Benefits of Dental Implants

Benefits of Dental Implants

This method for replacing lost teeth allows for a discreet restoration of a smile that can look very natural. Dental implants are very comfortable and will not slide or move in the mouth as dentures can. Implants will also prevent neighboring teeth from shifting into empty tooth sockets and bone from atrophying.

How Dental Implants Work

How Dental Implants Work

Implants work by replacing both a tooth’s crown and its roots. This is done by surgically inserting a small titanium post directly into the jawbone at the site of tooth loss. Since the post is constructed from titanium, the bone surrounding it will eventually integrate with the metal. This process stabilizes the titanium post so that it can permanently support a prosthetic tooth. Once the post is stable, a prosthetic such as a crown or bridge will then be attached to the implant. The prosthetic tooth or bridge will fill in the gaps of an incomplete smile while providing the biting surface necessary to enjoy smooth and comfortable oral function. 

Dental implants differ from traditional prosthetics because of their construction. For instance, dentures rest on top of the gums and only replace the crowns of teeth. Since implants are embedded beneath the surface of the gums, the tooth’s roots is also replaced. The titanium post anchors the prosthetic in the jawbone, making dental implants very durable and long lasting. Another major difference between implants and dentures is in the manner by which they are cleaned. Dentures are cleaned outside the mouth and left to soak overnight. Implants, on the other hand, are permanent and therefore cleaned along with biological teeth by regular brushing and flossing.

Dental Implants Cost

How Much do Dental Implants Cost?

The price of your dental implants will vary based on the level of experience of your doctor, how many implants you are having placed, amount of insurance coverage, and more. Schedule a consultation with us to determine a price for your implants and a financing plan if necessary.

Mini Dental Implants

Mini dental implants are about half the size in diameter of a regular dental implant. This offers many benefits, and they can also be used in situations where regular implants cannot. If an implant needs to be placed in a narrow space, mini implants are the preferred method because of their smaller size.

A main use for mini implants is to install a full upper or lower denture. A series of mini implants (4-6) are placed along the gum line and they serve as the base of the denture. Rather than placing a single implant for a single tooth, an entire lower or upper set of teeth are directly attached to the gum line.

The small size of mini implants often means that no incision needs to be made to place the implant. They can usually be inserted right through the gum into the bone. This eliminates the need for a recovery period, and the restoration can usually be placed right away or only a short time after.

Mini implants are also less expensive than regular implants. Only your dentist knows if mini implants are right for you, so call for your consultation today.

Advantages of Dental Implants

Dental implants look and feel just like real teeth, they are permanent, you can eat the foods you want without any fear of embarrassment, and they procedure is very successful and fairly inexpensive. Advantages of Dental Implants:
  • Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth
  • Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space
  • Restore a patient’s confident smile with the appearance of naturally grown teeth
  • Restore chewing, speech, and digestion
  • Restore or enhance facial tissues
  • Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable

Missing Tooth Solution

Dental Implants are Today’s Best Missing Tooth Solution

If you have to replace one or more missing teeth, you want something that looks very natural, provides dependability, and does not cause harm to your existing teeth or jaw bone. Dental implants are today’s preferred missing tooth solution because they are designed to mimic tooth structure as closely as possible, something older appliances simply cannot achieve. Dental bridges and dentures may fill in the spaces left by missing teeth but they have limitations and consequences that affect quality of life for so many who wear them.

Dentures can be uncomfortable and require a lot of effort to keep in place and will frequently slip because they sit on the gum line, depending on pastes and clips to keep them stable. They make eating and socializing a chore and by sitting on the gums, they actually weaken the jaw, causing bone loss and drooping facial muscles. Dental bridges are also used to replace a missing tooth but they too can be concerning because of the stress and potential damage they place on the anchor teeth.

None of these problems occur when a dental implant is used to replace a missing tooth or several missing teeth. Implants are strong, dependable, and look very authentic. To replace a single missing tooth, a dental implant can be matched to blend in seamlessly with the rest of your teeth and does so without causing them any stress or damage. Dental implants also consist of a titanium post that is naturally decay resistant and because it is placed right in the jaw, it will perform just as well as a real tooth once it integrates with the bone. Dental implants also work like a root to keep your bone from deteriorating with daily stimulation every time you chew.


Dental Implants Surgery

Dental Implants Surgery

Dental implants surgery is necessary to prepare the area for an implant and place the implant in the mouth. Following the procedure, a period of time; usually four to six months is required for the implant to take hold and for bone tissue to build up (integrate) and anchor the device. In most cases, if you are having a tooth removed, we can remove and place the dental implant in one visit which eliminates the need for a second surgery!

After the surgery has taken place, post-operative instructions will be given to you and you will be scheduled a two week post-operative check. After this check we will see you back in the office periodically and take x-rays of the surgery site to ensure adequate healing (integration of the bone and implant) is taking place. The implant healing time is four to six months before we can permanently restore the tooth with a crown.