Dental Implants
At River’s Bend Family Dental, we create a comfortable environment to address the unique dental needs of your family.
What Are Dental Implants?
If you are looking for the closest replacement to a natural tooth, consider dental implants. They are designed to complete smiles with missing teeth and regain your ability to chew and bite normally. Something you may not have even considered is that whenever we lose a tooth, we also lose the supporting bone that surrounds it. Dental implants help maintain the integrity of this jawbone and actively save the jaw from additional bone loss.
A dental implant is surgically placed beneath the gum line. Modern implants consist of titanium posts, selected for their ability to integrate and graft onto human bone. After healing, the implant integrates into the surrounding jaw bone, allowing your dentist to attach fixed replacement teeth or locators for a removable denture.
At River’s Bend Family Dental, we provide our patients with the highest-quality care and support they need. We know there are a few steps involved with dental implants. If you have any questions, please contact our staff to see if dental implants are right for you.
There aren’t many medical devices that are put into the body that can completely replicate what was given to us at birth. Dental Implants are the exception.
When completed, they feel, look, and function just like real teeth. You can floss them normally, eat with them normally, and never have to take them out like a Denture or Partial Denture.
Dental implants are placed below the gums and into the bone. They consist of a metal screw that is left in the bone to facilitate healing. When healing completes after 3-4 months, the body will have cemented the implant in place and can then be fitted with a tooth on top. (If you have a denture, special buttons can be placed on top of the implant to receive and securely hold the denture in place).
Dental Implants require healthy bone! It’s the #1 factor for a successful implant integration. If it’s been several years after losing a tooth in an area, your body may absorb all the bone away. If this is the case, you may need an additional bone graft to be able to receive a future implant.
A Cone Beam Computer Tomography (CBCT) Scan, a special 3D X-ray, is conducted by your dentist to determine whether you have sufficient healthy bone. This scan will help guide your surgery.
River’s Bend Family Dental provides a wide range of dental procedures to make it convenient for your family to tend to all its dental needs.
The Dental Implant Process
There are naturally several visits to the office, potentially spread over a few months to complete the dental implant process. After an initial consultation, your dentist will schedule follow up appointments the area(s) and number of implants that may be placed. They do this by ordering an advanced 3D x-ray scan of your jawbone called a CBCT (Cone Beam Computer Tomography) and any other form of imaging. It is after the 3D scan whether your jawbone will be viable for any planned implants.
There are naturally several visits to the office, potentially spread over a few months, to complete the dental implant process. After an initial consultation, your dentist will schedule follow-up appointments for the area(s) and number of implants that may be placed. They do this by ordering an advanced 3D x-ray scan of your jawbone called a CBCT (Cone Beam Computer Tomography) and any other form of imaging. It is after the 3D scan whether your jawbone will be viable for any planned implants.
As soon as the implant has healed and the grafting process is complete, an abutment is placed on top to receive a crown. (There are special abutments that also hold dentures secure as well). Abutments are specialized pieces that either use a screw or dental cement to adhere to the crown.
Give yourself a big pat on the back and celebrate your final crown seating day. The implant process has concluded, and you will get to use your new natural-feeling tooth.
Implant Care
After your final implant crown seating day, the healing process still needs a few weeks to finish. Your gums and teeth will sometimes feel tight with a new tooth in place. It’s still generally a good idea to eat softer foods and gradually build up to harder foods as the sensitivity and discomfort begin to decrease.
It is not necessary for dramatic changes to your diet or eating habits to maintain your dental implants. Just like natural teeth, you will want to maintain your dental implants with good oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing at least twice a day. Remember to schedule regular cleaning appointments every six months to minimize plaque buildup around your implants. When properly cared for, dental implants can last for decades.
Family Dentistry
At River’s Bend Family Dental, we create a comfortable environment to address the unique dental needs of your family.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
The most significant benefit of dental implants is that they preserve the integrity of your original jawbone. This maintains your natural facial structures, giving you a youthful appearance. Additionally, dental implants fill gaps in missing teeth, completing your full smile and allowing you to chew again.
From an aesthetic perspective, dental implants can improve your overall appearance and restore self-confidence. Socially, they can make a significant difference, whether it’s laughing without self-consciousness or confidently presenting to co-workers. Not replacing missing teeth can alter your facial and jaw structure over time. Replacing even a single tooth can have a profound impact on your life, enhancing your smile and quality of life.
If you already have dentures, why not enhance and upgrade them with dental implants? Dental implant technology can secure removable dentures to your gums. Just ask us how.
Associated Costs
Every person’s situation and specific insurance plan is unique and different. And with most dental procedures, what and how much a procedure will be covered is ultimately determined by your specific policy and plan. While most insurance plans cover dental implants, it’s important to note that some policies may not cover all costs. If you do not currently have dental insurance coverage or have questions about payment options, always feel free to contact our knowledgeable staff. They are always happy to discuss possible options with you.