Dental Implants
Dental Implants
What Are Dental Implants?
Who is Eligible for Dental Implants?
- People who are missing one or more teeth
- People who have good oral and overall physical health
- People who have a good amount of jawbone density
- People who have healthy gums
- People who are 18 and over
The Different Types of Dental Implants
Endosteal Implants
Endosteal implants are inserted into the jawbone through a minor surgical procedure, and are the most commonly used dental implant. They are usually made from titanium or zirconia materials.
Zygomatic Implants
Zygomatic implants are anchored to the cheekbone (zygomatic bone). They are used for patients who don’t have sufficient bone density. The procedure for zygomatic implants is usually more invasive than both endoseal and subperiosteal implants.
Subperiosteal Implants
Subperiosteal implants are usually the implant option used for people who do not have enough jawbone density to support an implant being surgically inserted into the jawbone. It consists of a metal frame being fitted onto the jawbone, beneath the gum, rather than being inserted directly into the jawbone. These posts are attached to the frame and protrude through the gums where the prosthetic teeth are attached.
All-On-4 Implants
All-on-4 implants are commonly used when a patient has lost an entire arch of teeth, either on the upper or lower jaw. It consists of four dental implants and a fixed bridge.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
The many benefits of dental implants include
Improved Appearance and Self-Confidence
You no longer need to feel self-conscious about your missing teeth when speaking, eating, or smiling. Dental implants blend in well with your natural teeth and give you a bright new smile you can feel proud of. Most people won’t even be able to tell that you have dental implants!
Improves Overall Oral Health
As dental implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone, they stimulate the gum tissue and function without having an impact on your natural teeth.
Comfortable
Dental implants bond with the jawbone and essentially become a part of it, meaning that you won’t even notice them after a while, and they will feel like part of your natural mouth and teeth.
Implants Surgically Inserted into the Jawbone
Your implants will be inserted into your jawbone by a minor surgical procedure. We will use local anesthesia so you will feel no pain during this procedure.
If you don’t have enough jawbone density, you may be required to undergo a bone grafting procedure before the implants are inserted.
Prevents Bone Loss
Missing teeth can cause the jawbone to lose bone mass and density, and your facial structure begins to change. Dental implants provide the necessary stimulation to help the jawbone maintain its strength and density.
Improves Speech
Missing teeth can cause issues with slurred or stuttered speech, which can have a negative impact on your self-esteem and social life. Dental implants make it easier to pronounce certain words and improve your speech.
Easy to Care for
You don’t need to do anything extra to take care of your dental implants; just floss, brush, and use mouthwash as you normally would! Also, be sure to keep your regular dental appointments.
Osseointegration
After the dental implants have been inserted, the process of osseointegration begins. This process will take several months, allowing the implants to bond and integrate with the jawbone.
Regular check-up appointments will be scheduled during this time; please continue to follow your regular oral hygiene routine.
Prosthetic Tooth is Created and Placed on Implant
Using 3D imaging, your prosthetic tooth is created in a lab. It will then be placed onto the implant.
Restores the Functionality of Teeth
Dental implants fully restore the functionality of your teeth, meaning you can once again eat all the foods you love, including those hard, sticky and chewy foods that you once had to avoid.
Many patients cannot distinguish between their natural teeth and their dental implants.
Durability
Dental implants can last a lifetime if they are taken care of properly. The implants bond with the jawbone and merge with it, so they act like your natural teeth.
Protects Surrounding Teeth
A missing tooth can cause the surrounding teeth to shift out of position, leading to issues with your jaw, bite, speech, and eating habits.
Having dental implants prevents the surrounding teeth from shifting position.
Initial Consultation and Tests Taken
During the intitial consultation with your dentist, your medical history and treatment goals will be discussed. X-rays and 3D imaging scans will be taken to decide if you are eligible for dental implants, and to identify the best placement sites for them.
Placement of the Abutment
Once the implant has fully fused with the jawbone, the abutment is placed. This will support the prosthetic tooth and hold it in place on the implant.
Taking Care of Your Dental Implants
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Soft food diet:
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Pain relief:
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Limit:
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Brushing teeth:
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Follow a good oral hygiene routine:
FAQs
Who Isn’t Eligible for Dental Implants?
Will I Need a Bone Graft?
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Are Dental Implants Painful?
Are Dental Implants Covered By Insurance?
Dental implants are not usually covered by Medicare or most health insurance policies, as they are considered a cosmetic or elective procedure instead of a medical one.
Some private health insurance policies may offer partial coverage for dental implants.
Please check with your insurance provider or chat with us if you have any concerns about the financial aspect of dental implants.