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Dental Implants
Dental implants are the top choice for tooth replacement by dentists worldwide. They are more expensive than a dental bridge or full dentures, but it’s an investment worth exploring and discussing with us.
They are strong and durable; dental implants can last forever if cared for properly. Implants are also great because they help retain the jaw structure after losing a tooth, so dental implants mimic our natural teeth. If you’re thinking about getting dentures, partials, or a dental implant, a dental implant is the best choice, but also the most expensive.
Watch a testimony from one of Hale Dental’s very own patient who got an implant.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a screw-like structure that is placed into the jawbone to act as a tooth replacement with an artificial tooth attached to it. It is made of dental-safe metals and ceramics; titanium being the preferred implant metal, but many types are safe to use. The dental implant acts as an anchor to hold a fabricated tooth in place. Getting an implant placed is a surgical procedure that is typically done by an oral surgeon or qualified general dentist who is specifically trained in placing dental implants.
Types of Dental Implants
There are many kinds of dental implants: Single-Tooth Implants, Complete Denture Implant, Upper-Denture Implants, Lower Denture-Implants, Implant Bridge, and even Mini Implants.
- Single-Tooth Implant
- Implant Dentures
- Implant Bridge
- Mini Dental Implants
Single-Tooth Implant
This is a tooth replacement for one tooth that is missing or in need of removal. A single implant can drastically improve the functionality of your smile, and also restore your confidence, too! Implants may be needed for many reasons such as trauma, tooth decay, failed root canal, cracked or broken teeth, and more. Find out if a single dental implant is right for you and call our office today!
Implant Dentures
Your smile can light up a room when you invest in implant dentures. If you are missing many natural teeth or your current teeth are in need of extraction, then implant-supported dentures or implant-retained dentures may be a good option for you. Unlike conventional dentures, implant dentures are the closest thing you can get to feeling and looking like natural teeth.
Depending on your oral health, jaw bone health, and dental hygiene, one type of implant denture may be recommended over another. It’s best to discuss these options with your dentist. You will see a noticeable difference in how you eat and how you smile with a denture implant.
Implant Bridge
A dental implant bridge is a permanent solution for missing teeth that are adjacent to each other. A bridge is made up of two dental implants that are placed at either end of the gap in your teeth, with a false tooth in between. The bridge is permanently attached to the implants. This type of bridge is for people with two or more missing teeth.
This is different from a standard dental bridge because it uses a screw retained in the bone of the jaw to hold the fabricated teeth.
Mini Dental Implants
Mini dental implants are a newer type of implant that is smaller in size and can be placed in areas where there is not a lot of jawbone. They are made of titanium and are less invasive than traditional dental implants. Mini dental implants are often used to secure dentures and can be a more affordable option for those who are not candidates otherwise.
Process of Getting a Dental Implant
- There are three phases in the dental implant process: consultation, implant placement, and crown and abutment placement.
- Implants are placed in the jawbone and can take up to six months to heal.
- After healing, a crown is placed on the implant, which is indistinguishable from a natural tooth.
The process of getting dental implants which can span anywhere from a few months to more than six months depending on your unique situation. At the first step, the dentist will start off with a consultation at which they will determine whether you are a good candidate.
The second phase is the implant placement, and the final phase is a dental implant crown placement with abutment. During the consultation, the dentist will assess whether dental implants are the best option for you. If you choose to move forward with dental implants, the next step is implant placement.
Dental implant placement usually takes place in an outpatient setting, and patients can typically go home the same day. The implant will be placed in your jawbone during this procedure. Recovery from the procedure usually takes several weeks, during which time the dental implant will fuse with the jawbone. Once healed, the dental implant will provide a sturdy and long-lasting base for a durable and natural-looking tooth replacement.
Once the implant heals, the third step is a crown and abutment placement. The abutment is a connector piece that attaches the dental implant to the dental implant crown, which is the portion that imitates the tooth. Once the abutment is healed, the dental implant crown will be placed next. This will resemble the natural tooth, and it is often hard to distinguish it from the rest of your teeth!
Bone Structure & Gum Disease
It is important to have a healthy amount of jaw bone so that the implant has enough structure to secure into. When any number of these issues occur, it is possible that the implant will become unstable or mobile (loose), and can fail. Ensuring that not only your gum health but also overall health is in line will lead to a positive outcome and healing process with your implant. Those with gum disease may not be a good fit for dental implants.
People who can have a dental implant are those who have a healthy amount of jawbone, good oral care habits, and no ongoing health issues. If you smoke tobacco, it is important to quit before undergoing implant surgery as smoking can affect the healing process. If you are unsure if you are a good candidate for a dental implant, consult with a dentist.
- People who have a healthy amount of jawbone
- Good oral care habits
- No ongoing health issues
- Smokers should quit before surgery
Dental Implants at Hale Family Dentistry
Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth. The process of getting a dental implant involves consultation, implant placement, and crown and abutment placement. Implants are placed in the jawbone and can take up to six months to heal. Being satisfied with your smile is an important step to feeling better about yourself. Gain your confidence back with a dental implant and start loving your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of a dental implant can vary depending on the location and type of implant. Generally, dental implants are more expensive than other tooth replacement options, such as dentures or bridges. Many insurance providers do not cover the cost of dental implants, but there are financing options available to help make the procedure more affordable.
It is important to take care of your dental implants just like you would take care of your natural teeth. We know flossing is a vital portion of our everyday oral routine, however, interdental cleaning of your implant is even more important to guarantee the health and success of your dental implant.
The dentist may recommend a special floss or toothbrush to use, or mouth rinse to help prevent bacteria build up around your new implant. One especially helpful tool is the water flosser. When properly used, this tool can reach beneath the gum line to remove harmful bacteria that floss cannot always reach. In turn, the removal of this bacteria can help prevent gum issues and diseases around the implant, which is called peri-implantitis.
Dental implants are an investment and something that you want to last as long as possible. In order for it to function properly and be successful, certain things may need to be taken into consideration. When the dentist talks with you about the potential of your implant, they will most likely ask you questions regarding your at-home oral care and habits.
One thing that can affect implant success is smoking tobacco. Smoking has consequences on your health that affect the healing process and can cause a dental implant to fail. Like an organ transplant, your body has to accept the dental implant and allow it to grow with the implant so it can become a sturdy, combined structure.
