Are you ready to start the new year with a new smile? If you’re missing teeth, have several root canals, crowns or bridges, you may be a good candidate for dental implants. Dental implants are prosthetic teeth that are anchored in your jaw. This makes them one of the most natural feeling types of replacement teeth.
How Dental Implants Replace Missing Teeth
Dental implants can be used to replace more than one missing tooth, or they can be used to replace teeth that are painful or have undergone extensive restoration techniques that have left the teeth looking less than perfect. A dental implant consists of a post and a false tooth, called a crown. The post is surgically inserted into the gum and jaw tissue. Once the bone has fused to the titanium post and the gum has healed, the crown is placed on the post.
Why People Choose Dental Implants
They look and feel just like natural teeth.
There are no special cleaning requirements.
There are no food restrictions.
You’ll be able to chew and speak properly.
They can be used to replace one or many missing teeth.
They help maintain bone and gum tissue in the area of the missing natural tooth.
Dental Implant Timeline
The technology for dental implants has greatly improved over the last few years. If you have healthy gum and bone tissue, you may be able to get your dental implant in a single visit. This is because an increasing number of dentists and orthodontists are taking advantage of CAD technology and a variation of 3D printing in order to significantly decrease the time it takes to get a dental implant.
One Day Dental Implants
When one-day dental implant technology is used, your existing teeth, gums and jawbone are thoroughly evaluated in order to ensure you have enough bone density and gum tissue to support the implant. If you do, 3D images of your mouth are taken are the dental implant software create 3D images for your missing tooth. Next, a ceramic or composite tooth-size block is placed in the crown milling machine. The machine then carves your new tooth so that it can be placed onto the titanium post. this reduces the time it takes to get dental implants from a few months to a few hours.
Traditional Dental Implants
If you have significant gum tissue loss or bone loss, cavities or gum disease, these issues will need to be corrected prior to the insertion of your dental implants, which means you won’t be a good candidate for same-day dental implants. In the case of missing gum and bone tissue, grafts can be performed. If gingivitis or periodontal disease are a problem, treatments can be utilized in order to restore the health of the gums. If you have small cavities in other teeth, our dentist will fill them to stop the dental decay and restore the structural stability of the affected teeth.
Once your bone and gum health has been restored, you could be a good candidate for same-day dental implants, or our dentist may recommend traditional dental implants. The traditional dental implant process can take months. This is because the titanium post is inserted into your jaw and gum tissue first. Then, the implant is given time to fuse with your jawbone. This can take anywhere from one to three or four months. During that time, followup appointments will be scheduled to make sure your healing normally. Once your jaw has fused to the post, an appointment is scheduled to put the crown on the post. This may require making an incision in your gum to reveal the post. Once the post is revealed, the crown is affixed to the post. More healing and adjustment time is needed after the placement of the crown, and additional follow-ups are typically needed to ensure your jaw and gum are accepting the implant. The total timeframe for this process can be as long as six months.
Dental Implants at Our Dental Office
To explore getting dental implants at our dental office and to learn if you’d be a good candidate for same-day or traditional dental implants, schedule an appointment today. Our dentist would love to talk to you about the benefits of implants and the process so that you can once again love your smile.
The estimated costs of getting dental implants can easily make you drowsy. Implants are known for their effectiveness and durability as tooth replacements despite their high initial prices. Are they worth the high charges? Absolutely!
Our guess is you are now probably asking yourself if your dental insurance plan will cover at least part of the implants’ costs. While many people anticipate for a simple yes or no answer, it’s never the case. Many medical insurance covers categorize implants under cosmetic procedures and could turn down your request for coverage. However, in some tidy cases, your procedure could be covered by your dental plans as some insurance companies are starting to see the effectiveness of implants. The following are some dental insurance plans that you may consider when looking for implant coverage.
Dental Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO)
These are managed care organizations in coordination with a network of dentists working under contracts with a dental insurance provider. The dentists under these plans are bound by a contract to provide PPO insurance cover members with unprecedented rates on dental care plans. Consider putting these networks into good use by talking to your insurance provider and asking them to refer you to a dentist who will attend to your implant needs. You might just get lucky and get charged low rates for the implant procedure.
Dental Health Maintenance Organizations Insurance (DHMO)
Like PPO insurance plans, dental health maintenance organizations offer cheaper dental care rates and work together with the dental insurance company to attract clients. However, in this case, the services are provided at pre-determined prices. DHMO insurance plans are also known to be more restrictive as an insured member cannot see a dentist that’s not in their network. Depending on what services the dentists in your PPO insurance plans cover, you may get lucky and find one which includes implant services as part of the package that can be covered under the insurance plan.
The costs charged under dental health maintenance organizations are undeniably the lowest when compared to PPO dental insurance covers and dental indemnity insurance plans. This takes us to the next dental insurance cover that may interest you.
Dental Indemnity Insurance Plans
Also known as traditional insurance, it runs on a rather funny system that directs you to pay your implants bills from your pocket fully. Your insurance company will then later reimburse the charges for the treatment back to you. This is the most common form of dental insurance plan that covers for implants. To make the process less taxing and more affordable, you could talk to your dentist about setting up a payment plan that spreads the bills throughout the treatment period.
The best thing about indemnity dental insurance plans covering for implants, is that it doesn’t restrict you from visiting any particular clinic or dentist of your choice. Be sure to confirm the deductible policy and ensure that you are on the same page with the insurance company. They should cover about 50 to 80% of the initial costs determined by your dentist for the implant procedure.
Dental Savings Plans
As the name suggests, it is a term that provides clients with discounts on most dental services. These discounts range anywhere from 10 to 60% on average, depending on the location and quality of dental services. Unlike other arrangements, dental savings plans do not have any waiting periods, deductibles, annual limits, restrictions, paperwork, and insurance pre-authorizations as they are not necessarily insurance covers.
If you are looking to slash your expenses when trying to acquire implant services, dental savings plans are recommendable. The best thing about dental savings plans is that they offer discounts on certain dental specialties, including cosmetic dentistry services such as teeth whitening. You shouldn’t find it hard covering for your dental implants’ services with a reasonable dental savings plan.
What Is The Cost Of Implants With Insurance Cover?
A single tooth implant can fetch about $3000 on average without dental insurance for the entire treatment. This might be a little too much out of the pocket money for an unplanned treatment procedure. An ideal dental plan should cover about half the cost of the treatment and probably step in for all the preventative charges in the process. You might want to talk to your dentist for an initial consultation session to help you understand the process and all the costs incurred in the implant treatment procedure.
Visit your insurance company and let them explain your options for getting an affordable implant treatment. Compare and contrast the quotes handed in by various dentists ready to offer the implant services. Save that extra dollar and get the perfect tooth replacement you have always desired.
So now, you know how critical insurance covers are in paying up for some of the expensive treatments, including dental implants. Contact us today to talk to our experts and let us enlighten you on all favorable dental plans in the market.
If you have missing teeth as a result of tooth decay or trauma, dental implants can go a long way toward improving your smile and overall oral health. For those who may not be as familiar with dental implants, they are artificial tooth roots, typically made from titanium, which serves as a base for one or more artificial teeth. Studies show that the success rate for this type of dental restoration is over 98 percent as long as they are well-maintained, which is usually a matter of brushing twice per day, flossing, and scheduling regular checkups with a licensed dentist.
What You Should Know About Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are made up of three critical components, which include the following:
Implants – Although commonly thought as a singular dental device, the implant, in reality, is the titanium post that is attached to the jawbone and acts as a supporting foundation for the artificial tooth, commonly referred to as a crown.
Abutments – This component is used to fasten the crown to the implant after it has successfully fused to the patient’s jawbone, a process commonly referred to in dentistry as osseointegration.
Crowns – This component, which can be made to resemble one’s natural teeth, is attached to the abutment and improves the appearance and overall function of the tooth.
It is important to note that the most visible components of a dental implant are also the ones that are most susceptible to being damaged. Therefore, if an implant is going to fail prematurely due to trauma, for example, the crown and abutment are often the first to go. However, several factors can also cause the implant itself to fail prematurely, some of which include
Smoking
Poor oral hygiene
Inadequate bone density
Periodontal disease
Implants can also fail prematurely if the procedure was performed by an inexperienced dentist. That said, you should exercise due diligence to ensure that you are working with a licensed and experienced dentist if you’re considering this type of dental restoration procedure.
Who Is A Good Candidate For Implants?
Generally speaking, anyone who is reasonably healthy and has a desire to fill the space left behind from missing teeth should consider implants as they are much better than older restoration procedures, such as a dental bridge, for example. Unlike a dental bridge, these devices do not slip and do a better job when it comes to withstanding biting and chewing pressure. However, implants are typically not recommended for those diagnosed with diabetes, HIV, AIDS, cancer, or other chronic health problems as they can cause them to fail prematurely.
How Long Do Implants Last?
Assuming there are no extenuating circumstances, such as gum disease or trauma, for example, there is really no reason why an implant wouldn’t last a lifetime. Of course, it is worth noting that the crown and the abutment are typically rated to last anywhere from 10 to 15 years as they tend to become worn after this amount of time. When this happens, they no longer fit quite as snug to the abutment and will become increasingly susceptible to falling out. The location within the mouth where the implant is placed will also play a role in how long it will ultimately last as well. Studies show that these dental restorations tend to last longer when placed in toward the front of the mouth as opposed to the rear. This is because more pressure will be placed on rear implants when an individual chews food.
Bottom Line
When dental implants are done correctly, they can last for years. Also, they are almost as strong as natural teeth, meaning you no longer have to deprive yourself of the foods that you may have once enjoyed eating as they are more reliable than other types of dental restorations, especially when it comes to hard foods like apples and raw vegetables, for example. Also worth noting, dental technology has advanced to the point where even those who don’t have enough bone to support a dental implant can still get them by first undergoing bone grafting, a procedure used to replace and regenerate lost bone tissue.
If you would like to learn more about how implants can improve the appearance and function of your teeth, consider scheduling a consultation with Dental Specialty Associates, a well-regarded dental practice with offices in both Gilbert and Phoenix that have, collectively, performed countless implant procedures. It is also worth noting that both facilities offer sedation for those who may be struggling with a fair bit of dental anxiety. For more information, contact us today.
If you have a missing tooth or an upcoming tooth extraction, it’s a good idea to understand your two primary options for replacing the tooth.
Both dental bridges and dental implants can work wonders to restore your smile and there’s a whole range of reasons, besides cosmetic ones, as to why you may want a bridge or implant. Both can restore your ability to chew and speak, prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position, and maintain the shape of your face. There are several important differences between these two treatments, however.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
As the name suggests, a dental bridge literally bridges the gap between one or more missing teeth.
A bridge consists mainly of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap, known as abutment teeth, and a false tooth or teeth in the middle, known as pontics, which are made from porcelain, gold, alloys, or a combination of these materials. Either natural teeth or implants will support the dental bridge and hold it in place.
There are three main types of bridges available: traditional bridges, Maryland bonded bridges and cantilever bridges.
Traditional bridges require a crown for the abutment teeth on either side of the missing tooth with the pontic sitting in between. Traditional bridges are the most commonly found type of bridge, and they’re made from either ceramic or porcelain fused to metal.
Maryland bonded bridges, also known as a Maryland bridge or a resin bonded bridge, are made in one of a number of ways. They can be either made from porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or as plastic teeth, with plastic gums, that are reinforced with a porcelain or metal frame.
Finally, Cantilever bridges are utilized when only one side of the missing tooth has an abutment tooth. This is an uncommon option, and tends not to be recommended for the back of the mouth due to it potentially damaging other teeth by placing too much force upon them.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A more modern alternative to the bridge, dental implants are also permanent and look and perform exactly the same as a natural tooth.
There are three main constituent parts of a dental implant: a titanium screw, referred to as the implant, which gets embedded into the jawbone and replaces the original root; a porcelain crown; and a connector, known as an abutment, which joins the two.
Dental implants are permanent due to the way in which the titanium screw is fused to the bone, and this helps implants potentially last a lifetime.
The Pros and Cons of Dental Bridges and Dental Implants
To decide which treatment option is right for you to replace a missing tooth, it’s important to compare the benefits and drawbacks of each option.
Pros of Dental Bridges
A bridge is both a reliable and functional solution
Only two to three dental appointments will be required to get fitted with a bridge
In the event of loss of jaw bone, or even significant damage to the jaw bone, bridges are recommended
No surgery is required. A straightforward dental procedure is all that’s required when fitting a bridge
Bridges are typically more affordable than an implant
Cons of Dental Bridges
Due to challenges with design, additional oral hygiene care will be necessary
Bridges and crowns will need replacing every 10 to 15 years or so
Root canal treatment can be a necessity if the tooth loss caused the nerve endings to be affected
Any existing crowns on the abutment teeth will have to be re-crowned prior to fitting the bridge
The Pros of a Dental Implant
An implant can last a lifetime
Adjacent teeth will not be affected in any way by the treatment
If required, it’s possible for more than just the one implant to be fitted during the same surgical procedure
Dental implants are less at risk of gum disease than a bridge
Provided there is sufficient support with the gums and the bone, implants can be installed in just one day
An implant performs just like a natural tooth and stops loss of jaw bone that results with the loss of teeth by stimulating the bone
Cons of Dental Implants
Minor surgery is required
While an implant is less expensive in the long term than a bridge, it has a higher upfront cost
Implants need more time to plan and prep than a bridge
Following the surgery for the installation of the implant, healing and recovery time will be required before the permanent new tooth replacement can be fitted.
Dental implants are designed to remain fixed in your mouth. However, in some cases an implant becomes loose or falls out. This article will discuss what you can do take care of your implants and what to do if one comes loose.
How to Care for Your Implants
Your dental crown is attached to a metal part that is placed below your gum line. In the best cases, this metal part becomes anchored to your jaw bone. If you have healthy bones, you increase your chances of having a successful implant surgery and keeping your implant sturdily attached inside your mouth.
As people age, they tend to lose bone mass. If you’re elderly, you may lack the strong bones necessary to support implants. This might make the surgery impossible to complete, or it could jeopardize the success rate. Elderly people who have weaker bones might be instructed to take vitamin supplements or try other therapies. Treating brittle bones or gum disease properly can improve a patient’s chances of having a successful dental implant surgery.
Apart from having strong bones, there are other things you can do to care for your implant. For starters, you should avoid foods that might damage your implants. Biting down on hard foods could put too much pressure on an implant. When you eat sticky foods, those food particles become attached to implants and can be hard to brush off. Foods like popcorn or nuts can also get stuck between teeth and irritate your dental implants. Hard foods and sticky foods might make your implant shift or move, which is not ideal.
Care for your implants as you would your natural teeth. Brush and floss daily. Do not forget to schedule regular dental office visits 1-2 times per year. Keeping your mouth healthy will also improve your chances of having your implants remain sturdily fixed in your mouth. For instance, if you develop periodontal disease, your gums will weaken. Weak gums cannot generally support dental implants or even natural teeth.
To avoid periodontal disease, you should brush and floss daily and visit your dentist for regular check-ups. Professional tooth cleaning is also recommended. Be sure to call your dentist if you experience pain that doesn’t subside after your implant surgery.
What to Do If an Implant Comes Out
Most implant surgeries are successful. However, in some cases an implant may move or fall out. If your dental implant fell out, schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately.
In many cases, your implant can be re-inserted. In some cases, only the dental crown comes off, which isn’t generally a serious problem. If only the crown comes loose, in most cases it can be screwed down again. Sometimes an abutment is damaged. The abutment is the metal part that anchors the crown to the other structure beneath the gums. In most cases, the abutment can also be replaced.
If the implant is moving below the gum line, this could be caused by a loss of bone mass or by periodontal disease. If periodontal disease is discovered early, then it can be treated with improved oral hygiene and antibiotic treatments. If a patient is able to reverse periodontal disease in its early stages, then he or she might still have the chance to have the implant re-inserted.
However, the only way to know what can be done about an implant is to have an oral exam. If your dental implant fell out, you should call your dentist. The dentist will take x-rays and determine the reason why the implant has come out. The dentist will then discuss your options concerning how to treat the problem. In cases where an implant cannot be re-inserted, the dentist will usually provide you with alternatives.
When investing heavily into your dental health, it’s important to know just how they need to be taken care of. Just like real teeth, dental implants need to be cared for as such, as like with real teeth, can be lost if not properly cared for. We here at Dental Specialty Associates have comprised a few tips in caring for dental implants. (more…)
