What Are Dental Implants?
Experience Dental - Dental Implants FAQs
Experience Dental - What is a dental implant?
Experience Dental - Can anyone get dental implants?
An implant is a small metal screw that replaces an entire tooth. In a brief surgical procedure, the dentist inserts the implant into the bone beneath your gums where the tooth used to be. The implant acts like a natural tooth root and is topped with a dental crown to look and feel just like a real tooth.
Getting dental implants is a significant decision. If you’re considering an implant but aren’t sure what to expect, we’ve got you covered. Here, we explain everything you need to know to make an informed choice about your dental treatment.
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How Dental Implants Can Save Your Smile
Your natural teeth support the height and shape of your smile, allowing you to eat and speak comfortably. A gap in your smile can cause your other teeth to drift out of alignment, increasing your risk of oral health problems. Losing just one tooth can set off a chain of events that negatively impact your oral health, the appearance of your face, and your overall quality of life.
Even if you don’t notice these effects, there’s one issue you can’t avoid: bone resorption. This natural process occurs when your body breaks down non-essential bone tissue to use the minerals elsewhere. Teeth in your jawbone stimulate new bone tissue production, but once those teeth are gone, the bone slowly dissolves. The result? A shortened jaw and chin, leading to wrinkles and a sunken appearance in your cheeks and lips.
Dental implants are the next best thing to having natural teeth. By replacing lost teeth with implants, you can prevent or correct these issues and maintain your smile’s health and appearance.
The Long-Term Advantages of Dental Implants
Losing a tooth can be devastating. A missing tooth can make us feel self-conscious about our smile and may lead to various health problems. Gaps can make your bite feel uncomfortable, cause difficulties eating the food you love, and may lead to bone loss or shifting teeth.
- Restore your natural appearance– Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. They become permanent, “perfect” teeth as they are custom-made to blend in with your smile. Implants look natural because they are sized, shaped, and colored to match your unique bite and natural enamel color.
- Feel confident in your comfort – When a dental implant is placed, your jawbone actually fuses with the titanium post as it heals. A crown or bridge can be permanently affixed to the post, or the implant may be used to secure implant-supported dentures. One thing is certain: that dental implant is not moving. Laugh, smile, and eat your favorite foods without worrying about shifting teeth or sudden pain.
- Improve bone strength – When teeth are lost, the bone that supports those teeth can begin to atrophy and weaken over time. Dental implants stimulate new bone growth around the implant, strengthening the bone structure.
Dental implants are a long-term solution that feels natural and lasts decades with proper oral hygiene.
Dental Implant Restorations
A restoration is the “false tooth” that covers the implant. The implant itself is not visible when you smile, but the restoration is what makes it look like you have a new tooth.
- Dental Crown – This is the most common implant restoration, covering a single-tooth implant.
- Dental Bridge – A bridge spans the gap in places where multiple teeth in a row are missing. You can replace several teeth with just one or two implants that support a dental bridge. A full implant-supported bridge is an entire arch of upper or lower teeth fixed to four or more implants.
- Implant Denture– Give a removable denture more stability by clipping it onto two small implants.
A New Life With Dental Implants Awaits!
Your smile won’t be the same after you get a dental implant; it’s going to be much better.
Dental implants are easy to maintain and care for. Gently brush and floss your implant daily and protect it from injury while playing sports. Visit us periodically for checkups so that we can make sure your implant is staying healthy.
In return, your dental implant could reward you with many years of strong, happy, and beautiful smiles!
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How It Feels
Although having a metal implant inserted into the bone of your mouth sounds painful, the procedure is far more comfortable than you might expect.
We will numb your mouth with a mild anesthetic so you don’t feel any pain during the surgery. Advanced dental technology allows us to place implants quickly, accurately, and conservatively, meaning less discomfort and downtime for you during recovery.
Some implant patients report feeling bored and even sleepy during the brief half-hour it takes to place their implant. The most uncomfortable part may be holding your mouth open for a few minutes at a time, but that’s all.
It’s normal to experience some swelling, discomfort, and even bruising in the hours following the procedure. The pain is mild and very manageable. We will give you specific instructions to start minimizing the discomfort before the anesthetic wears off. Your surgical implant site should start feeling better within a week.
It might help you to know that dental implants have a success rate of nearly 95%. Getting an implant is one of the safest and most predictable procedures in dentistry.
What to Expect on Your Dental Implant Treatment Journey
The actual implant placement process is much more comfortable than you might imagine.
Assessment
First, you’ll have a dental implant consultation to determine if implants are suitable for you. Your dentist will take X-rays and a 3D cone-beam CT scan of your jaw to assess the bone tissue and plan your treatment. Dental scans or impressions of your teeth help plan the angulation of your implant.
Inserting the Implant
We administer an anesthetic to ensure the surgical site is completely numb. The dentist creates a small hole in your gums and jawbone, then places the implant post in the hole. Sutures may be needed to close the gums, depending on the case.
Finalizing the Restoration
Afterward, you go home to allow your implant to heal over the next few months. Upon your return, your dental restoration is ready. We place the restoration, and you leave with a fully functional, brand-new tooth.
Contact us today
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 Thornton
In Thornton, the cost of dental implants typically ranges from $3,000 to $6,000 or more for a single implant. Full-mouth reconstructive dental implants can range from $6,000 to $60,000 and beyond. A full set of implant-supported dentures averages around $30,000. Please note that exact pricing can only be provided after an in-person evaluation due to the complexity and unique factors involved in each case.
- Type and Number of Implants: Determined by your specific needs.
- Materials and Supplies: Quality and type of materials used in the procedure.
- Experience of the Dental Team: Expertise and skill of the professionals involved.
- Location and Complexity: Where the surgery takes place and the intricacy of the procedure.
- Recovery Time: Post-operative care and follow-up.
Factors Affecting Cost:
Every case is unique, so it’s essential to consult with a dentist for an oral exam to discuss your individual situation and explore various treatment options. We are here to provide you with a detailed and accurate quote tailored to your needs.
Other Solutions for Missing Teeth: For gaps caused by 1 to 3 missing teeth, dental bridges may be suitable. Extensive tooth loss may require dental prosthetics or removable dentures. When comparing costs, it’s important to weigh the benefits: while dental implants may require a higher initial investment, they offer superior durability and security compared to bridges or dentures. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, requiring routine oral care and dental exams just like natural teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most adults with good oral and overall health are candidates for dental implants. A consultation with a dentist will determine your suitability based on factors like jawbone health and gum condition.
With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. Routine oral hygiene practices and regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining their longevity.
The process can vary based on individual needs and healing times. On average, it takes several months from implant placement to final restoration. Immediate loading implants may shorten this timeframe.
Bone grafting techniques can often be used to augment insufficient bone structure, making dental implants feasible. Your dentist will assess bone density during the initial consultation.
Yes, dental implants are custom-designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth in terms of color, shape, and alignment. They provide a natural-looking smile enhancement.
Coverage varies by insurance provider and individual policy. Some aspects of the dental implant procedure may be covered, such as consultations or certain components of the restoration.
