Dental Implants in Nora Springs and Mason City, Iowa
A simple smile is one of the best and easiest ways to show off your personality and impress your friends, family, co-workers, and new acquaintances. If you have missing teeth, you may feel shy about smiling. At Weber, Otto and Kotecki Family Dentistry in Mason City, Iowa, we understand how important it is to be proud of your smile, so our expert dentists offer a wide range of services to help improve your smile, including dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are an attractive, comfortable, and permanent solution when you have missing teeth. From a single tooth to an entire set of replacement teeth, our dental implants can allow you to regain the smile you love.
Dental implants are metal anchors (usually titanium) that are surgically placed in the jawbone. They are designed to hold permanent replacement teeth or dentures. The jawbone will attach itself to the implant over time through osteointegration, which provides stability for your new teeth. After the jawbone has healed around the implant, a small post is then attached to the implant. The post protrudes through the gum line and provides an anchor for the replacement tooth. Once the gum has healed, the replacement tooth can then be attached to the post.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Because dental implants are surgically placed in your jawbone, you never have to worry about the replacement teeth falling out or moving. They are also very durable and provide you with the look and feel of your own teeth. Unlike removable dentures, dental implants also offer improved speech and comfort, convenience, and easier eating. The implants also protect your facial bones and healthy teeth so that your missing teeth don’t cause more dental issues in the long run.
Types of Dental Implants
There are two main types of dental implants a person can receive. After an oral evaluation, a dental professional can assess the best dental implant treatment option for your specific needs.
Endosteal
Endosteal dental implants are placed directly on the jaw. The implants are commonly made of titanium, and they are a viable alternative to a bridge or denture.
Subperiosteal
For patients with a problematic jawbone, subperiosteal dental implants are administered under the gums but above the jawbone.
How Long Does a Dental Implant Procedure Take?
Dental implant procedures vary in length but usually require multiple appointments several months apart to complete. An initial surgery for a single implant may take only thirty minutes. However, a complicated operation that requires several replacements may take more than three hours to complete. During a follow-up appointment a few months after the initial implant, a dentist will fit a cap or crown over the implant once the initial implant heals and fuses to the jawbone.
How Much Are Dental Implants? Does Insurance Cover It?
The average cost of a dental implant is anywhere between $1,000-$3,000. During a follow-up appointment, you may have to receive a cap, abutment, or crown that can cost between $500-$3,000. If you require a full set of implants to avoid dentures, it may cost you up to $30,000. Additional costs may include x-rays, extractions, and bone grafts.
Depending on your insurance policy, many of these costs may be covered or at a reduced rate. For instance, a crown or abutment from a dental implant may be entirely covered by your dental plan. Other medical insurance plans cover the total cost of dental implant surgical procedures or provide partial coverage. Review with your insurer how you will be charged for dental implants or talk to an insurance representative to help find the best affordable dental insurance coverage for dental implants.
Are Dental Implants Painful?
Patients receive local anesthesia to numb the mouth for a dental implant procedure to reduce discomfort significantly. Some patients experience virtually no pain and can return to work the same day as the procedure. However, some patients require extensive bone grafting that may require more intensive sedation. Overall, many patients experience virtually no pain during the procedure and only take mild, over-the-counter medicines like Tylenol proceeding the surgery.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
A dental implant lasts between 20-30 years. Your oral hygiene routine has a significant effect on how long it will last. Brushing and flossing, chewing and biting habits, location of the implant, and lifestyle habits, such as smoking and drinking, all will factor into how long your implant will last.
Dental Implants in Mason City, Iowa
If you have missing teeth and want to restore your healthy, beautiful smile, contact the experienced dental implant professionals in Mason City at Weber, Otto and Kotecki Family Dentistry. We are dedicated to giving you the best possible dental service and helping you regain your confidence in your smile. Contact Weber, Otto and Kotecki Family Dentistry today for more information about dental implants and to find out if you are the right candidate for the procedure.
Our doctors have the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to give you a smile you’ve always wanted through dental implants. We design our office and procedures for your comfort, and our friendly staff is devoted to making your visits enjoyable. Request an appointment online or call us to learn more.
