What Are Dental Implants?
Posted on June 26, 2025 in Dental Health
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Losing a tooth can be an emotional experience. It might be painful, and it can change the way you smile, speak, and feel. The good news is you have several options to restore both your confidence and your oral health with dental implants.
Dental implants are one of the most trusted ways to replace missing teeth. They’re small threaded posts that are placed in your jawbone, creating a strong foundation for your new teeth. Implants like this have a success rate of over 97 percent for 10 years and are a great solution to help you feel like yourself again.
How do I know if I need dental implants?
Only your dentist can confirm if dental implants are the best choice for you, but here are a few signs that it may be time to schedule a consultation:
How do I know if dental implants are right for me?
Wondering if you’re a good candidate for dental implants? The Mayo Clinic outlines a few general characteristics to look for:
- A fully grown jawbone
- Enough bone to securely hold the implant in place
- Healthy mouth tissue
- No health conditions that interfere with bone healing
- No tobacco use
- A commitment to the full surgical and healing process
If you check most of these boxes, dental implants might be the right choice for restoring your smile and protecting your long-term oral health.
Comparing your options: Partial dentures or dental implants
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, partial dentures and dental implants are the two most common options recommended by dentists.
Some people may be drawn to the idea of partial dentures instead of dental implants because they can be a more affordable option. But dental implants offer several benefits, including:
- A higher success rate
- Better preservation of jawbone density after tooth loss
- Reduced tooth sensitivity
- Protection for surrounding teeth from shifting or developing cavities
Be sure to consult with your dentist to discuss the pros and cons of both options, taking into account your specific needs and budget.
What to expect during surgery for dental implants
Surgery for dental implants is done in a staged process over several months, with time to heal between each step. The steps may include removing a damaged tooth, preparing the jawbone (sometimes with a bone graft), and placing the implant.
After the initial surgery, a patient undergoes a process called osseointegration, during which the bone begins to grow around the implanted post, securing it in place. This part of the process can often take several months and is vital to successful outcomes. If osseointegration isn’t effective, your dentist may recommend removing the dental implants and trying again at a later date.
Note: Smoking, age, certain systemic diseases, and poor bone density can all cause osseointegration to be unsuccessful. Be sure to speak with your dental team about any concerns.
How much time will be needed to heal? That’s hard to say. Healing time varies from person to person, depending on the strength of the jawbone and whether bone grafting was used.
Once the implant is stable, a second procedure is done to place an abutment, which is what the new artificial tooth will connect to. Artificial teeth can be either fixed or removable, depending on your needs and preferences. Fixed artificial teeth are securely attached to dental implants and remain in place permanently, while removable options can be easily taken out for cleaning or maintenance.
After the artificial teeth are placed, you may experience pain, minor bleeding, and swelling or bruising on the gums or face. It will be advised to eat soft foods during the healing process. Be sure to adhere to your surgeon’s recommendations to reduce the risk of infections or other complications.
Pro tip: Maintaining a good oral health routine is an important part of making your dental implants last. Check out “5 Behaviors to Healthy Aging” to learn how to take great care of your oral health.
Are dental implants worth it?
Yes! When properly placed and cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime. They look, feel, and function like natural teeth, making them one of the most reliable investments you can make for your oral health.
Does dental insurance cover dental implants?
Some employer-sponsored dental insurance plans include partial or full coverage for dental implants. However, coverage varies widely by plan. If your plan doesn’t include implant benefits, talk to your dental office about financing or payment plans that fit your budget.