Dental Implants
Dental implants are a great solution for missing teeth
Our periodontists will work with you to decide if implants are right for you.
A dental implant is essentially an artificial tooth root. It provides a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The implant is placed into the bone of the jaw or skull to support a dental prosthesis such as a crown, bridge, denture, facial prosthesis or to act as an orthodontic anchor. After the jaw implant is placed an abutment is attached to the top to provide a location to secure the prosthesis.
With overall success rate of about 95% and almost 50 years of clinical research to back them up, dental implants are frequently used in modern dentistry. Unlike using adjacent teeth as anchors (like fixed bridges), or resting on the gum line (like removable dentures), dental implants are a long term fixed replacement solution for missing teeth.
With the ability of an implant to integrate, or lock into the bone, the implant acts as a strong foundation for a crown or prosthetic, combining the best in modern science and technology to help replace missing teeth.
The 3 Parts of a Dental Implant
Dental implants are considered the closest replacement to natural teeth available today. Many patients who have selected dental implants describe a quality of life that is much more comfortable and secure than when wearing complete or partial removable dentures.
A dental implant designed to replace a single tooth is composed of three parts:
The Titanium implant
The part that fuses with the jawbone.
The abutment
The part that fits over the portion of the implant that protrudes from the gum line.
the crown
The part that fits onto the abutment for a natural appearance.
Dental Implants are a Team Effort
Dental implants involve a team from several disciplines. At Dental Health Associates we can coordinate and deliver both the placement and restorative parts of dental implants. Your DHA dentist will be happy to discuss implants and develop a specific treatment plan to help you reach your goals.
After your treatment plan has been discussed and you have decided to proceed with implant treatment, a referral will made to a periodontist. The periodontist will place the implant and follow your care until the integration is complete. Once the dental implant has integrated in the jawbone, the restorative portion of your treatment will be completed with your dentist.
Benefits of Dental Implants
At DHA dental your implants will look and feel like your own teeth. Our experienced periodontists will match the color of your new dental implant(s) to your natural teeth color. Dental implant benefits include:
- Improved appearance
- Improved speech
- Improved comfort
- Easier eating
- Improved self-esteem & confidence
- Improved oral health
- Durability
- Convenience- no need to rely on dentures or get crowns replaced
Bone & Tissue Grafting
Occasionally, before placing an implant, bone and/or tissue grafting may be required. Bone grafting rebuilds and reshapes damaged bone and provides better tooth stabilization. Tissue grafting restores lost gum tissue that has been destroyed by periodontal disease and provides greater tooth protection.
Dental Implant FAQs
With the exception of growing children, dental implants can be the solution of choice for any age, even those with certain health concerns. Dental implant placement in children is usually deferred until their jaw growth is complete. Your Dental Health Associates of Madison dentist will be happy to discuss specific questions or concerns with you.
Once the existing tooth is extracted, and proper healing has occurred (usually 2-3 months), the implant can be placed. Typical it will take around 3 months for an implant to integrate into the bone. Healing times can vary depending on the quality of bone where the implant was placed. A few weeks are needed to place a crown and your smile can be restored. Your DHA dentist can tell you more specifically how long this procedure will take for you!
Like all surgical procedures, dental implants are not completely risk-free. There is a chance of infection at the implant site. Bruxism (teeth grinding) and smoking can negatively affect your dental implants. It is important that patients with tooth implants keep up with good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups.
Dental implants are designed to last upwards of 25 years and provide effective long-term solutions for people who suffer with missing teeth, failing teeth or chronic dental problems.
The price of dental implants can range from $5,000 – $6,000 per tooth. Dental implants are an investment in your future health, performed by a qualified periodontist and offer a permanent solution for missing teeth.
Dental implants may be covered by your dental insurance plan. All coverage will depend on your specific plan and the cause of the tooth loss. For more information on dental implant coverage please contact your dental insurance provider.
You may experience some pain and discomfort up to 10 days after surgery. This can be controlled with over the counter medications like Advil, Tylenol or a prescription provided by your periodontist. After your dental implant has been placed it will take about 4-6 months for the bone to fuse around your new implant.
With any surgery there are contributing factors for success. In general dental implants have a success rate of up to 98%.
A bone graft is when a piece of bone is transplanted to the area of your jaw where the dental implant will be attached. A bone graft is only necessary when your jaw bone is not thick enough or strong enough to support a dental implant.
Implants require the same care as real teeth: brushing, flossing and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash and regular checkups.
Not replacing a missing tooth can cause malocclusion. Malocclusion happens when remaining teeth move closer together to fill the gap left by the missing tooth. The surrounding teeth will not be able to adequately fill the space which can misalign your teeth causing problems like crossbite, overbite, jaw pain, chewing problems and a greater risk for decay.
Find Dental Implant Specialists Near You
Patient Information
We encourage new patients to fill out a new patient form online prior to your first appointment. Be sure to select the appropriate location for your new patient forms, as once you complete them, they are sent electronically to the office you’ve chosen.
Insurance
Medical and dental insurance can be confusing. Our staff has experience with your questions and can help you get the most from your insurance.
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