What Are Dental Implants?
Inserted into the bone beneath your gums where a tooth is missing, dental implants are metal screws that act as artificial tooth roots. The implant is then topped with a dental crown or another restoration to mimic the look and feel of a natural tooth. This brief surgical procedure is performed by a dentist.
Considering dental implants can be a major decision. If you’re unsure about what the process entails, we’ve detailed everything here to help you understand and make a well-informed choice about your dental care.
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Why You Might Need Dental Implants
Your natural teeth maintain the structure and appearance of your smile, while also enabling you to eat and speak with ease.
Losing just one tooth can set off a chain reaction that affects your mouth, face, and overall quality of life. When there’s a gap in your smile, it can cause your other teeth to shift out of alignment, leading to potential oral health problems. These changes can negatively impact both the functionality of your teeth and the appearance of your face.
Bone resorption is inevitable, even if you don’t notice the immediate effects of missing teeth. During this natural process, your body dismantles unnecessary bone tissue to repurpose the minerals for other uses.
When teeth are present, they stimulate the jawbone, promoting new bone growth. Without teeth, this bone tissue becomes redundant and gradually deteriorates. Consequently, the jaw and chin shorten, leading to wrinkles and a sunken look in the cheeks and lips.
You can avoid or fix the issues mentioned above by opting for dental implants to replace missing teeth. Implants are the closest alternative to having natural teeth.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Losing a tooth can have far-reaching effects. It can diminish your confidence, disrupt your bite, and make eating your favorite foods difficult. Additionally, the absence of a tooth can lead to bone deterioration and cause your remaining teeth to shift out of alignment, potentially resulting in further oral health issues.
- Restore Your Natural Appearance – Designed to mimic your natural teeth, dental implants become permanent fixtures in your mouth. They are custom-made to seamlessly blend with your smile, matching the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth, making them look completely authentic.
- Feel Confident in Your Comfort – As your jawbone heals, it fuses with the titanium post of the dental implant. This stability allows a crown, bridge, or implant-supported denture to be securely attached. You can enjoy laughing, smiling, and eating your favorite foods without the worry of shifting teeth or unexpected pain.
- Improve Bone Strength – When teeth are missing, the supporting bone can deteriorate over time. Dental implants promote new bone growth around the implant, strengthening and preserving the bone structure.
Dental implants are a long-lasting solution that can endure for decades with good oral hygiene. They feel natural and provide a permanent replacement for missing teeth, blending seamlessly with your existing teeth and maintaining your smile’s appearance. With proper care, implants offer a reliable and durable option for restoring dental function and aesthetics.
Dental Implant Restorations
The restoration is the artificial tooth placed over the implant. While the implant remains hidden beneath the gums, the restoration is what you see, giving the appearance of a complete, natural tooth.
- Dental Crown – Covering a single-tooth implant, this is the most frequently used type of implant restoration.
- Dental Bridge – Perfect for filling the gap left by multiple missing teeth in a row, a bridge can be supported by just one or two implants. For an entire arch of upper or lower teeth, a full implant-supported bridge can be anchored by four or more implants.
- Implant Denture – To enhance stability, a removable denture can be securely clipped onto two small implants, providing a firmer fit.
A New Life With Dental Implants Awaits!
Your smile will be transformed with a dental implant; it will be even better than before.
Maintaining and caring for dental implants is simple. Brush and floss your implant gently every day, and protect it from injury during sports activities. Regular checkups with us will ensure your implant remains in great condition.
With proper care, your dental implant can provide you with years of strong, confident, and beautiful smiles!
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How It Feels
While the thought of inserting a metal implant into your jawbone might seem daunting, the reality is far more comfortable than you’d expect.
We ensure a pain-free experience by numbing your mouth with a mild anesthetic. Thanks to advanced dental technology, the implant procedure is swift, precise, and minimally invasive, resulting in less discomfort and quicker recovery.
Some patients even find the brief half-hour procedure dull or relaxing, feeling sleepy or bored. The most challenging part may simply be keeping your mouth open for short periods.
Post-surgery, you might experience mild swelling, discomfort, and bruising. However, this pain is usually minor and easy to control. We’ll provide detailed instructions to help manage any discomfort as the anesthetic wears off. Within a week, your implant site should start to feel better.
Knowing that dental implants have a success rate of nearly 95% can offer peace of mind, as it’s one of the safest and most predictable dental procedures.
What to Expect on Your Dental Implant Treatment Journey
The process of placing a dental implant is far more comfortable than you might think.
Assessment
Your dental implant journey begins with a consultation to determine if implants are suitable for you. During this visit, your dentist will take X-rays and a 3D cone-beam CT scan of your jaw to assess the bone tissue and devise a treatment plan. Additionally, the dental team will create a scan or impression of your teeth to precisely determine the implant’s placement angle.
Inserting the Implant
To start, an anesthetic is used to numb the surgical area. The dentist then makes a small opening in your gums and jawbone to insert the implant post. Occasionally, stitches are required to close the gums, but this isn’t always necessary.
Finalizing the Restoration
After the implant is placed, you’ll go home and allow it to heal over the next few months. Once the healing process is complete, you’ll return to our practice where your custom dental restoration will be ready. We’ll attach the restoration, giving you a brand-new, fully functional tooth.
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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
For a single dental implant in Brownfield, you can expect to pay between $3,000 and $6,000 or more. Full-mouth reconstruction can range from $6,000 to over $60,000. The average cost for a complete set of implant-supported dentures is approximately $30,000. Please note that providing an exact quote over the phone is difficult due to the complexity of the procedure and individual-specific factors.
- The type and quantity of implants required.
- The materials and equipment utilized during the procedure.
- The expertise and experience of the dental team involved.
- The location and intricacy of the surgical process.
- Your individual recovery needs and ongoing care requirements.
The cost of dental implant surgery is influenced by several key factors:
Due to the uniqueness of each case, it’s essential to meet with a dentist and undergo an oral examination. This assessment enables us to evaluate your specific needs thoroughly and present various treatment options for you to consider. We’re here to provide a more precise quote tailored to your individual situation.
Are There Other Solutions for Missing Teeth?
A dental bridge can sometimes repair gaps caused by 1 to 3 missing teeth. For more extensive tooth loss, such as in the upper or lower jaw, or across the entire mouth, dental prosthetics or removable dentures may be necessary. When comparing the cost of dental implants with other tooth-replacement options, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons.
Dental implants may involve a higher initial cost, but they provide greater security and durability compared to bridges or dentures. Removable dental prosthetics require specific care and maintenance, including occasional adjustments or replacements over time. On the other hand, caring for a dental implant is similar to caring for natural teeth—regular oral hygiene at home and routine dental exams are typically sufficient. With proper maintenance, a dental implant can last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your dental implants will blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, making them virtually indistinguishable. Beneath your gums, metal screws secure lifelike restorations that integrate seamlessly into your smile.
When it comes to replacing teeth, dentures and implants each have their unique approach. Dentures rest on your gums, pressing down on the underlying bone, whereas implants anchor securely beneath your gums, enhancing your bite strength. Both options come with their own set of benefits and considerations. To find out which option suits you best, let’s sit down for a chat together.
If dental implants aren’t suitable for you, there are other options like dental bridges or full/partial dentures available for replacing missing teeth. To discover the best solution for your unique needs, give us a call to schedule an appointment. We’re eager to explore all options with you and answer any specific questions you may have.
Curious about dental implants? Generally, they’re suitable for adults with robust oral health. Your jawbone should be strong enough to support the implant, and your gums and surrounding tissues must be healthy to minimize any risks. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, reach out to us for a personalized assessment. We offer a range of treatment options designed to enhance your oral health, aiming to pave the way for potential dental implants or exploring alternative solutions for replacing missing teeth.
Your dental implants, whether capped with a crown, bridge, or implant-supported dentures, are carefully designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. This ensures that the new teeth are shaped and colored to perfectly complement your existing teeth and bite. Patients often find it hard to distinguish their natural teeth from their well-matched dental implants.
Advancements in dental implants have made the procedure remarkably predictable and generally free of discomfort. Careful execution ensures minimal discomfort during each step. Afterward, with proper care, you can anticipate minimal swelling and little to no bleeding. We prioritize your physical comfort and emotional well-being throughout the process. If you have any concerns or anxiety about your visit, please feel free to discuss them with us.
Typically, patients can resume work within a day after their dental implant surgery. Once we finalize your treatment plan, we’ll provide a more precise timeframe and advise you in advance if additional recovery time is needed. Comprehensive post-operative care instructions will be thoroughly discussed with you to ensure a smooth recovery process.
Maintaining the success of your implants is crucial. Regular professional cleaning and examinations, similar to those for natural teeth, are essential. Typically, we advise check-ups every 6 months, but the frequency may vary based on your individual needs and circumstances.
To care for your dental implants, treat them like natural teeth. Practice regular brushing and flossing, attend scheduled cleanings and checkups, and promptly inform your dentist of any concerns or issues you may experience.
No, dental implants do not typically require regular replacement. Once placed, they are designed to be a permanent solution, intended to last for many years without needing replacement.
