Everything You Need to Know about Dental Implants
What are dental implants?
Implants are things that we use to replace natural teeth whenever you've lost them for whatever reason, whether it be decay or gum disease. Implants are a good option to replace the entire tooth. It comes in three parts. There's the implant screw that goes inside the bone, there's something called an abutment that goes inside of that screw, and then the crown that goes on top that looks like that natural tooth.
Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
A good candidate for dental implants is someone who is relatively healthy and is needing to just replace a tooth for functional purposes and also for cosmetic purposes as well.
What is the difference between a mini and a full dental implant?
A mini implant is a shorter implant that we may use in some areas where there may not be quite enough bone to retain a full-size implant. A full implant is a little bit more sturdy, and it's one that we prefer when the patient has plenty of bone to be able to have that implant placed.
How long is the process for getting an implant from start to end?
The process for getting an implant usually takes about three or four months. The initial phase is when we place that screw. The second phase is after the screw has healed, we are able to go in and place an abutment. And then after that, we go in and place the crown.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants can last a lifetime, as long as you come to your regular dental appointments and maintain the home care that we'll recommend after you get that implant placed. Home care with the dental implant is relatively the same as a natural tooth. We make sure that you're brushing and flossing regularly so that we keep the tissue and bone around that implant nice and healthy.
Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and also provide a fixed solution to having removable partial or complete dentures. Implants provide excellent support and stability for these dental appliances.
Dental implants are artificial roots and teeth (usually titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone. The crowns attached to implants are very natural looking and often enhance or restore a patient’s smile.
Dental implants are very strong, stable, and durable and will last many years, but on occasion, they will have to be re-tightened or replaced due to normal wear.
What conditions may cause us to recommend dental implants?
There are several conditions that may cause us to recommend dental implants. One is a recently lost tooth. Sometimes they're recommended for teeth that have been missing for some time, based on the amount of bone you have, your health history, and other factors.
Reasons for dental implants:
- Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
- Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space.
- Restore a patient’s confident smile.
- Restore chewing, speech, and digestion.
- Restore or enhance facial tissues.
- Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable.
What are the advantages of dental implants?
The advantage of dental implants is, of course, replacing the teeth. A lot of times it's in the aesthetic zone or the front of the mouth. Sometimes it's for the back teeth. When we replace the back teeth, it's to ensure good functioning so that we can chew, which is crucial for overall health.
What is the process for getting dental implants?
If you decide to get dental implants, there's typically a three-step process. The first step is removing the infected or broken-down tooth. At that appointment, we usually place what we call a bone graft. This bone graft helps preserve the bone once we've removed the tooth, ensuring there's enough space to place the implant at the following appointment.
After the tooth is removed, you'll come back typically after about three or four months when the area has healed and the bone has filled in appropriately. We'll then place the actual implant screw. At that appointment, in some cases, we leave the screw uncovered with a healing abutment, which helps shape the tissue around the implant screw, or we may cover it, depending on your particular case.
You'll return for a subsequent appointment where we will place what we call a scan body inside the implant. Then we'll scan the area for your final implant crown. At your final appointment, we will deliver the beautiful crown that goes on top of the implant.
When is bone grafting required?
Bone grafting is sometimes required if there's not enough bone to accommodate the size of the implant needed for a particular area. This often happens with patients who have gum disease or bone loss during the removal of the teeth. We may need to do some grafting to ensure there's enough support for the implant.
What are the options for replacing a full arch of missing teeth?
There are a couple of options for replacing a full arch of missing teeth. We have removable appliances, such as traditional dentures or partials. In some cases, we may use implants to hold these dentures or partials in place. They are secured using an attachment placed on the denture that snaps in and out of the implant. Finally, for patients missing an entire arch of teeth, we offer screw-retained implant dentures that are relatively permanent. We will have you come in occasionally to unscrew them, ensure the area is clean, and then you're back on your way.
What is the recovery process from getting dental implants like?
The recovery process is usually relatively easy. Once the implant is placed, it usually takes about three or four months for the bone to heal appropriately around the implant so that we can restore it.
How long can dental implants last?
Dental implants can last a lifetime. As long as you take really good care of them, we want to see you for your regular visits. You still need cleanings when you have dental implants. This is very important for the health of the tissue around the implant. Otherwise, it can cause the implant to fail.
Can dental implants get cavities?
Implants cannot get cavities. However, what I have seen in practice and what sometimes happens, especially with patients we don't see too often, is bone loss around the implant, which can cause the implant to fail.
Do insurance plans cover dental implants?
In the past, many insurance plans did not cover implants, but lately, we've seen quite a few covering a small portion of the cost. If you'd like us to take a look at that, you can always call our office, and we can help you.
At Turner Family Dental, your dental health is our priority. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call our team at (469) 757-2553, or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!