Dental Implants at Cummins Dental Group of Springville, Maryland

Missing teeth are not fun for anyone. They can make it harder to eat, harder to speak and even cause pain. Replacing those missing teeth is important when it comes to maintaining a healthy smile, and dental implants are one of the most effective ways to do so. Dental implants will help you preserve a healthy jaw bone, prevent your teeth from shifting, and help restore the overall appearance of your smile. 

How does an Implant Work? 

A dental implant is surgically placed where the root of your missing tooth would be and is later topped with an artificial crown to create a new, artificial tooth. 

To begin the procedure, the patient will be given local anesthesia to prevent any pain. Dr. Cummins then cuts the gum of the teeth to reveal the jaw bone and places the post (a metal screw) into the jaw bone. The jaw bone then will need time (normally a couple of months) to grow around the implant so that the implant is cemented firmly into the mouth. 

Once the jaw has fully grown around the post, the abutment is then placed on top. The abutment is the piece that connects the artificial tooth to the post. It can either be placed during the first surgery or on a follow-up visit. Your gums will need time (several weeks) to heal around the abutment before the crown can be placed. 

Once the post and abutment have been placed and your mouth has fully healed, Dr. Cummins will take a mold impression of your teeth and a fake crown will be made. The crown will be the same color as your teeth and will be mounted onto the abutment. The tooth, although fake, will look and act like a real tooth. 

The process to receive a dental implant can be long and tedious, but is well worth it to avoid future pain, disease, decay, bone disfigurement, and so many other problems that come when teeth are not replaced. 

How much does a Dental Implant Cost?

Dental Implants should be seen as an investment. It takes time to get an implant and to do it right. Implants are a permanent solution, whereas other options for replacing missing teeth, such as dentures, may need to be replaced every couple of years. 

The pricing can be different depending on each patient’s situation. On average, it may cost around $1,500-$2,000 per implant and another $1000 for the operation and postoperative care. While it may seem high, a lot of dental insurances help or even cover the cost of an implant completely. We encourage you to call us today with any questions concerning dental implants, especially when it comes to pricing, so you know exactly what to expect. Let us at Cummins Dental Group, help you get your perfect smile back. Come visit our office in Silver Spring, Maryland, today!