Free Guide to Dental Implants in Stevens Point

Understanding Dental Implants: What They Are and How They Work

Dental implants are replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like your natural teeth. They consist of three main parts: the implant (a titanium post), the abutment (a connector piece), and the crown (the visible tooth). The titanium post is surgically placed into your jawbone where a tooth is missing. Over several months, the bone grows around the implant in a process called osseointegration, which means the implant becomes firmly anchored in your jaw. Once this happens, the abutment is attached to the implant, and finally, a custom-made crown is placed on top.

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In Stevens Point, dental professionals offer implants as an option for people missing one tooth, several teeth, or all of their teeth. Unlike removable dentures or bridges, implants are permanent fixtures. They do not need to be taken out at night or soaked in cleaning solutions. Many people choose implants because they restore the ability to eat a wider variety of foods and they do not shift or move while talking or chewing.

The success of dental implants depends on several factors, including the health of your jawbone, your overall health, and how well you care for the implant after placement. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, dental implants have a success rate of around 95 percent or higher when placed by trained professionals in appropriate candidates. This high success rate has made implants increasingly common as a tooth replacement option.

Understanding the basic structure and function of dental implants helps you have informed conversations with dental professionals in Stevens Point. You will learn about the timeline for the procedure, what to expect during each stage, and how implants compare to other tooth replacement options like dentures or bridges. This foundational knowledge is valuable whether you are considering implants for yourself or simply want to understand more about this dental technology.

Practical Takeaway: Dental implants are a surgical tooth replacement consisting of a titanium post, connector, and crown. They become permanently fused to your jawbone and typically have high success rates, making them a long-lasting option for replacing missing teeth.

The Dental Implant Procedure: What Happens at Each Stage

The dental implant process typically happens in stages over several months. Understanding each stage helps you know what to expect if you decide to move forward with this treatment. The first stage is a consultation and planning phase. During this visit, your dentist will examine your mouth, take X-rays, and possibly order a CT scan to assess the condition of your jawbone. They will discuss your medical history, current medications, and any health conditions that might affect the procedure. This is when the dentist determines whether you are a good candidate for implants and discusses the timeline and cost with you.

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The second stage is the surgical placement of the implant. This procedure is typically done under local anesthesia, meaning you will be awake but your mouth area will be numb. The dentist makes an incision in your gum to expose the jawbone, then carefully drills a hole and places the titanium implant. The gum is then stitched closed over the implant. This part of the process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour per implant. After surgery, you may experience some swelling, bruising, or mild discomfort, which typically subsides within a few days. Most people can return to light activities within a few days, though strenuous exercise should be avoided for a couple of weeks.

The third stage is the osseointegration period, which can take three to six months. During this time, the bone in your jaw grows around the implant, anchoring it securely in place. This stage is crucial for the long-term success of the implant. You will have follow-up appointments to monitor healing. Once the bone has grown sufficiently, you will return for the next stage.

The fourth stage is abutment placement and crown fitting. The dentist removes the temporary covering on the implant and attaches the abutment. An impression is taken to create your custom crown. A temporary crown may be placed while the permanent one is being made. Once ready, the permanent crown is attached to the abutment. This crown is custom-made to match your natural teeth in size, shape, and color. The entire process from implant placement to finished crown typically takes four to nine months, depending on individual healing and bone density.

Practical Takeaway: The implant process includes consultation and planning, surgical placement, a healing period of three to six months, and finally abutment and crown placement. Knowing these stages helps you understand the timeline and what to expect at each step of your treatment.

Costs and Financing Options for Dental Implants in Stevens Point

Dental implants are typically more expensive upfront than other tooth replacement options. A single implant, including the post, abutment, and crown, generally costs between $1,500 and $6,000 or more, depending on the complexity of your case and the specific dentist. Multiple implants or implants requiring bone grafting will cost more. In Stevens Point, prices may vary between dental offices, so it is worth contacting several practices to understand the costs they charge.

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Most dental insurance plans do not cover implants because they are considered a cosmetic or elective procedure. However, some insurance plans may cover a portion of the cost if the implant is deemed medically necessary. It is worth reviewing your specific insurance plan or calling your insurance company to ask about any coverage for implants. Even if your plan does not cover the implant itself, it may cover related procedures like tooth extraction or bone grafting.

Many dental offices in Stevens Point offer financing options to make implants more affordable. These may include payment plans where you pay a portion upfront and the rest over time, sometimes with little to no interest. Some dentists work with financing companies that specialize in healthcare loans. Dental discount plans are another option—these are membership programs where you pay an annual fee and receive discounts on various dental procedures, including implants. These plans typically offer discounts of 10 to 60 percent off regular prices.

When comparing costs between dental offices, make sure you are comparing the same thing. Some quotes may include the implant only, while others include the implant, abutment, crown, extraction, or bone grafting. Ask for an itemized quote that breaks down each cost. Also consider the experience and reputation of the dentist, the technology they use, and the location and convenience of their office. While cost is important, choosing a skilled and experienced implant dentist can affect the success and longevity of your implant.

Practical Takeaway: Implant costs vary widely, typically ranging from $1,500 to $6,000 or more per tooth. Dental insurance rarely covers implants, but many Stevens Point dental offices offer financing plans, payment arrangements, and discount programs to make treatment more affordable.

Who Should Consider Dental Implants and Important Health Factors

Dental implants may be a good option for people who have lost one or more teeth due to decay, disease, or injury. However, not everyone is a good candidate for implants. Certain health conditions and lifestyle factors can affect whether implants are suitable for you and whether they will be successful.

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Good candidates for implants generally have adequate jawbone density to support the implant. If you have experienced significant bone loss in your jaw, you may need a bone grafting procedure before implant placement. People with healthy gums are also better candidates, since implants require healthy tissue around them to remain stable. Uncontrolled gum disease should be treated before considering implants. Your overall general health matters too. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, certain autoimmune diseases, or severe osteoporosis can slow healing and may make implants less likely to succeed. If you are taking medications that affect bone healing, such as bisphosphonates used for osteoporosis, your dentist needs to know this.

Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors that can reduce implant success. Smoking reduces blood flow to the gums and bone, which impairs healing and makes implant failure more likely. If you smoke, dentists typically recommend quitting before implant placement, or at minimum reducing smoking as much as possible during the healing period. Heavy alcohol use can also affect bone healing.

Age is not necessarily a barrier to getting implants. Both younger and older adults can have successful implants, provided they have adequate bone and good overall health. However, the jawbone must be fully developed, so implants are typically not recommended until the late teenage years