If you need to replace a damaged tooth or fill in gaps where you have missing teeth, our restorative and cosmetic dentists may have the solution for you. Dental implants are a restorative dentistry option that can provide secure and long-lasting results. By anchoring them into your jawbone, dental implants mimic the functionality of your regular teeth. These results can be extremely realistic and natural looking too. Continue reading to learn more about dental implants.
- What Are Dental Implants?
- Dental Implant Benefits
- Dental Implant Candidates
- Dental Implants vs. Dental Crowns
- Dental Implant Options
- Dental Implant Procedure
- Denture Replacement
- Dental Implant Lifespan
- Dental Implant Recovery
- Dental Implant Safety
- Dental Implant Alternatives
- Dental Implant Cost
- Choosing Implant Dentist
- Dental Implant FAQs
What Are Dental Implants?
For many individuals seeking to replace missing and/or severely damaged teeth, implant dentistry is regarded as the premier solution. Designed to mimic a natural tooth root, dental implants are tiny titanium posts placed strategically in the space left by the former tooth or teeth. Over time, these posts fuse to the jawbone, creating a strong foundation for customized crowns to be secured in place for a natural-looking result. Depending on the patient’s unique needs, dental implants can also be used to secure dentures and/or dental bridges for improved function and stability of these restorations.
You can significantly improve both the appearance of your smile and the function of your teeth with dental implants. These permanent replacements hold a number of benefits over traditional dentures, eliminating many of the problems often associated with them. Dental implants are designed to mimic your natural teeth, improving your ability to speak and chew while enhancing the appearance of your smile.
Dr. Todd Mabry and Dr. Colleen Murphy, and Dr. Peter Mpantas are experienced restorative and cosmetic dentists in Scottsdale who can provide you with a beautiful dental implant restoration. Once you have your implants placed, our dentists can restore them with a natural-looking porcelain dental crown, helping you to obtain effective missing teeth replacement with permanent results.
With dental implants, you will likely not even be able to tell the difference between your new teeth and your existing teeth – and neither will anyone else.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DENTAL IMPLANTS?
Dental implants can resolve a number of issues caused by missing teeth, and can serve as a great improvement over traditional teeth replacement treatments. Advantages of dental implants include:
- They are permanent
- No movement or slippage inside the mouth
- Improved appearance of your teeth and your smile
- They look and feel like natural teeth
- Improved chewing, speaking, and biting
- No maintenance required other than brushing and flossing and routine dental care
Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Ideal candidates for dental implants are those with one or more missing teeth and who have sufficient jawbone density for the implants to properly anchor to. Candidates should have healthy gum tissue and have no medical conditions that could hinder the recovery process. If patients have periodontal disease or inadequate jawbone density, those issues will need to be addressed before dental implant surgery.
If you’re unsure about your candidacy, contact our office to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists.
Dental Implants vs. Dental Crowns
While dental implants and dental crowns are common restorative treatments, the purpose of each option is different. Dental crowns are used to repair an existing tooth by correcting cosmetic and functional concerns. The procedure involves placing a “cap” over the damaged tooth and requires very little downtime. During dental implant surgery, a missing tooth is replaced by anchoring an implant post to the jawbone. This permanent tooth replacement often utilizes a dental crown to replace the visible portion of the missing tooth, with the implant acting as the tooth’s root.
What Are My Dental Implant Options?
Dental implants are a versatile teeth replacement option. Since every patient has unique oral needs, there are a number of options available to provide the most beneficial solution for their missing teeth. Our dentists offer restorations for the following types of dental implant procedures.
Single Tooth Implants
Patients only missing one tooth can benefit from a single dental implant. This option involves placing a titanium post to replace the natural tooth root, which then has a dental crown attached to the top, completing the tooth replacement. This is an independent method of tooth replacement that does not require altering the adjacent teeth for support, such as with traditional bridges.
Implant-Supported Bridges
For those missing multiple teeth next to each other, a solution like the implant bridge may be more beneficial. This involves the placement of about two dental implants to secure a multi-tooth restoration. With these strategically placed implants, patients can obtain the benefits of dental implants without the need to replace each tooth with its own implant.
Implant-Supported Dentures
When an entire arch of teeth is missing or severely damaged, an implant denture is often the recommended solution. After at least four implants are placed in the jaw (such as in the All-on-4® procedure), our dentists can place a custom-crafted denture to the implants, creating a secure foundation without the inconveniences of traditional dentures.
MINI DENTAL IMPLANTS
Because of inadequate jawbone density or other factors, some patients may not be candidates for the full dental implant procedure. However, mini-dental implants (MDI’s) may be an effective alternative. These FDA-approved treatments are designed to provide extra stability and support to dentures. Mini-dental implants serve as an artificial tooth root, ultimately reducing the potential for denture looseness or slippage. The procedure is minimally invasive, and can often be performed in just one office visit. Mini-dental implants can provide you with terrific results and help dentures look and feel like natural teeth.
What to Expect from the Dental Implant Procedure
Step 1: The Planning Process
The dental implant process begins with an oral evaluation to determine your candidacy for the procedure. If dental implants are a good option for your unique needs, the surgical plan will then be created to ensure the most predictable outcome.
Stage 2: Placing the Implant
The next step of the procedure will be to have the implants placed. It typically takes a few months for the implants to complete the fusion process necessary to become a permanent part of your mouth. During this period, a temporary crown will cover the implant.
Step 3: The Final Restoration
The final stage of the dental implant procedure is the creation of the permanent dental crown. Dr. Mabry will have the porcelain crown custom-designed for the implant. It is made for the best possible fit, and is color-tinted to match your surrounding teeth. This final touch to the implant process completes your procedure, providing you with a permanent, natural-looking new tooth.
Should I Replace My Dentures with Dental Implants?
Denture replacement with a new set of dentures, dental implants, a fixed dental bridge, or a combination of dentures and implants can provide you with a significantly improved amount of reinforcement and effectiveness. With denture replacement, you can prevent your dentures from moving or falling out while chewing or speaking. In fact, many denture replacement techniques will eliminate the possibility of slippage while enhancing the natural appearance of your teeth.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
The dental implant posts are designed to last for decades. When cared for properly, and placed by a qualified professional, patients should be able to enjoy the benefits of their implants for a lifetime. Since restorations are more susceptible to gradual wear over time, it is not uncommon for dental crowns or other artificial teeth to need to be replaced after several years. Our dentists will advise you on how to care for your implants and restorations, helping you to minimize damage over time.
What Can I Expect in My Dental Implant Recovery?
Recovery from dental implant surgery will differ for each patient, so your healing process following treatment will likely be unique to you. Generally, there are multiple healing stages following your procedure from dental implants. In the first few days, you will likely experience minor discomfort in the form of bleeding or swelling, often dissipating within a week. A large portion of the recovery will be based on the actual fusing of the titanium post to the jawbone. The entire process generally takes about three to six months.
Are Dental Implants Safe?
Dental implants are considered to be an all-around safe treatment for ideal candidates. When receiving dental implants from a trained dentist, the risk of complications is greatly reduced. Dentists who are highly experienced are typically better prepared to handle all scenarios during the dental implant procedure. While the entire dental implant process is generally considered a safe endeavor, any oral surgery will come with some risks. By implementing all up-to-date safety and hygiene protocols, state-of-the-art technology, and the help of experienced professionals, Dr. Mabry and Dr. Murphy are able to provide safe and effective dental procedures such as dental implants.
Are There Alternatives to Dental Implants?
There are a few restorative options that act as viable alternatives to dental implants.
- Dental Bridges – A common alternative to dental implants is dental bridges. A dental bridge is designed to replace one or more missing teeth, and includes an artificial tooth with two porcelain crowns placed on the adjacent teeth. Not only does the treatment “bridge” the missing gap, but it also helps maintain the alignment of the surrounding teeth.
- Dentures – For decades, dentures have been a reliable option for replacing missing teeth. Full or partial sets can revitalize your smile with natural-looking results, as well as improve speaking and chewing capabilities.
- Implant Dentures – An alternative for both dental implants and dentures, implant dentures feature a set of dental implants placed in the jaw. The implant posts support the custom-made denture and can help prevent slippage. Implant dentures can benefit patients missing a full row of teeth or wishing to upgrade their traditional dentures.
HOW MUCH DO DENTAL IMPLANTS COST?
The average cost of a single dental implant is approximately $3,000 to $4,500. This total will vary based on several different factors, chief of which is the number of implants needed to replace one’s missing or damaged teeth. Additional components that can impact the overall expense of treatment include where the practice is located geographically, the skill and expertise of the dentist, whether or not tooth extraction and/or bone grafting is required, the particular restoration being secured to the implant, and the quality of materials/technology used to perform the procedure.
For women and men interested in dental implants at our practice, one of our cosmetic dentists will first conduct a thorough dental examination to determine if this restorative treatment would be the most appropriate and beneficial option. In the event dental implants are the right choice, they can then provide an approximate estimate of the total cost based on the specifics of the suggested plan for treatment.
To help make dental implants as affordable as possible, North Scottsdale Dental Studio offers dental financing and payment plan options through CareCredit®—a trusted third-party medical care lender. With numerous low monthly payment plans and little to no interest rates, CareCredit® can help make dental implants a realistic treatment for almost any budget. Our team will gladly review your insurance coverage and/or help you begin the CareCredit® approval process as soon as you are prepared to move forward with treatment.
Choosing the Best Implant Dentist for Your Needs
A contributing factor to achieving successful dental implant results is choosing the right dentist for you. Here are a few tips for selecting a qualified implant dentist:
- Research experience, educational background, and credentials – It is important that your chosen dentist has ample experience successfully performing the dental implant procedure. Additionally, their educational background, professional memberships, and relevant trainings can indicate their advanced skill that can lead to satisfactory results.
- View before-and-after photos – Exploring a dentist’s smile gallery provides a visual representation of the type of results a patient may receive. Before-and-after photos also showcase a dentist’s expertise and skill set.
- Read patient testimonials and reviews – Reviewing testimonials can offer helpful insight into the experiences of previous patients, from procedure outcomes to a dentist’s chairside manner.
- Assess rapport with the dentist – After doing thorough research on their qualifications, schedule a consultation with your prospective dentist, as your comfort with them is key. You should be able to express your individual needs and any concerns, as well as ask any lingering questions, in a welcoming, safe, and warm environment.
Additional Dental Implant Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does the Dental Implant Procedure Take?
Each procedure will vary in how long it takes to complete, especially when considering the number of implants needed and the types of implants that are being provided. Generally, the actual procedure can take between 30 minutes and several hours, depending on the circumstances. Our team will be able to provide you with a better estimate once a treatment plan can be developed at your initial consultation.
Does Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Specific insurance coverage will be dependent on the individual policy of the patient. In certain cases, dental implants can be at least partially covered by insurance companies. However, many providers consider dental implants as an elective procedure instead of a necessary medical one and will not help with the cost. At your initial consultation, our team will be able to help determine if your insurance policy offers any coverage for your dental implants.
Do Dental Implants Hurt?
The dental implant procedure, when provided by a trained cosmetic dentist or implant surgeon, can be performed with little to no pain. While some forms of anesthesia are often used during the actual procedure, you can expect to experience some form of discomfort after the procedure. To help patients tolerate this, pain medication may be prescribed following dental implant surgery. Any minor side effects will likely subside within a week of your procedure.
How Do You Maintain Dental Implants?
Maintaining dental implants is similar to maintaining the health of your original teeth. Proper brushing, flossing, maintaining follow-up dentist appointments to monitor progress, and not smoking can all lead to positive oral health and long-lasting dental implants.
Do Dental Implants Look Natural?
Dental implants are designed to look as natural and indistinguishable as possible. By anchoring into the jawbone, and later fusing to the tissue and bone, the actual titanium post is not visible and mimics the function of your tooth’s root. The porcelain crown or bridge that is visible on the surface of your smile is color corrected to match the rest of your surrounding teeth.
Contact North Scottsdale Dental Studio
For more information on solutions for missing teeth, including what you can expect for your total dental implants cost, please contact North Scottsdale Dental Studio today.