What are dental implants and how do they work?
Dental implants are one of the most exciting new tooth replacement options available in dentistry today. Before implants, the primary options for replacing missing or broken teeth were bridges or dentures. While those options still work, dental implants offer a revolutionary solution. Essentially, dental implants are a restorative option that allows us to place a tooth where there was none before. The implant itself is inserted into your jawbone, taking the place of the tooth's root. Once the implant has stabilized and healed inside your jawbone, a crown is made to fit on top of it, effectively giving you a new tooth.
Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
To be a suitable candidate for dental implants, it's essential that your mouth is healthy to ensure the success of the implant. We want to give it the best chance to stay in your mouth for as long as possible. It's also crucial to maintain your overall health. This is why we ask patients about their recent doctor visits, checkups, and whether they have controlled any conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Ensuring that you're receiving the care you need outside the dental office is important for the success of the implant. Our goal is to make your smile as healthy, happy, and beautiful as possible while giving the implant the best chance to succeed.
I read online that there's things such as mini implants and full implants. Can you explain the difference?
Some dentists use mini implants as an alternative option for tooth replacement. Mini implants can be used to replace teeth and are often used to secure a full denture in place. Typically, dentists will place a minimum of four to five mini implants, which are screwed into the jawbone, and the denture is then attached to these implants. Compared to full implants, mini implants are smaller, narrower, and shorter, and they tend to be less expensive. However, mini implants generally have a shorter lifespan, averaging between five to eight years. Full implants, when done properly and in a healthy patient, can last between 10 to 30 years. Full implants also tend to be more aesthetically pleasing, especially for single-tooth replacements, compared to mini implants.
What is the dental implant process like from start to finish?
When considering dental implants, we first assess the patient's health and dental goals. We review their health history and determine whether dental implants are a suitable option. If the patient is healthy and motivated to maintain good oral hygiene, we evaluate the areas for implant placement to ensure there is enough bone and gum support. This involves a visual exam and imaging, such as x-rays and cone beam scans, to assess bone structure. Once everything is confirmed, we proceed with the implant placement surgery. The area is anesthetized, the implant is placed, and a cover screw protects the implant as it heals. If the implant is in a visible area, we provide a temporary denture or retainer to complete the smile. After several months, once the implant is stable, we create and attach the crown, allowing the patient to leave with a new tooth.
Okay, say I'm a good candidate. How long would a dental implant last me?
The average lifespan of a dental implant ranges from 10 to 30 years. This wide range depends largely on the individual patient's home care, including brushing, flossing, diet, and overall health. A healthy lifestyle contributes to the longevity of dental implants. Regular dental checkups, ideally twice a year, are also crucial to ensure the implant and oral health remain optimal. Maintaining a healthy mouth and body plays a significant role in the lifespan of dental implants.
What are dental implants and where are they recommended?
Dental implants are a technology that allows us to replace a missing tooth, whether it fell out, was broken, or if you weren't born with a tooth in that spot. They've been around for some time and have really skyrocketed in popularity in the last couple of decades. They're recommended in cases where we need to replace one, two, or even an entire mouthful of teeth.
What conditions might disqualify a person from getting dental implants?
Dental implants require healthy gums and jawbones to accept and support the implant. Therefore, medical conditions that get in the way of healing or make it hard for you to generate new bone or gum tissue might disqualify a person. Good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, and a healthy diet, are also necessary.
What are the benefits and risks of dental implants?
Dental implants need to be placed in a healthy mouth and maintained properly. The benefits of dental implants are that they can replace missing teeth and improve your smile and function. However, if the mouth is not healthy or the implants are not cared for properly, they may not last.
What are the different types of dental implants and dental implant procedures?
Dental implants can replace a single tooth or multiple teeth. They can also support a bridge or a denture, which can replace an entire mouth or arch of teeth. The procedure for placing an implant involves inserting the implant into the jawbone, letting it heal, and then attaching a crown or a false tooth.
How will a dentist decide if dental implants are right for me?
This decision depends on several factors, including your oral hygiene, the health of your gums and bone structures, your diet, and how well you take care of your teeth now. All of these factors help us determine if dental implants are a good treatment for you.
What are the steps to getting dental implants?
Dental implants require time for the procedure and healing. The implant is placed into your bone and a crown or false tooth is attached after it has healed. Sometimes dentures can also be attached to the implant. The whole process can take up to four to six months.
What options are available for artificial teeth?
An implant can support one tooth or multiple teeth. For multiple teeth, several implants are required. Implants can support a crown, a bridge, or a denture. Dentures can be made of either porcelain or plastic or acrylic.
What's the difference between removable versus fixed?
Implants can support fixed or removable restorations. Fixed restorations are attached to the implants and don't come out of your mouth regularly. Removable restorations, like dentures, can be taken in and out of your mouth for cleaning.
What are the options for materials and color?
The main materials for implant-supported dentures are plastic acrylic and porcelain ceramic. Plastic acrylic is more cost-effective but less durable, while porcelain ceramic is more durable and looks better but costs more.
How long does the dental implant procedure last?
The procedure can vary. Placing a single implant can take between one and a quarter to two hours. If multiple implants are being placed, the procedure can take up to two to two and a half hours.
Is the dental implant procedure painful?
We use local anesthesia to make the procedure comfortable for patients. There are also options for laughing gas, nitrous oxide, and oral conscious sedation to help you remain calm and comfortable during the procedure.
Will dental implants last for the rest of my life?
Dental implants can last 10 to 15 to 20 years on average, but this depends on your physical health and oral hygiene.
What are the costs and financing options involved with dental implants?
The cost of dental implants varies, usually between $1,500 and $2,500 per implant, depending on insurance and financing options. There can also be additional costs for the crown attached to the implant, a denture, or a bone graft if needed.
Do most insurance plans cover the cost of dental implants?
As dental implant procedures are growing in popularity, they are becoming more frequently covered by dental insurances. However, it depends on the individual insurance plan.
How can I schedule an appointment to talk to a dentist about dental implants?
You can call our office at 916-285-9678 or go onto our website at www.crowndentistry.net to get more information and schedule an appointment.
How lifelike do dental implants look?
Dental implants can be made to look extremely lifelike so that even your close friends and family won't notice that you have a dental implant. We use a combination of porcelain and ceramic restorations or crowns to achieve this.