With today’s advanced options for missing teeth replacement, the negative effects of missing teeth can be resolved with extraordinary results. Losing a tooth can affect you in several ways. Your confidence in your overall appearance may diminish and you may start to lose bone density in the jaw where you lost the tooth. Previously, dentistry had only a few answers for tooth loss. With dental implants, we can correct or prevent these risks to your appearance and oral health utilizing a solution that is so natural you may even forget it is synthetic.
For many patients, our office can perform the entire dental implant procedure right here under one roof, without having to refer out to another practice. Regain full function, a great smile, and the zest of youth with a dental implant from our dentists at Smile for Life Dental!
A dental implant is a restorative option designed to replace a missing tooth with results that mimic the function, form, and feel of a natural tooth. Composed of a durable titanium material, the implant post is anchored to the jawbone. Over time, the post should fuse to the bone during a process called osseointegration and essentially become a part of the mouth, serving as the new tooth “root.” A custom crown is then securely placed on top of the implant post, making it virtually indistinguishable from a natural tooth. Dental implants are so successful for the vast majority of implant candidates because they are firmly placed into the bone. This bond creates the firmest, most secure base of any tooth replacement option.
Dental implants offer numerous benefits for patients who would like to replace a single missing tooth, several missing teeth, or even full rows of missing teeth. Here are a few reasons why dental implants are known as one of the best options for missing teeth replacement:
Dental implants can be an effective treatment on its own, or as part of a customized full mouth rehabilitation to address numerous functional and aesthetic dental concerns. We can help you rebuild your smile with truly life-changing results!
Tammy recently had her first dental implant installed with us. Prior to visiting our practice, she did not know what to expect and was scared of any pain or discomfort she may experience during the procedure, as many patients are. She shares her dental implant experience in her own words below:
“When I came in for my appointment, the team at Smile for Life Dental made me feel so comfortable and took the time to answer every little question I had, explaining every detail so I had no surprises. During the procedure I was shocked when I felt absolutely nothing – no pain at all! And what was even more amazing to me was that after the procedure I had no discomfort either. I felt so comfortable and so safe the whole time. I was amazed they were able to place a new implant tooth in my jaw without any pain. I’m so happy and wish I would have done it earlier! I have tears in my eyes just thinking about how genuine everyone is in that office. You can’t fake that type of care. I felt like my very best girlfriend was taking care of me every step of the way. Thank you for giving me my beautiful smile back and holding my hand along the way.”
“When I came in for my appointment, the team at Smile for Life Dental made me feel so comfortable and took the time to answer every little question I had, explaining every detail so I had no surprises. During the procedure I was shocked when I felt absolutely nothing – no pain at all! And what was even more amazing to me was that after the procedure I had no discomfort either. I felt so comfortable and so safe the whole time.
I was amazed they were able to place a new implant tooth in my jaw without any pain. I’m so happy and wish I would have done it earlier! I have tears in my eyes just thinking about how genuine everyone is in that office. You can’t fake that type of care. I felt like my very best girlfriend was taking care of me every step of the way.
Thank you for giving me my beautiful smile back and holding my hand along the way.”
Thanks to a variety of advances made in the field of implant dentistry over the years, more people than ever may qualify as candidates for dental implants. Individuals who have missing teeth and who have a sufficient amount of bone density in the area targeted for treatment often meet the initial requirements for this procedure. Adequate jawbone density is necessary for the implant post to successfully fuse to the bone. For patients who do not meet this requirement, a bone grafting procedure may be recommended, which can enhance jawbone density and properly prepare the jaw for a dental implant. Good candidates for dental implants are also those who are in general good health and are free of certain medical conditions which may affect the healing process. Individuals currently suffering from periodontal (gum) disease will need to have the condition treated prior to implantation.
Our dentist will thoroughly examine your oral structures during the initial consultation and determine whether a dental implant procedure is right for your needs. Our practice offers both dental implants and implant dentures as restorative options that can replace missing teeth with exemplary results.
Fortunately, there are many different types of dental implants from which to choose, allowing patients a selection of options when it comes to these treatments. These options include:
A single dental implant can be a very effective method of replacing just one missing tooth in any location of the mouth. Not only can this be ideal for aesthetic improvement, but also as a way to prevent bone loss and other oral health concerns.
These types of implants consist of 3 parts: an implant post that is inserted into the jawbone, an abutment, and a high-quality dental crown .
A multi-tooth implant restoration, such as an implant bridge or partial denture, can be a good option for individuals who are missing two or more teeth in specific areas of the mouth. Dental implants can also be effective for the replacement of an entire row of teeth. Restoring multiple missing teeth with dental implants can help patients dramatically improve oral function, as well as chewing and speaking abilities. Plus, they can provide significant rejuvenation of smile aesthetics.
For patients who are missing all of their teeth on the upper and/or lower jaws, implant dentures may serve as the best possible option. This treatment can also be ideal for patients who cannot replace each missing tooth with a dental implant. Implant dentures, also known as “implant-supported dentures,” are designed to replace full sets of missing teeth by combining a select number of implants with a custom denture. The implants are placed in strategic areas where the teeth are missing in order to serve as a durable, secure foundation for the denture, preventing it from slipping and yielding results that look and feel more like natural teeth.
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Our dentist can talk more with you about the dental implant options that are right for your needs once he has examined you during the initial consultation.
Smile for Life Dental can provide many patients with comprehensive dental implant procedures right here at our practice. Our dentist will develop your customized treatment plan based on high-resolution x-rays and digital mapping systems that can identify the precise location where the implant will be placed. This, combined with the skills and experience of our implant dentist, allows for the best possible fit and appearance for the implant and crown. The implant will be surgically inserted into the gum and anchored to the jawbone. Over the next several months, the osseointegration process should result in a strong fusion between the implant and the bone. A temporary crown can often be placed during this period. Once the implant has sufficiently fused to the bone, a more permanent, custom-designed crown will be affixed to the top of the implant post. With a final polish, the procedure is complete and you should have a beautiful new smile to go along with enhanced dental function!
Since dental implants are specifically designed to become a permanent part of your mouth, the results can last a lifetime. With that in mind, proper at-home care and regular dental check-ups are key to maintaining the best possible results for many years to come.
Some patients may not be ideal candidates for dental implants, and others may simply wish to consider other options for missing teeth replacement. For those who have multiple missing teeth and do not have an adequate amount of bone density to replace each tooth with an implant, an implant denture may serve as the best alternative. Implant dentures can be particularly beneficial for patients who are missing entire rows of teeth on one or both dental arches. For individuals missing one or several teeth that are adjacent to each other, a dental bridge may be the ideal dental implant alternative. Bridges have been standard missing teeth replacement procedures for many years, and can be an effective choice for the right patient. Complete or partial dentures are also options that can be explored for patients who are looking for alternatives to dental implants. Our doctor can discuss all options with you and help you decide on which treatment is the most suitable for your unique needs and goals.
It is important to note that dental implant procedures are fully customized for each individual; therefore, the total cost of treatment varies widely from patient to patient. Price components that will be factored into the cost of dental implant procedures include the number of implants being placed, the overall complexity of the treatment, whether any additional procedures—such as bone grafting or others—will be necessary to prepare the treatment site for the implant, laboratory and materials fees, and other associated expenses.
Once our dentist has developed your personalized dental implant treatment plan during the initial consultation, a member of our team will calculate a total cost estimate that includes all price components and go over it with you. Smile for Life Dental accepts a comprehensive array of payment methods, and we work with CareCredit®, a dental financing company that offers convenient low- to no-interest monthly payment plans for qualified applicants. We look forward to helping you find the most budget-friendly way to pay for your dental implant procedure.
Choosing an implant dentist is an important decision to make. While there is an abundant number of dentists who perform dental implants, not all of them have the capability of creating implants that are durable and natural-looking. Here are some key things you can research to help find the best implant dentist for you:
We also highly recommend that you schedule an in-person or virtual consultation with your prospective dentist to ensure that you feel comfortable and confident in their care. Ultimately, a great implant dentist attentively listens to your needs and understands your smile goals.
The time involved in the dental implant process can vary depending on a patient’s treatment plan. It may take multiple stages and visits to our office to complete the procedure. Preliminary work, such as tooth extractions or bone grafting, may require a three- to six-month delay before implants can be placed to ensure the treatment areas are sufficiently healed and prepared for the implant stage. Once you are ready for the next phase of treatment, dental implant posts can be surgically placed into the gum tissue and anchored to the jawbone. At this point, the implants need to fuse to the jawbone (osseointegration), which can take about two to six months. Temporary crowns are usually placed during the osseointegration process to help with the comfort and appearance of the implants. Once the implant and jawbone are properly integrated, a permanent crown can be securely affixed to the top of the implant post for the final result. During your initial consultation, Dr. Lodding can discuss your recommended treatment plan and the approximate time the process may take.
Patients can expect a certain level of soreness, swelling, and residual bleeding in the treatment areas during recovery from the dental implant procedure. These effects should fade over the next few days, and any discomfort can usually be well managed with oral medication. Our dental team will provide a detailed guide with recovery instructions to help you make sure you are healing as safely and comfortably as possible.
Our dentists utilize state-of-the-art planning technology and meticulous placement techniques to maximize the safety of dental implant procedures. It is important to understand that dental implant placement is a procedure that requires oral surgery, and all types of surgery carry some degree of risk. Fortunately, our doctors are committed to taking the utmost precautions in order to diminish the risk of implant failure or other rare complications that may result from this procedure. Patients can also minimize the potential for complications by closely adhering to post-operative instructions designed to ensure a smooth, effective healing process and a successful treatment outcome.
The dental implant procedure will be designed to make sure you are as comfortable as possible throughout. In many cases, the use of a local anesthetic in the treatment area may be all that’s required to ensure maximum comfort. In others, patients may wish to add sedation dentistry techniques so they can experience an even greater degree of relaxation while the implants are placed.
The answer to this question is ultimately dependent on each individual patient’s specific dental insurance policy. Some insurance companies offer at least partial coverage for these types of procedures, while others may categorize dental implants as an elective treatment. We will be happy to assist you with determining whether your insurance policy includes dental implants as a covered benefit.
The process of cleaning dental implants is virtually the same as taking care of natural teeth. Brushing at least twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and undergoing routine check-ups and dental cleanings can help your dental implants last as long as possible. Your dentist may have additional recommendations on items to use, such as a specific mouthwash or specialized tools, that can help maintain the quality of your implants.
In the long-term, there are virtually no dietary restrictions necessary for dental implants. Just after they have been placed, patients will need to be on a soft-food diet for a few days so as not to disrupt the healing process. Once the areas have adequately healed, most individuals are free to enjoy the foods they like; however, it’s important to exercise caution when biting down on hard foods, just like you would when using your natural teeth. This can help prevent any breaks or excessive wear on the custom crowns fitted to the top of the implants.
Smoking has been linked to numerous negative oral health outcomes, including an increased risk of implant failure. Implant failure occurs when the implanted post fails to properly fuse with the jawbone, resulting in an unstable restoration. This is typically caused by infection or a lack of adequate jawbone density. Smoking restricts blood flow to the gums, increasing the risk of infection while also inhibiting the healing process. To ensure the highest probability of implant success, patients are advised to avoid smoking for at least one month before and three months after their dental implant procedure.
Dental implants are designed to replace the entire tooth structure, including the root and tooth body. As a result, they typically feel quite natural. Some patients even report not being able to distinguish between their natural teeth and their dental implants.
When placed by a qualified dentist or prosthodontist, dental implants are quite successful. That said, it is important to follow all of your dentist’s instructions regarding aftercare to give yourself the highest possible chance of implant success. Implant failure most commonly occurs as a result of infection, so refraining from smoking, maintaining proper hydration and nutrition, and practicing good oral hygiene habits are all important parts of implant aftercare.
The number of dental implants an individual requires will depend on their oral health needs. A single-tooth implant is designed to replace the entirety of one missing tooth. That said, for patients with consecutive missing teeth or even full arches of missing teeth, multi-tooth restorations and implant dentures can often be supported using just a few dental implants. The All-on-4® implant denture system is designed to replace an entire dental arch using just four dental implant posts.
Do you have additional questions about dental implants? Please don’t hesitate to contact Smile for Life Dental for more information, or to schedule a consultation.