Dental Implants
Utilizing the latest advancements in dental procedures and technology, dental implants have become the optimal solution for restoring your missing teeth, delivering both aesthetic appeal and functionality.
Implanted teeth are firmly attached within your mouth, unlike removable dentures, providing a level of comfort and functionality closely resembling natural teeth. They not only enhance your chewing ability, facilitating a more nutritious diet, but also help prevent potential dental issues, including the progressive bone loss in the jaw linked with missing teeth.
The standout advantage of implants over dentures is their permanence. Unlike removable dentures, implants don’t require messy adhesives or hinder speech and eating with removable parts. Being permanent, implants always maintain a perfect fit, as opposed to dentures which may need adjustments or replacements over time.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are synthetic substitutes for natural teeth. The implants, artificial tooth roots made from titanium, are secured within the gum and jawbone. The screw-like design of the implant aids in stability by increasing the surface area for your bone to integrate with, a process known as osseointegration. Replacement teeth, or crowns, are then permanently attached to these metal implants. This can significantly improve your appearance, enhance your self-confidence, and enable clearer speech than with missing teeth or poorly fitting dentures.
What are the Quality of Life Benefits?
Besides supporting your nutrition, dental implants remove dietary restrictions, potentially lifting your spirits. Individuals with dental implants are usually able to enjoy all the same foods as those with natural teeth.
Equally exciting may be the prospect of a radiant smile. If you’ve been living with missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures, it’s likely you’ve been hiding your smile or avoiding smiling altogether. Many patients report a surge in confidence and a newfound enthusiasm for smiling after receiving dental implants.
Some patients also notice an improvement in facial aesthetics. With your new implants, your jaws will align correctly, giving your face a more balanced and often more youthful appearance.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
Depending on your health status and the type and number of implants required, the procedure can span from a single day to several months.
Generally, when only one or a few implants are being placed, the initial phase involves positioning the implant within the jawbone and allowing healing time. The procedure itself takes 1-2 hours, with a healing time of 3-6 months. Once the dentist is convinced that the implant has securely integrated, the crown (i.e., the artificial tooth) is attached to the implant. This usually requires one or two visits.
For patients replacing all their teeth simultaneously, it is possible to have implants and prosthetic teeth placed in a single day, though the overall healing time is typically about the same (3 months).
How Long Do Implants Last?
With proper care, similar to natural teeth, dental implants can last a lifetime. To ensure the longevity of your implants, it is crucial to follow all post-procedure instructions from your dentist. If you experience prolonged pain or discomfort following your procedure, please contact us immediately.
Can Anyone Get Implants?
Not all patients are suitable for dental implants. In general, you need to be in good overall and oral health to qualify for implants. Those undergoing cancer treatment, or those with uncontrolled diabetes or periodontal (gum) disease , may not be eligible for dental implants. These conditions can affect the secure placement of the dental implant into your jaw bone and can also impact post-operative outcomes. During your dental implant treatment plan creation, the dentist will evaluate all relevant health factors and provide you with appropriate advice.
What Are Mini Dental Implants?
Mini implants might be an option for those who may not qualify for standard implants due to bone loss. As their name suggests, mini implants are smaller than their standard counterparts and require less bone space for installation. They are used to secure a more advanced type of dentures or partial dentures. These dentures offer superior stability than standard dentures as they clip onto the mini implants instead of relying on adhesives. Patients with implant-supported dentures often find they can eat many foods that standard dentures would prevent.
Additionally, mini dental implants can be a more cost-effective option for full-mouth restoration compared to a complete set of standard dental implants. A consultation with the dentist is necessary to determine if mini implants are a suitable option for you.
What Kind of Care Do Implants Require?
Implants are cared for similarly to natural teeth: brush them for two minutes twice a day or after meals, and floss daily. With the right oral hygiene, your implants can provide a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.
How Much Do Implants Cost?
Although dental implants are a permanent solution and don’t require adjustments, refits, or replacements, making them more cost-effective in the long run compared to bridges or dentures. Costs can vary significantly depending on your specific dental condition and the recommended dental plan. While the initial cost may seem high, a permanent tooth replacement solution like implants can result in lower dental care costs in the future. They’re an excellent long-term investment in your oral health. If you’re interested in dental implants but have concerns about the cost, we encourage you to discuss your financial options with us.
How Are Implants Better Than Bridges?
One key advantage of implants over bridges for replacing missing teeth is that they don’t rely on the surrounding healthy teeth for support. Bridges require reshaping of the adjacent healthy teeth to replace the missing tooth between them. This process can increase the risk of decay in the supporting teeth, while a standalone implant does not pose this risk.