What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small zirconia posts made to mimic teeth’s roots. Once surgically implanted into the jawbone, they fuse to form a solid foundation for the future restoration (i.e., crown, bridge, denture). The only tooth replacement solution capable of replacing the full root-to-crown structure, dental implants are the choice of millions of Americans who are no longer living with missing teeth.
The 4 Step Dental Implant Process
A dental implant provides a replacement for your tooth with three main parts – the post, abutment, and dental crown. This process provides a secure restoration from high-quality materials. There are four steps each patient must experience to receive exceptional results:
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Initial Consultation – The first step in getting a dental implant is a consultation with your implant dentist. The dentist will examine your smile, ensure you have sufficient jawbone to support the implant, and discuss the best treatment plan for you.
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Dental Implant Surgery – Depending on how many you need, the desired number of zirconia implants will be surgically placed into your jawbone.
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Osseointegration/Abutment – During a 3-6-month period, you will recover at home and allow osseointegration to occur, which is the fusing of the implants and bone.
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Delivery of Final Restoration – The last step is receiving your customized crown, bridge, or denture.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Replacing a missing tooth can keep other teeth from shifting out of place, make chewing easier and help you sustain the shape of your jawbone. When teeth are missing, your jawbone deteriorates over time. This causes shifting teeth and future tooth loss. When you choose our dental office for your dental implant restoration, our doctors and team will work hard to make sure the dental crown is made just to your specifications and blends in naturally with your smile.
Who Dental Implants Can Help
Nearly any adult who is suffering from tooth loss is a candidate for dental implants. The only caveat is whether you are eligible to move forward with oral surgery right away or if you require preliminary treatments first. These can include bone grafting, periodontal therapy, or even tooth extraction. No matter your situation, you can expect our team to prepare your oral anatomy in a way that readily accepts dental implants.
Missing One Tooth
A single dental implant can replace a lone tooth, filling in the gap to recreate a fully functional smile. Even one missing tooth can make eating and speaking hard, but with one zirconia implant, we can give you back your full, complete smile.
Missing Multiple Teeth
Missing two or more teeth usually requires a traditional dental bridge; however, we can, instead, place two dental implants into the exterior sockets and attach an implant bridge to fill in the gap. This eliminates the need to alter healthy, existing teeth.
Missing All of Your Teeth
When no natural teeth remain, we can place between four and eight dental implants before securing a customized denture on top. This method of treatment offers more security and functionality than a traditional denture and doesn’t require messy adhesives.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
The cost of dental implants varies from patient to patient. No two cases are exactly alike, which is why a scheduled consultation with our team is essential. During this visit, we’ll evaluate how many dental implants you will need, the location of placement, the type of restoration you require, and if you need any preliminary treatments. We will create a formalized estimate, so you’re aware of the total cost. We’ll then work with you to establish ways to maximize your dental insurance benefits and help you get the most out of your plan.