Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, typically made of titanium, that are surgically placed into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or bridge. They provide a strong foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth.

Your dentist may recommend dental implants if you have one or more missing teeth, and want a long-term, stable solution that mimics the function and appearance of natural teeth.

A dental implant consists of three main components:

• Implant Screw: This is the actual implant, a titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone. It acts as an artificial tooth root and provides a stable foundation for the other components.

• Abutment: The abutment is a connector that is placed on top of the implant screw. It serves as a bridge between the implant and the prosthesis (artificial tooth). The abutment is usually placed after the implant screw has integrated with the bone.

• Prosthesis: The prosthesis is the visible part of the implant, often referred to as the crown or artificial tooth. It is custom-made to match the appearance and function of your natural teeth and is attached to the abutment. You can even have implants that function alongside dentures or partials.

Dental implants offer several benefits, including improved appearance, better speech, enhanced comfort, easier eating, and improved oral health. They are also durable and can last a lifetime with proper care.

Most people are good candidates for dental implants if they have healthy gums and sufficient bone density to support the implant. Our office will assess your overall health, oral health, and medical history to determine if implants are right for you.

The entire process can take several months. It involves multiple stages, including the initial consultation, implant placement, healing time (osseointegration), and finally, the attachment of the artificial tooth. The healing process alone can take 3-6 months.

The procedure itself is usually performed under local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the surgery. After the procedure, you may experience some discomfort, swelling, or bruising, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.

Dental implants have a high success rate, typically around 95-98%. Success rates can vary depending on factors like the patient’s oral health, the location of the implant, and how well the patient follows post-operative care instructions.

Caring for dental implants is similar to caring for natural teeth. This includes regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups. It may also be recommend using special interdental brushes to clean between the implant and the gums.

If you don’t have enough bone density, your dentist may recommend a bone grafting procedure to build up the bone. This can increase the chances of a successful implant.

While rare, dental implants can fail due to factors like poor oral hygiene, smoking, or medical conditions like diabetes that affect healing. Regular follow-up visits with your dentist can help detect and address any issues early.

With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. The crown (artificial tooth) may need to be replaced after 10-15 years due to normal wear and tear, but the implant itself is designed to be permanent.

Dental implants can be more expensive upfront compared to other tooth replacement options like bridges or dentures. However, their durability and the fact that they can last a lifetime often make them a cost-effective solution in the long run.

Some dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of implants, but coverage varies widely. It’s important to check with your insurance provider to understand your specific benefits, but our team members can also look to see if your insurance covers implants and/or related procedures.

While generally safe, there are risks associated with dental implants, including infection, injury to surrounding teeth or nerves, and implant failure. Your dentist will discuss these risks with you before the procedure.

Dental implants are a more permanent solution that offers better stability and comfort compared to dentures, which are removable and may require periodic adjustments. Implants also help preserve bone structure, whereas dentures do not.

Osseointegration is the process by which the dental implant fuses with the jawbone. This process is crucial for the stability and success of the implant, and it typically takes several months to complete.

In some cases, a temporary crown or denture can be placed over the implant site during the healing process, so you won’t be without teeth. Your dentist will discuss your options based on your specific case.

Smoking can increase the risk of implant failure because it affects healing. While it’s still possible to get implants if you smoke, your dentist may advise you to quit or reduce smoking before and after the procedure to improve your chances of success.

We will provide specific instructions, but generally, you should maintain good oral hygiene, follow any prescribed medication regimens, and avoid eating or drinking for a certain period before the surgery.

While dental implants are designed to be permanent, they can be removed if necessary due to complications or failure. However, this is rare, and your dentist will explore other solutions before considering removal.