What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a permanent replacement for missing teeth. They provide a strong foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
Who Should Consider Dental Implants?
Dental implants could be the right choice for:
- Individuals who are missing a single tooth or multiple teeth who desire a permanent solution.
- Those who want to restore their smile, confidence, and ability to chew properly.
- People looking for a long-term tooth replacement option.
Watch Now to Learn More About Dental Implants
Dr. Slater explains dental implants and the difference between implants and dental bridges, which he explains is not the standard of care with the technology available today.
The Dental Implant Process
The entire dental implant procedure process occurs in multiple stages. First, the dental implants are placed in your jawbone. For the next few months (usually 4 months), the implants are below the gum surface, slowly bonding with your jawbone. After the bonding occurs, your surgeons will uncover the implants and attach small posts that go through the gums and are used as anchors for the artificial teeth.
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Initial Consultation
You will meet with your oral surgeon who will assess your overall health, oral health and determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants.
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Implant Placement
The implants are surgically placed into the jawbone, where they fuse with the one over time. This is done in the office and sedation is used in most cases, to ensure you are completely comfortable the entire time.
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Healing Period
It may take several months for the implant(s) to integrate fully with the jawbone. The typical healing time is about four months.
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Abutment Placement
Once the implants have been given a chance to heal, abutments are attached to the implants to connect the replacement teeth.
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Replacement Tooth Placed
Custom-made crowns, bridges, or dentures are securely attached to the abutments to complete the restoration. You'll typical return to your General Dentist or periolydontist for this last and final step.
If you are concerned about the cosmetic affects of missing a tooth while it heals, there are alternatives. Utilizing the latest advances in the dental implant field, our surgeons can put single-stage implants. These types of implants don't require a subsequent strategy to reveal them, yet require at least a month and a half of recuperating time before the artificial teeth are finally set.
A Common Complication
Leaving missing teeth untreated can cause severe jaw issues. This can lead to a severe lack of bone, which makes the dental implant procedure difficult and, sometimes, impossible without surgical intervention. However, through advanced surgical procedures, we can develop bone where it is lacking. This allows us to place implants of appropriate length and width and reestablish functionality of the jaw and aesthetic appearance.
This is done through a procedure called bone grafting. This is where a portion of bone will be taken from the elsewhere in the body and used to reconstruct places lacking bone throughout the jaw. These procedures are performed in an operating room and require a hospital stay, which is why Tennessee Valley Oral Surgery has privileges at the University of Tennessee.
Interested in Learning More About Dental Implants?
In this completely free dental implants guide, you will learn:
- Why it's important to replace missing teeth
- The options for tooth replacement
- The anatomy of dental implants
- Treatment options for both single or multiple missing teeth
- Treatment options for utilizing dental implants with dentures or other permanent hardware
- The process of installing dental implants
- How to determine if you're a candidate for dental implants
How much do dental implants cost?
Your out-of-pocket contribution on your dental implants will depend on a number of factors including how many you’re having placed, the state of the bone in your jaw, how much your insurance covers and more. We accept a variety of insurance plans, which will usually reduce your out-of-pocket cost. To help offset your out-of-pocket expense, we also accept CareCredit and United Medical Credit. To get an exact estimate of what your procedure will be, schedule a consultation today. Your surgeon will review your treatment plan, we will verify your insurance coverage and you will leave with an exact estimate.
Dental Implants Frequently Asked Questions
While dental implants are a popular option for tooth replacement, not everyone is a candidate. Your oral surgeon will evaluate your oral health and bone density to determine if you are a suitable candidate.