Dental Implants

Dental implants are a very reliable source for effective tooth replacement. Whether you have lost one tooth or many, implants can provide a permanent solution that looks and functions naturally.

A dental implant is an artificial root upon which a manufactured tooth can be placed. Implants are used to support the replacement of a single tooth, multiple teeth, or larger prostheses such as dentures, depending on the individual’s requirements and condition. Placement of the implant stabilizes bone levels and may prevent bone loss, resulting in greater long-term support, function, and esthetics. Implants are a superior way to replace missing teeth, as they do not require alteration of adjacent teeth. They are also an excellent way to stabilize a denture.

While out-of-pocket costs for patients with dental insurance vary on the particular plan, coverage, and limitations, we’re always happy to provide an estimate of cost based on those factors just after your consultation appointment. For those without dental insurance, we work to keep implants affordable by fixing the implant cost and providing flexible payment plan options.

Are you a good candidate for Dental Implants?

Certain aspects of your health must qualify for dental implant placement. Your dentist will help you reach the necessary level of health with preparatory treatments if needed.

• Bone density – In order for implants to successfully integrate with your bone, there must be enough bone remaining at the site. If your bone requires enhancement, a bone graft procedure might be needed before placing the dental implant.
• Oral health – Your teeth must be cavity-free and your gums clear of periodontal disease.
• General health – Since the implant placement is surgical, it is important to ensure that your level of general health will see you through the procedure and allow for proper healing.

Dental implants require the same care as real teeth, including brushing, flossing, rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash, and regular dental check-ups.

The root-form implant is the most common type and basically consists of three main components:

1. Implant screw – This part of the implant is made of titanium and is surgically placed in the bone. Titanium is accepted by the body extremely well and fuses with the bone (called osseointegration) during the healing process.
2. Abutment – This is a metal collar that attaches to the top of the implant screw and is the base for a crown, bridge, or denture.
3. Crown - The crown is the manufactured tooth that fits on top of the abutment. Bridges and dentures can also be secured to the abutment. The placement of the crown, bridge, or denture is the final step of the implant process.

  What are the benefits of dental implants?

A person suffering from tooth loss will experience many challenges. The most obvious of these challenges are difficulties when chewing and speaking clearly. When tooth loss is left untreated it can result in very serious problems like tooth shifts, jawbone deterioration, facial structure loss and imbalances. These issues usually develop over time when there is no root system to maintain bone health and alignment. Dental implants provide an artificial root system to maintain order and keep the remaining teeth in line.

They can not only help a patient overcome short-term challenges, but they can also prevent long-term problems linked to tooth loss. They are the most effective method for treating tooth loss because dental implants serve as an artificial root system for supporting a prosthetic tooth and allow replacement teeth to feel more natural.

  What types of dental implants exist?

Two of the most commonly used dental implants are endosteal implants and all-on-4 implants. Endosteal implants are the most common dental implant option. They are comprised of a titanium metal rod that is installed into the jawbone and a supporting post that is specifically designed to secure either a dental crown or a dental bridge. All-on-4 implants are a revolutionary dental implant system in which an entire top or bottom denture is supported on just four implants. Each implant is strategically placed so that the replacement teeth remain steady and secure. The advantage of using four implants is that it helps promote faster patient recovery and reduces the likelihood of complications from possible implant failure.

  What is the procedure for dental implants? Are dental implants safe?

The first step is consulting with a dentist to evaluate where in the mouth dental implants are being considered. As a part of the consultation, it will be determined by the dentist or surgeon whether existing teeth need to be removed and or additional bone added through a bone grafting procedure to accommodate the implant placement. If required, these procedures would take place first and the body allowed to heal for several months to ensure there is adequate, quality bone present at the site of the implant.

Once this is determined, the dental implant is placed into the bone and a healing cap is placed over the implant so the healing phase can begin. This is followed by regular check-ups to ensure proper healing and that there is no infection around the place of surgery.