All about dental implants

A dental implant is an artificial replacement for a missing natural tooth or root. It lets you chew food comfortably, may improve your speech and facial appearance and offers more comfort and stability than dentures. For this reason, dentists may suggest implants as an alternative to dentures or bridges.

What is an implant?

Implants are manufactured “anchors” that resemble cylinders or screws. Used in upper and lower jaws, they are surgically inserted into the jawbone to become a stable base for artificial replacement teeth.

The implant itself acts as the root of the tooth. The structure placed over the implant will look and perform like the natural tooth that was lost.

How do implants differ from dentures?

Unlike dentures, implants aren’t removed for overnight soaking and cleaning, need no adhesives and don’t require anchoring to healthy teeth. After an implant has been surgically inserted, it will remain in place for years with proper care.

How are implants placed?

Implant surgery is a three-step process, performed in a dentist's office. The entire process can take five to nine months to complete, depending on the patient’s situation and speed of healing:

1. First, a dentist surgically places an implant directly into the jawbone, positioned like a natural tooth root. After this step, the implant will usually remain covered for three to six months. This allows bone to develop around the implant to help hold it in place.
2. When bone has developed around the implant, the dentist uncovers the implant and attaches an extension called a post. The surrounding gum tissue then needs to heal — a process that typically takes several more months.
3. After healing is complete, the implant is ready to serve as a foundation for the new tooth. The dentist makes a crown (or other artificial tooth replacement) and attaches it to the implant post.

Dentists typically give specific instructions on how to care for dental implants. You must follow these instructions carefully.

How effective are implants?

Having good general health, healthy gums and sufficient bone structure makes you a good candidate for implants. Depending on the location in the mouth, implants are usually between 85% and 90% successful.

Implants may be less successful for people who smoke, grind or clench their teeth or have a history of radiation therapy. Patients with diabetes or osteoporosis who have bone loss in the jaw may also be at risk for complications. Check with your dentist to see if implants are the right choice for you.

When implants fail, it is usually because of:

• Poor oral hygiene, resulting in infection or impaired healing
• Overloading, or too much pressure on the implant structure (this usually happens when you grind your teeth, which can cause the implant to move)

How much do implants cost?

Implants are typically more expensive than bridges, but they more closely simulate the appearance and function of natural teeth.

If you have a Delta Dental PPO™ and Delta Dental Premier ® plan: Before you begin implant treatment, ask your dentist to obtain a pre-treatment estimate. This free service ensures that you know up front how much, if anything, your dental plan will pay and how much you’ll be responsible for.

If you have a DeltaCare ® USA plan: Please check your plan’s booklet to determine if implant treatment is a covered benefit under your DeltaCare USA plan.

Last updated July 21, 2021