Free Guide to Dental Implant Options in Lansdowne

Understanding Dental Implants: What They Are and How They Work

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made of titanium that a dentist or oral surgeon places into your jawbone. The implant serves as an anchor for replacement teeth that look and function like your natural teeth. Unlike dentures or bridges, implants become part of your jaw through a process called osseointegration, where bone grows around the implant to hold it securely in place.

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The implant itself has three main parts. The fixture is the screw-like part that goes into the bone. The abutment is a connector piece that sits on top of the implant, and the crown is the visible tooth replacement that you see and use for chewing. Some people use the term "implant" to refer to just the fixture, while others use it to describe the entire restoration.

Dental implants have been used since the 1980s, and modern implant success rates range from 90 to 95 percent over ten years, according to dental research studies. This high success rate makes implants one of the most reliable tooth replacement options available today. The titanium material is biocompatible, meaning your body recognizes it as a safe material and doesn't reject it.

The process of getting an implant typically takes several months from start to finish. Your jawbone needs time to fuse with the implant before the crown can be attached. This healing period is important because it ensures the implant has a strong foundation. During this time, you may wear a temporary tooth replacement.

Implants can replace a single missing tooth, multiple teeth, or support a full set of replacement teeth. They work well for people with healthy bones and good oral hygiene habits. If you have experienced bone loss, your dentist may discuss bone grafting options before implant placement. Understanding how implants work will help you explore whether this option might work for your situation.

Practical Takeaway: Dental implants are titanium posts that replace tooth roots and support crowns or bridges. They take several months to complete but offer results that function like natural teeth. Learning these basics helps you understand what dentists discuss when explaining your options.

Types of Dental Implant Treatments Available in Lansdowne

Lansdowne dental offices offer several implant treatment approaches, each suited to different situations and patient needs. Single tooth implants replace one missing tooth without affecting adjacent teeth. This approach preserves more of your natural tooth structure and doesn't require modifications to healthy neighboring teeth, unlike some bridge options.

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Multiple tooth implants involve placing two or more implants to support multiple replacement teeth. Dentists typically space these implants strategically throughout the jaw to provide even support and chewing function. Some patients with multiple missing teeth choose individual implants for each missing tooth, while others use implants to support a bridge that spans several teeth.

All-on-four implants represent another option becoming more common in Lansdowne practices. This approach uses four implants to support a full arch of replacement teeth—either upper teeth, lower teeth, or both. The name comes from the placement of four implant posts that distribute the load of the entire replacement dental arch. This method may work for people who want full mouth restoration but have had significant bone loss, since the implants are positioned at angles that maximize available bone.

Implant-supported dentures combine traditional dentures with implants. Rather than resting on gums alone, these dentures snap or clip onto implants for added stability. This approach offers more stability than traditional dentures while requiring fewer implants than individual tooth replacements. Some patients find this strikes a balance between cost and function.

Immediate load implants, sometimes called same-day implants, involve placing a temporary crown on the implant the same day it's inserted. However, the implant still requires several months of healing in the bone before bearing full chewing force. This option allows patients to leave the appointment with a visible tooth, though the final restoration comes later.

Practical Takeaway: Lansdowne dentists can discuss which implant approach fits your situation—whether you need one tooth replaced, multiple teeth, or full mouth restoration. Each type has different timelines and costs, so knowing these options helps you have informed conversations with dental professionals.

The Dental Implant Process: What to Expect at Each Stage

The implant journey starts with a consultation and examination. During this visit, your dentist reviews your medical history, takes X-rays, and may use 3D imaging to assess your bone structure. This evaluation determines whether your jawbone has sufficient height and density for implant placement. If bone loss exists, your dentist discusses whether bone grafting might be necessary before moving forward.

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If you have a tooth that needs extraction, this often happens before implant placement. Your dentist may wait several months after extraction to allow the bone to heal, or in some cases may place the implant at the time of extraction. This timing varies based on bone quality and your specific situation. Waiting allows the extraction site to fully heal and stabilize.

The implant placement surgery is the next major step. Your oral surgeon or dentist will make an incision in your gum, prepare the bone to the right depth and width, and carefully screw in the titanium implant. Local anesthesia is used, so you won't feel pain during the procedure, though you may feel pressure. The surgery typically takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on complexity. Afterward, your gum is stitched closed, and the implant sits beneath the surface while bone fuses around it.

The osseointegration phase lasts three to six months. During this time, your bone and implant become integrated—this is the critical healing period. You'll need to follow your dentist's instructions carefully, which may include avoiding certain foods and maintaining gentle oral hygiene. You won't use the implant for chewing during this phase. Your dentist may place a temporary tooth so you can maintain normal appearance while healing occurs.

Once healing is complete, your dentist removes any temporary crown and takes impressions for your permanent crown or bridge. The abutment—the connecting piece—is attached to the implant. Your dentist and dental lab work together to create a crown that matches your natural teeth in color, shape, and size. This fabrication takes one to two weeks. Finally, your permanent crown is cemented or screwed onto the abutment, and your implant restoration is complete.

Practical Takeaway: The full implant process takes three to nine months from consultation to final restoration. Understanding each stage—from initial evaluation through healing to final crown placement—helps you plan your treatment timeline and know what to expect during appointments.

Cost Considerations and What Influences Implant Pricing in Lansdowne

Dental implant costs vary significantly based on several factors. A single tooth implant in the Lansdowne area typically ranges from $3,000 to $6,000, including the implant fixture, abutment, and crown. However, this represents the basic cost when no additional procedures are needed. Complex cases often involve higher expenses.

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Bone grafting significantly affects the total cost. If your jawbone lacks sufficient height or density, your dentist may recommend bone grafting before implant placement. Bone grafts can add $500 to $3,000 or more to your treatment, depending on the graft material used and the amount needed. Grafts using your own bone (autograft) cost more than using donor bone but may have better outcomes in some situations.

Tooth extraction before implant placement adds to the overall cost. If you have a failing tooth that must be removed, extraction fees typically range from $75 to $300 per tooth, depending on complexity. Simple extractions cost less than surgical extractions, which are needed for impacted or severely damaged teeth.

The number of implants you need directly influences total cost. A single tooth implant costs less than multiple implants, and all-on-four implants (four implants supporting a full arch) cost less per tooth than individual implants for each missing tooth. However, the total cost for all-on-four is higher because you're supporting more teeth.

Different implant materials and brands also affect pricing. Titanium implants are the standard and most commonly used. Some high-end implant systems cost more than others due to design features or brand reputation. Your dentist discusses which implant system they recommend and why. Additionally, crown material choices—porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or zirconia—influence the