What Are Dental Implants?
An implant is a small metal screw that replaces an entire tooth. In a brief surgical procedure, the dentist inserts an implant into the bone beneath your gums right in the spot where a tooth should be. The implant acts like a natural tooth root and is finished off with a restoration such as a dental crown to help it look and feel just like a real tooth.
Getting dental implants is a big deal. You think you might like an implant, but you aren’t sure what to expect. We explain everything here so that you can make an informed decision about your dental treatment.
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Why You Might Need Dental Implants?
Your natural teeth play a crucial role in supporting the height and contour of your smile, enabling you to eat and speak comfortably.
However, a gap in your smile can lead to the misalignment of your remaining teeth, increasing the risk of oral health problems. The loss of even a single tooth can set off a chain reaction in your mouth, affecting your oral health, facial aesthetics, and overall well-being.
Additionally, there’s an inevitable issue you can’t escape: bone resorption. This natural process involves your body breaking down non-essential bone tissue to allocate minerals elsewhere. When your jawbone has teeth, they exert pressure on it, promoting the generation of new bone tissue. Once those teeth are gone, the bone tissue loses its purpose and gradually diminishes. The outcome is a shortened jaw and chin, which can lead to wrinkles and a hollowed appearance of your cheeks and lips.
Fortunately, dental implants offer the closest alternative to natural teeth. By replacing lost teeth with implants, you can prevent or rectify the aforementioned problems, preserving both your oral health and facial aesthetics.
What Does Getting An Implant Look Like?
Contrary to expectations, the implant placement process is remarkably comfortable.
Assessing The Tooth
The first step involves a dental implant consultation to determine the appropriateness of implants for your unique needs. During this consultation, your dentist will utilize X-rays and a 3D cone-beam CT scan of your jaw to assess your bone tissue and meticulously map out your treatment plan. Additionally, the dental team will capture a scan or impression of your teeth to aid in planning the optimal implant angulation.
Putting The Implant In
An anesthetic is administered to guarantee full numbness at the surgical site. Next, the dentist makes a small incision in both the gums and the mouth’s bone. The implant post is then securely positioned within this incision. Occasionally, but not in every case, sutures are used to seal the gum tissue.
Healing Up After
Following the implant placement, you go home to facilitate the healing process over the next few months. Upon your return to our practice, your dental restoration will be prepared and ready. We will promptly affix the restoration, enabling you to leave with a fully functional, brand-new 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 in Long Valley
In Long Valley you can expect to pay approximately $1,100 – $4,500+ for a single implant. Full-mouth reconstructive dental implants can cost anywhere from $6,000 to $60,000 and up. The cost for a full set of implant-supported dentures averages out to about $20,000. Keep in mind that no dental practice can provide you with an accurate quote over the phone. The dental implant procedure is very complex and depends on many factors that are unique from person to person.
How is the cost of dental implant surgery determined? Here are some important factors:
- The type and number of implants you need.
- The materials and supplies that are used.
- The time and experience of the dental team that will be with you every step of the way.
- The location and complexity of the surgery.
- Your recovery time. We will be here for you for as long as you need us.
Every case is different so it’s important to speak with a dentist and to have an oral exam to allow us to evaluate your unique situation and provide you with different treatment options to consider. We would be happy to provide you with a more accurate quote.
Are there other solutions for missing teeth?
Gaps caused by 1 to 3 missing teeth can sometimes be repaired with a dental bridge. A lot of missing teeth on the top or bottom or the whole mouth may be repaired with a dental prosthetic or removable dentures. When comparing the cost of dental implants to other tooth-replacement options it is important to consider the pros and cons.
Dental implants may require a steeper initial investment but they are more secure and durable than bridges or dentures. Removable dental prosthetics require different care and maintenance and you may need to have them adjusted or replaced as you age. By contrast, you take care of your dental implant like you would take care of your natural teeth, with routine oral care at home and routine dental exams. With proper care, a dental implant can last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can take comfort in the fact that your implants will remain a secret, indistinguishable from your natural teeth. Despite being composed of metal screws, they stay hidden beneath your gums and are capped with realistic restorations that effortlessly harmonize with your smile.
Dentures and implants are not synonymous and have distinct mechanisms of action. Dentures sit atop your gums and apply pressure on the underlying bone tissue, while implants strengthen your bite by being firmly positioned below your gums. Both tooth replacement options offer their own set of advantages and disadvantages. To identify the most suitable treatment for your specific situation, we recommend a face-to-face consultation with our team.
For patients who may not be suitable candidates for dental implants, dental bridges and full or partial dentures can serve as excellent alternatives for addressing missing teeth. To determine the most suitable solutions that meet your specific requirements, please get in touch with us to schedule an appointment. We are delighted to have a comprehensive conversation about your available options and address any specific inquiries you may have.
Being an adult with good overall oral health is typically a prerequisite for obtaining an implant. Your jawbone should possess the necessary strength to support a new implant, and your surrounding oral tissues, including your gums, should be in a healthy state to minimize complications. If you have concerns regarding your eligibility, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for a definitive evaluation. We usually have treatment options available to enhance your oral health, ultimately enabling you to qualify for a dental implant. Moreover, there are often alternative solutions for replacing missing teeth.
Certainly! Your dental implant can be complemented by a crown, bridge, or implant-supported dentures, each custom-made to maximize your comfort. This means your personalized teeth are meticulously designed to match the shape and color of your existing teeth while seamlessly fitting with your bite. Patients often find it challenging to differentiate their natural teeth from their exquisitely crafted dental implants.
The field of dental implants has evolved rapidly, transforming the procedure into one that is now highly predictable and relatively painless. Our dental implant procedure is carried out with great attention to detail and precision, ensuring that you encounter minimal discomfort. When accompanied by appropriate post-procedure care, you can expect only minor swelling and virtually no bleeding. We place significant emphasis on your physical and emotional well-being. If you experience any anxiety about your visit, please feel free to inform us.
Typically, you can return to work the day following your implant surgery in most cases. Once we have a complete understanding of your treatment plan, we can provide a more precise estimate of the timeline and inform you in advance if any additional scheduling considerations are necessary. You can trust that we will thoroughly review all post-operative care instructions with you.
The durability of your implants is closely tied to how well you maintain them. Similar to caring for your natural teeth, implants necessitate regular professional cleaning and examinations. Typically, we suggest check-ups every 6 months, although the frequency may be tailored to your specific requirements.