For patients with missing teeth, dental implants provide many advantages. Unlike dentures, dental implants are permanent and are actually comfortable to wear. Dental implants also fit better and provide a more natural looking appearance. Once placed, dental implants act as a replacement root that an artificial tooth can be attached to. This helps to eliminate the risk of embarrassment that often occurs with removable, ill fitting dentures. Most implants have high success and patient happiness ratings. While most dental implant Murrieta procedures are not covered by insurance, for many, implants are still worth the investment. With proper care, dental implants can last for the lifetime of the wearer. To help prolong the life of a dental implant in Murrieta, occasional re-tightening may be required.
Dental implants are considered a cosmestic dentistry procedure. Many local dentists can install a dental implant riverside for one or more missing teeth. However, patients may find that dentists specializing in cosmetic dentistry have more experience with the procedure. Placing a dental implant is a several step process that takes place over many visits. The entire process can take as long as eight months. As with dentures, patients must be fitted for a dental mold to determine the best placement. Several x-rays and steps to ready the mouth tissue are usually also required. The actual surgical procedure is usually performed in one visit. Most dental implant surgeries are performed in the dentist’s office and take anywhere from one to two hours to complete. After the implant has been placed, patients are allowed three to six months of healing time before being fitted with the actual replacement tooth. A modified diet of primarily soft foods may be advised. This allows time for the implant to naturally fuse with the patient’s jawbone as well. After the patient has healed, the artificial replacement tooth is attached to a post affixed within the implant.
As dental implants are gaining in popularity, many insurance carriers are reconsidering coverage options for what was one considered to primarily be an elective procedure. If your insurance carrier does not provide full coverage for dental implants, be sure to ask if they will pay at least a portion of the costs. Many dental offices provide payment plans as well.