There are a lot of reasons to say ‘yes!’ to dental implants

Implants can help prevent bone loss

A healthy tooth root transfers biting forces to the bone and maintains its strength and position.

When a tooth is lost, there are no longer any forces pushing on the bone. The bone begins to deteriorate. Teeth on both sides can begin to move inward causing additional gaps and an unsightly appearance.

The traditional option for replacing a missing tooth is a cement-retained bridge. While a bridge will successfully replace the crown of the missing tooth, it does not replace the root of the tooth. The consequence of not replacing the root is that bone loss can occur, leaving a dark and unappealing space at the gumline.

A dental implant is the only option for replacing a missing tooth that replaces both the crown and root. The implant acts as a substitute tooth root to transfer forces and help keep the bone healthy.

Evidence of bone loss due to missing teeth

is obvious in people who have lost all of their teeth.
The collapse of facial contours that results from bone
loss can severely affect your appearance. But dental implants can make you smile again!

Dental implants do not compromise teeth and they help to prevent bone loss

Implant-support dentures stay securely in place and can help to prevent bone loss

You’ll find that with implant supported-dentures

Choose from three attachment methods

Implant-retained dentures

Implant-bar supported dentures

Fixed crown and bridge supported by dental implants

Consequences of tooth loss

You may well be asking yourself the question:

Will there be negative consequences if I don’t get implants?

The answer is yes. When a tooth is lost, the bone that surrounds the tooth deteriorates, or melts away. Missing teeth can compromise your eating habits, speech, and appearance. Missing teeth in the front of your mouth can result in hard to hide defects in the bone that can affect the look of your smile along with your self confidence. Missing teeth in the back of your mouth can lead to the collapse of your bite. This affects the appearance of your face, your ability to eat, and the health of your remaining teeth. Complete tooth loss may result in the collapse of the bone structure supporting the lower third of your face as the jaws deteriorate over time.

Who is a good candidate for dental implants?

Thanks to recent advancements in dental implant techniques, many people with missing teeth qualify as candidates for dental implant treatment. Some of the determining factors are:

Before an implant is placed, your gums and existing teeth need to be healthy. Conscientious oral hygiene and regular check-ups with your dentist are important for long-term success.

Even if you’ve lost a significant amount of bone in your jaws, you may still qualify as a candidate for dental implants. Simple and predictable techniques are now available to help bone regrow in your jaws before dental implants are placed.

Frequently asked questions about dental implant treatment

How long do implants last?
Dental implants are considered to be the preferred method of tooth replacement by many dentists. Replacement teeth supported by dental implants are a permanent solution and have over 90% success rates in long-term function.

Will I be able to eat normally during the healing process?
Yes. In most situations, you may eat what you like. You may be asked to avoid chewing in the area where the implants are placed for a short period after surgery, but once that time has passed, you can chew your food as usual.

Can I get a temporary tooth to fill the gap during healing?
Yes. In most instances, you can be provided with a temporary tooth to fill the area of the missing crown while the implant is healing. Your dentist will recommend the option for a temporary that is best suited for your situation

Is dental implantation a common surgical procedure?
Yes. This procedure has been performed for decades on millions of patients. Implant specialists have
extensive experience, and the Straumann dental implant is the result of more than 30 years of research and
documented clinical success.

Is the procedure relatively pain-free?
Yes. Many patients report that having a tooth extracted is much more traumatic than having a dental implant placed. The procedure is usually performed in the dental office under local anesthesia.

Frequently asked questions about the cost of dental implants

Are dental implants expensive?
They are more affordable than ever before. Dental implants are an investment that can help to improve the quality of your life. There are a number of financing options available that allow you to choose the method of payment that is best for you.
The restoration is sometimes covered at least partially by insurance. Your dental office can look into this for you.

What types of financing options are available?
Your restorative dentist and his/her financial coordinator can best explain those options. Most offices offer financing through a third-party company, a payment plan option, or a discount for full payment prior to treatment. There are a number of other options as well. An option can be found to best suit you.

What will be the total cost for treatment?
Your restorative dentist and his/her financial coordinator will review all of that information during your first appointment.

Are dental implants covered by insurance?

Dental implants are an investment that can help to improve your quality of life. In most cases, dental implants are not fully covered by insurance, but the superior benefits are long term and far outweigh the cost. The restoration is sometimes covered, at least partially, by insurance depending on your policy.