?
This is usually one of the first questions a patient will have. While some of the associated treatment costs of dental implants may be covered by dental insurance, much of the procedure will likely have to be paid out of pocket. Be forthcoming and upfront with your patients about the cost of the implant procedure — including the associated lab costs — and share what costs they can expect their insurance to cover. Talk to them about finance and extended payment plans. Patients should have all the information upfront — including the amount of work and custom-crafting that goes into implants — so they can make a well-informed decision about whether they want to move forward with the procedure.
How do dental implants work?
Patients want to know the basics of dental implants: that they’re permanent artificial roots that offer support for a prosthetic tooth, commonly called a crown. Implants are made of titanium and bone-like ceramic materials that fuse with the jawbone and serve as tooth roots. Dental implants are the superior choice over other tooth replacement solutions because dentists work hand-in-hand with our dental lab in Kingsport to custom-make restorations that look, feel and behave just like natural teeth.
How long does it take?
The implant procedure itself, for a single tooth, should take no longer than an hour. Once the implant is fused to the jawbone and the gums have healed — which can take anywhere from three to six months — patients can be fitted for a crown that will be custom-crafted in our lab. A temporary crown is often placed over the implant first so even while waiting for the custom crown to be made, the patient will still be able to smile with pride and confidence.
What if I put it off?
Share with your potential implant patients the oral health risks of not choosing dental implants, and they will more than likely decide that the investment is worth it.
A few pointers to mention:
- Implants restore function — Missing even one tooth can change the way our teeth and mouth function when eating and speaking. Replacing a tooth will restore the function of the mouth to its natural state.
- Implants prevent bone loss — When a tooth is missing, the body starts to reabsorb the bone into the body since the bone tissue isn’t being used. Dental implants fuse to the jawbone in a process called osseointegration, keeping the jawbone healthy and strong.
- Implants prevent shifting teeth — Teeth will move to fill a gap. This can often lead to misaligned bites or crooked teeth that are hard to keep clean and may also lead to even bigger dental problems down the road.
- Implants restore confidence — When we can freely smile and show our happiness, we feel better about ourselves.
How long will dental implants last?
Implants are permanent solutions for missing teeth so they will last a lifetime. Also, the crown that our lab fabricates, with proper care, can potentially last a lifetime. Explain to patients that the crown requires a strong oral hygiene routine and biannual checkups and cleanings with your practice.
Crowns for dental implants throughout the Southeast United States
When patients know the details and advantages of dental implants, they will be better informed to make the best decision for their tooth restoration. If you have any questions about prosthetic teeth replacements, contact us at Premier Dental Arts, (888) 732-5221, or reach us online today.