Free Guide to Dental Implant Options in Hickory Hills

Understanding Dental Implants: What They Are and How They Work

A dental implant is a replacement tooth that looks and works like a natural tooth. It has three main parts: the implant post (the part that goes into your jawbone), the abutment (a connector piece), and the crown (the visible tooth part). The implant post is usually made of titanium, a strong metal that your body accepts well. Over time, the bone around the implant fuses with the post, making it very stable.

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Unlike bridges or dentures, implants replace the entire tooth from root to crown. This matters because it prevents bone loss in your jaw. When you lose a tooth, the bone underneath starts to shrink if nothing replaces the root. Implants stop this process by acting like a real tooth root.

The process of getting an implant takes several months. First, a dentist removes the damaged tooth if it is still there. Then they place the implant post into your jawbone. Your bone needs time to grow around the post, which usually takes three to six months. After that, they attach the abutment and crown.

Implants work best when you have healthy gums and enough bone in your jaw. People with certain health conditions like diabetes or those who smoke heavily may have slower healing. Your dentist can explain whether implants might work for you based on your specific situation.

Takeaway: Dental implants replace both the visible tooth and the root. They require several months and healthy bone to be successful, but they can last 15 to 20 years or longer with good care.

Types of Dental Implant Options Available in Hickory Hills

Hickory Hills dentists offer several different implant approaches depending on your needs and jaw structure. Understanding these options helps you have better conversations with dental professionals about what might work for your situation.

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The most common type is a single-tooth implant. This replaces one missing tooth without affecting nearby healthy teeth. It is often the best choice when you have lost one or a few teeth spread across your mouth. The crown sits on top of the implant, and from a distance, no one can tell it is not a natural tooth.

Implant-supported bridges use implants to hold multiple false teeth in place. If you are missing three or four teeth in a row, this option may cost less than getting separate implants for each tooth. Two or three implants anchor a bridge that spans the gap. This avoids putting pressure on healthy teeth next to the gap, which is what a traditional bridge does.

Implant-supported dentures attach to implants instead of sitting on your gums. These dentures stay in place much better than regular dentures because they snap onto implant posts. They are removable, so you can take them out to clean them, but they do not slide around while you eat or talk.

Some people do not have enough bone for standard implants. In these cases, dentists may recommend a bone graft before placing an implant, or they may suggest mini implants, which are smaller. Mini implants work best for replacing single teeth in areas with less bone.

Another option gaining attention is all-on-four implants. This approach uses just four implants to hold a full set of replacement teeth for one jaw. Dentists in Hickory Hills may recommend this if you have lost many or all teeth and want a non-removable solution.

Takeaway: Your choice depends on how many teeth you are missing and your bone structure. Single implants, bridges, dentures, and full-mouth options each have different costs and benefits to review with your dentist.

What to Expect During the Implant Process

Knowing the steps involved in getting a dental implant helps you prepare mentally and physically. The process usually takes five to nine months from start to finish, though this varies by person.

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Your first visit will include an exam and imaging. The dentist will take X-rays and possibly a CT scan to look at your bone and sinuses. They will also review your health history and medications, since certain conditions and drugs affect healing. This visit helps the dentist plan exactly where to place your implant. You may also discuss sedation options if you feel anxious about the procedure.

If you have a damaged tooth where the implant will go, the dentist removes it at the first surgical appointment. Sometimes they place the implant post the same day. Other times, they wait a few weeks for the area to heal before placing the implant. Either way, the goal is to minimize your time in surgery and reduce discomfort.

After the implant post is placed, your bone grows around it over three to six months. During this time, you wear a temporary tooth if the implant is visible when you smile. This temporary tooth is important for appearance and function, but it does not have full pressure placed on it yet. You may feel some swelling and soreness for the first week, similar to having a tooth extracted.

Once bone growth is complete, you return for the second surgery. The dentist uncovers the implant post and attaches the abutment. This is usually a shorter, less invasive procedure. After a week or two of healing, the dentist takes impressions for your crown and sends them to a lab.

Your crown arrives in about two weeks. The dentist cements or screws it onto the abutment. You then bite down on some paper strips so the dentist can check your bite and make sure the new tooth does not hit too hard compared to your other teeth.

Takeaway: Expect multiple appointments spread over several months, with the major work being the two surgical procedures to place the post and attach the crown.

Costs and Payment Options for Dental Implants in Hickory Hills

Dental implant costs vary widely depending on how many teeth you need, your bone structure, and whether you need additional procedures. Understanding pricing helps you make informed decisions about your care.

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A single-tooth implant in Hickory Hills typically costs between $1,500 and $4,000. This price includes the implant post, abutment, and crown, but some dental offices break down the cost differently. The implant post alone may cost $400 to $1,500. The crown can run $800 to $2,000. The abutment usually costs $300 to $800. Labor and surgical fees add to the total.

If you need a bone graft before the implant, add $500 to $3,000 to your budget. A sinus lift, which is needed in the upper jaw in some cases, may cost $1,500 to $5,000. These additional procedures depend on your specific bone structure, which your dentist will assess during your first visit.

Implant-supported bridges or dentures cost more upfront but may cost less per tooth than multiple single implants. A bridge replacing three teeth on implants might cost $3,000 to $6,000. Full-mouth implant dentures can range from $8,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on whether they are removable or fixed.

Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of implant costs, but coverage varies widely. Some plans cover 50 percent of the cost. Others cover only 10 to 20 percent. A few plans do not cover implants at all, treating them as cosmetic. Call your insurance provider or ask your dentist's office to check your coverage.

Payment plans are common at Hickory Hills dental offices. Many dentists partner with financing companies that let you pay over 12, 24, or 36 months with little or no interest. Some offices offer in-house payment plans. Ask about these options at your consultation, as they can make implants more affordable.

Takeaway: Single implants typically cost $1,500 to $4,000, with bone grafts and other procedures adding significant expenses. Check your insurance and ask about payment plans to spread costs over time.

Caring for Your Dental Implants After Placement

Your implant can last 15 to 20 years or longer if you care for it properly. Good maintenance prevents complications and keeps your implant looking and working well.

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Brush your implant crown twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, just like your natural teeth. You can use regular to