What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small metal screw designed to replace a missing tooth. During a brief surgical procedure, your dentist places the implant into the bone beneath your gums exactly where the tooth should be. Acting like a natural tooth root, the implant provides a sturdy foundation for a restoration, such as a dental crown, ensuring it looks and feels just like a real tooth.
Deciding to get dental implants is a significant step. You might be interested in implants but unsure of what to expect. We provide comprehensive explanations here to help you make an informed decision about your dental treatment.
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Why You Might Need Dental Implants
Your natural teeth are essential for maintaining the height and shape of your smile, as well as enabling you to eat and speak comfortably. However, when a tooth is lost, it can create a gap that allows neighboring teeth to drift out of their healthy, functional alignment. This misalignment increases the risk of developing oral health problems and can negatively affect your oral health, facial appearance, and overall quality of life.
Additionally, missing teeth lead to bone resorption—a natural process where your body breaks down non-essential bone tissue to repurpose minerals elsewhere. Teeth stimulate the jawbone by exerting pressure against it, promoting the production of new bone tissue. Once those teeth are gone, the bone tissue no longer serves this purpose and gradually dissolves away. The result is a shortened jaw and chin, which can cause wrinkles and give your cheeks and lips a sunken appearance.
Dental implants offer a highly effective solution, second only to having natural teeth. By replacing lost teeth with implants, you can prevent or correct the issues mentioned above, preserving both the health and appearance of your smile.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Losing a tooth can be truly disheartening. A missing tooth may lead to feelings of self-consciousness about your smile and can result in various health issues. Gaps can create an uncomfortable bite, make it difficult to enjoy your favorite foods, and may contribute to bone loss or shifting of adjacent teeth.
- Restore Your Natural Appearance – Dental implants are designed to look and feel just like your natural teeth. They serve as permanent, “perfect” replacements that are custom-made to seamlessly blend with your existing smile. Implants achieve a natural appearance by being precisely sized, shaped, and colored to match your unique bite and the color of your natural enamel.
- Feel Confident in Your Comfort – When a dental implant is placed, your jawbone fuses with the titanium post during the healing process. Whether a crown or bridge is permanently attached to the post, or implant-supported dentures are used, the result is a stable and secure restoration. This means your dental implant remains firmly in place, allowing you to laugh, smile, and enjoy your favorite foods without worrying about shifting teeth or unexpected pain.
- Improve Bone Strength – The loss of teeth can lead to the gradual weakening and atrophy of the bone that once supported them. Dental implants help counteract this by stimulating new bone growth around the implant, thereby strengthening the bone structure and preventing further deterioration.
Dental implants offer a long-term solution that feels natural and can last for decades with proper oral hygiene and care.
Dental Implant Restorations
A restoration serves as the “false tooth” that covers the implant. While the implant itself remains hidden when you smile, the restoration creates the appearance of a new tooth.
- Dental Crown: This is the most common implant restoration, designed to cover a single-tooth implant. The dental crown mimics the look and function of a natural tooth, seamlessly blending with your existing smile.
- Dental Bridge: Dental bridges are used to span gaps where multiple teeth in a row are missing. By supporting the bridge with one or two implants, you can replace several teeth at once. For a complete restoration, an entire arch of upper or lower teeth can be reconstructed using a full implant-supported bridge anchored to four or more implants.
- Implant Denture: Enhance the stability of removable dentures by attaching them to two small implants. This method provides a more secure and comfortable fit compared to traditional removable dentures, improving both functionality and confidence.
Dental implant restorations offer versatile solutions for varying degrees of tooth loss, effectively restoring both the appearance and functionality of your smile.
A New Life with Dental Implants Awaits!
Your smile won’t just change after getting a dental implant—it will become significantly better.
Dental implants are easy to maintain and care for. Gently brush and floss your implant daily, and protect it from injury while participating in sports. Additionally, schedule regular checkups so we can ensure your implant remains healthy.
In return, your dental implant can reward you with many years of strong, happy, and beautiful smiles!
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How It Feels
Although the idea of inserting a metal implant into your jawbone might seem daunting, the actual procedure is much more comfortable than you might anticipate.
To ensure a painless experience during surgery, we administer a mild anesthetic to numb your mouth. Utilizing advanced dental technology, we can place implants swiftly, precisely, and conservatively, resulting in reduced discomfort and minimal downtime during your recovery.
Many patients find the implant placement procedure surprisingly comfortable, with some even feeling bored or sleepy during the brief half-hour appointment. The most noticeable discomfort you may experience is having to keep your mouth open for short periods, but this is typically the only minor inconvenience.
Post-procedure, it’s normal to experience some swelling, mild discomfort, and occasional bruising in the hours following the surgery. However, any pain is usually mild and easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. We provide you with detailed instructions to help alleviate any discomfort as the anesthetic wears off. Typically, your surgical site should begin to feel better within a week.
Additionally, dental implants boast an impressive success rate of nearly 95%, making them one of the safest and most reliable procedures in dentistry. Rest assured, we prioritize your comfort and safety throughout the dental implant process, ensuring a positive and successful outcome.
What to Expect on Your Dental Implant Treatment Journey
The process of placing a dental implant is often more comfortable than you might anticipate.
Assessment
Your journey begins with a comprehensive dental implant consultation to determine if implants are suitable for you. During this initial visit, your dentist will perform X-rays and a 3D cone-beam CT scan of your jaw to assess the bone structure and devise your treatment plan. Additionally, the dental team will take scans or impressions of your teeth to accurately plan the angle and placement of your implant.
Inserting the Implant
To ensure a pain-free procedure, we administer a local anesthetic to numb the surgical area completely. The dentist will then create a small incision in your gums and bone to place the implant post securely into the jawbone. In some cases, sutures may be necessary to close the gums, though this is not always required.
Finalizing the Restoration
After the implant is placed, you’ll return home to allow it to integrate with your jawbone over the next few months. Once healing is complete, you’ll come back to our practice for the final step. At this appointment, your dental restoration—such as a crown, bridge, or denture—will be fitted and attached to the implant. You will leave our office with a brand-new, fully functional tooth, completing your dental implant journey.
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to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Cost of Dental Implants in St. Thomas
In St. Thomas, the price for a single dental implant generally ranges from $3,000 to $6,000 or more. For comprehensive full-mouth reconstructive procedures, costs can vary significantly, typically between $6,000 and $60,000 and beyond. A complete set of implant-supported dentures usually averages around $30,000. It’s important to remember that no dental practice can provide an exact quote over the phone, as the dental implant procedure is highly intricate and depends on numerous factors unique to each individual.
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How is the Cost of Dental Implant Surgery Determined? Several key factors influence the final cost of dental implant surgery:
- Type and Number of Implants Needed: The specific type and quantity of implants required for your situation significantly affect the overall cost.
- Materials and Supplies Used: The quality and type of materials, including the implant itself and the restoration, contribute to the total expense.
- Experience of the Dental Team: The expertise and experience of the dental professionals involved in your treatment play a role in determining the cost.
- Location and Complexity of Surgery: The geographic location of the practice and the complexity of the surgical procedure are important factors in pricing.
- Recovery Time and Follow-Up Care: The duration of your recovery period and any necessary follow-up appointments also influence the overall expense.
Every case is unique, making it essential to consult with a dentist and undergo an oral examination to evaluate your specific needs. This allows us to provide you with various treatment options and a more accurate quote tailored to your circumstances.
Are There Other Solutions for Missing Teeth?
Gaps caused by one to three missing teeth can sometimes be repaired with a dental bridge. When multiple teeth are missing on the top or bottom, or when the entire mouth requires restoration, dental prosthetics or removable dentures may be utilized. When comparing the cost of dental implants to other tooth-replacement options, it is important to consider the pros and cons of each.
While dental implants may require a higher initial investment, they offer greater stability and longevity compared to bridges or dentures. Removable dental prosthetics necessitate different care and maintenance and may need adjustments or replacements as you age. In contrast, dental implants are maintained like natural teeth with routine oral hygiene at home and regular dental check-ups. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a valuable long-term investment in your oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely no one needs to know that your implants are not natural teeth. While dental implants are made of metal screws, they are hidden beneath your gums and covered with lifelike restorations that blend seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
Dentures and implants are distinct options that function differently. Dentures rest on your gums and press against the underlying bone tissue, whereas implants are securely fixed below the gums, strengthening your bite. Each tooth replacement option has its own set of pros and cons. We recommend visiting us in person to determine which treatment is best suited for your needs.
For patients who are not ideal candidates for dental implants, alternatives such as dental bridges and full or partial dentures may be the best options for replacing missing teeth. To explore the solutions that best fit your specific needs, call and book an appointment. We would be happy to discuss all your options and answer any specific questions you may have.
To receive a dental implant, you must be an adult with good general oral health. Your jawbone needs to be strong enough to support the new implant, and your gums should be healthy to minimize the risk of complications. If you’re unsure whether you’re a viable candidate, give us a call to find out. There are usually treatment options available to restore your oral health with the goal of obtaining a dental implant, and alternative solutions are often available for replacing missing teeth.
Yes! Your dental implant will be topped with a crown, bridge, or implant-supported dentures that are custom-made to ensure comfort and a natural appearance. This means your new teeth are shaped and colored to match your existing teeth and bite. Patients often find it difficult to distinguish their natural teeth from their beautiful new dental implants.
The science of dental implants has advanced rapidly, making the procedure highly predictable and relatively pain-free. The dental implant process is performed with such care and precision that you’ll experience minimal discomfort. With proper aftercare, you can expect only slight swelling and almost no bleeding. Your physical and emotional well-being are important to us, so if you feel anxious about the procedure for any reason, please let us know.
In most cases, you can return to work the day after your implant surgery. Once we have a clear understanding of your specific treatment, we can provide a more accurate timeline and inform you if you need to take additional time off. We always discuss all post-operative care instructions with you to ensure a smooth recovery.
The success of your implants largely depends on how well you maintain them. They require professional cleaning and routine examinations, just like your natural teeth. We typically recommend a check-up approximately every six months, though this may vary based on your specific needs.
Care for your dental implants just like you would care for your natural teeth. This includes regular brushing and flossing, routine cleanings, and scheduling checkups with your dentist. Inform your doctor immediately if you encounter any issues to ensure the longevity and health of your implants.
No, dental implants do not need to be routinely replaced. Once you receive a dental implant, it is designed to remain with you for a very long time, often lasting a lifetime with proper care and maintenance.
