Implant Dentistry

A Cost-Effective Solution:

Although the initial expense of dental implants may be high, the treatment is extremely cost-effective in the long run. Unlike other oral options, dental implants are a one-time, lifelong treatment solution for most patients. We will provide you with an accurate estimate for your patient's treatment.

A More Attractive Appearance:

Facial appearance depends on where the teeth are positioned in the mouth, as well as their form, shape, and color. When teeth are lost, ongoing shrinkage of the jawbone occurs which has have a negative affect of the overall appearance of the face. Dental implants provide a more natural fit and appearance than other options and can be used to replace one or more teeth.

Increased Comfort and Confidence:

Dental implants replace the missing teeth in the mouth and are anchored and secured in the jawbone to mirror the look and feel of natural teeth. Implants help a person gain self-confidence by knowing that they are fixed in place. Dental implants also eliminate the pain and discomfort of removable full and partial dentures because they don’t slip and slide.

Healthy Tooth Replacement:

Implants and implant-supported teeth do not decay. Decay is the most common cause for bridge failure, making implants a far superior option.

Resistance to Gum Disease and Bone Loss:—

Recent studies indicate that dental implants may be somewhat less prone to common gum disease than natural teeth. —Because the exposed surfaces of the implants are very smooth, there is less plaque and calculus buildup with implants. —Patients will love hearing that implants mean “no more cavities” and “no more drilling”.

Better Biting Pressure and Digestion:

—Healthy teeth are able to absorb a tremendous amount of biting pressure. When teeth are missing, pressure is reduced.
—Dental implants can often restore the amount of pressure that can be withstood to nearly the same level of healthy natural teeth. —Dental implants mean that patients can enjoy foods they have been avoiding, such as apples and corn on the cob.
—Improved eating efficiency will also result in improved digestion.

Improved Speech:

—Dental implants solve many of the problems associated with slurred speech and mumbling related to missing teeth or ill-ftting prostheses. —When teeth are missing, facial muscles become tense in an attempt to hold the teeth in place.
—When the missing teeth are replaced with stable dental implant restorations, the facial muscles can begin to relax and allow to you to speak with improved confidence and clarity.

A Boost to your Patient's Smile:—

Dental Implants improve facial appearance by restoring lost lip support and minimizing wrinkles around the mouth. With dental implants, it is virtually impossible to detect the “replacement tooth”—.

Dental Implants can halt the bone loss in your patient's jaw

—It is important to remember that complete and partial dentures do not stop or prevent bone loss.
—In fact, ill-fitting partial dentures and full dentures can actually worsen the condition. We often laugh and giggle when we see someone’s denture slip out of their mouth but, sadly, this is a clear indication that bone loss has occurred and that there is simply just not enough structure remaining to hold the denture in place.

Are dental implants right for your patients?

—When patients are missing one, two, or more teeth, they have you to help them choose the proper tooth replacement.
—Would your patients prefer a stable, permanent tooth replacement that looks and feel like natural teeth?
—Do your patients hide their smile because of unsightly spaces between teeth or because they are missing teeth?
—Do your patients lack confidence or have trouble when they smile, speak or eat?
—Are your patient's natural teeth loose or are their dentures or partial dentures unstable?
—Do your patients have advanced gum disease, failing bridges, or badly broken teeth?
—If any of these situations apply, dental implants may be the optimal treatment solution.

Is your patient too old for dental implants?

—No! Any person at any age can have dental implants as long as there is enough bone available in which to place the implants.
—Anyone healthy enough to undergo routine dentistry is healthy enough to have dental implants placed.
—With very young people, however, it is generally wise to wait until the late teen years, after “growth” has completed — to place implants. We will review the appropriate diagnostic tests to determine your patient's ability to have implant treatment.

How long until my patient can resume my daily activities?

—In most cases, your patient can resume normal activities the day following the placement of dental implants. We will discuss their particular postoperative instructions with you. and will want you to be a part of the healing checks and adjustments before final restorations.

Is there special care needed with dental implants?

—Along with normal brushing and flossing, a periodic check-up and professional cleaning is with your hygienist is required.
—We will check the individual implants and take radiographs regularly to evaluate the bone, make any adjustments that are needed and clean around the posts, if necessary. You should be appointing your patients regularly for ongoing maintenance.

Will any medical condition impact treatment?

Generally speaking, if a person’s medical condition allows them to have routine dental treatment, such as having a tooth removed, they can also have an implant placed.
—Certain medical conditions do require that precautions be taken. —Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease that are under control with medication are usually not an obstacle to receiving dental implant treatment. —We may request a medical clearance, if necessary, prior to your patient's treatment. A complete medical history and vital signs, along with ASA Classification, will be performed.

What is the success rate for dental implants?

—If the treatment is properly planned by an experienced practitioner, the surgery accomplished following strict protocols, the restoration fabricated correctly and the prosthesis properly maintained by the patient, success rates exceed 95%

Can patients continue with a smoking habit during dental implant treatment?

—Smoking can lower the success rate of implants, but does not exclude a smoker from the treatment. We do not recommend smoking, but patients can continue to smoke after initial healing if they choose. —We will always encourage your patients to consider a smoking cessation program.

Does dental insurance cover this treatment?

—More insurance companies are adding implants to the benefit schedule. —Although every dental plan is different, your patients should have coverage for tooth replacement. —We can request information about the proposed implant treatment and obtain an explanation of benefits.
—Even if implants are not covered, your patient's carrier should approve payment for an alternative benefit.