What are dental implants?
Dental implants are the most modern way to replace one or more missing teeth, providing the longest-term success. They feel as natural as your own teeth, and I would recommend them to anyone looking to replace missing teeth.
What conditions would cause a dentist to recommend dental implants?
A dentist might recommend a dental implant when a patient wants to restore the aesthetics or function lost due to missing single or multiple teeth. Dental implants serve as a new root and crown, providing a brand-new tooth from the bottom up that feels just like your own teeth. You brush, chew, and eat with it, and it's so natural that I sometimes forget where mine is.
What are the advantages of dental implants?
Dental implants have the least number of complications and allow you to use your teeth as naturally as possible. They are not cumbersome or removable, remain in place, and don't require anything different from the care you give your natural teeth. They offer long-term reliability compared to other tooth replacement methods, which often need to be redone or treated in a few short years.
What is the process I will go through if I get dental implants?
The process of getting dental implants starts with ensuring the area is stable and healed. If there's a tooth present, it will be removed, and the spot will be prepared for an implant. If it's an area without a tooth, we plan immediately, take a detailed scan, and ensure you're healthy enough for the procedure. After placing the implant, we wait for a few months for your body to heal. Once healed, a crown is made for the implant, allowing you to smile, chew, and go about your day with confidence.
Why is my medical history important?
Your medical history is crucial because it dictates whether the implant will be accepted or rejected by your body and whether you can heal properly. Some health conditions might prevent someone from being a good candidate for an implant, so we need to ensure it's not an issue.
What are the steps in the process of placing a dental implant?
The process of placing a dental implant involves numbing the area, making it comfortable, and preparing the spot for the implant. We create a space, place the implant, and cover the gums over it. Afterward, you usually feel normal quickly, and rarely are there any issues that prevent you from returning to your routine, sometimes even on the same day.
Talk to me a little bit about bone growth and healing.
We rely on bone to heal into the implants, similar to how a broken arm heals in a cast. We may use bone grafts or other materials to speed up healing, especially in areas with insufficient bone or where infections have damaged the bone. A bone graft ensures there is enough stable bone for the implant to last a long time.
When would bone grafting be required?
Bone grafting might be needed if there's been bone loss due to infection or if the area is initially very thin. It's also required when placing an upper implant near the sinus to provide a solid foundation.
When choosing new artificial teeth, what options will I have and what are the pros and cons of each?
Options for replacing missing teeth include dental implants, bridges, and removable appliances. Dental implants stay in place, offer strong chewing force, and provide confidence, especially for front teeth. Bridges use adjacent teeth to support a replacement tooth. Removable appliances can be taken in and out daily. The most appropriate option depends on your finances, desires, and expectations.
How long does it typically take to recover from dental implants?
Recovery from a dental implant procedure is relatively quick, as it's non-invasive and involves replacing something that was there before. Most patients return to normal life the next day or even the same day, with a few small precautions.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are a predictable treatment method for replacing missing teeth and should last many years, up to a lifetime. Factors affecting their longevity include overall health, oral hygiene, and the reasons for losing teeth initially. They should last at least two to three times longer than a bridge.
Can dental implants get cavities?
Dental implants, made of titanium and porcelain, cannot get cavities.
What are the costs and financing options involved with dental implants?
Dental implants are a popular treatment with several financing options, similar to other dental procedures. Payments can be split over the course of treatment, and traditional financing options like Care Credit, Lending Club, or Cherry are available.
Do most insurance plans cover the cost of dental implants?
Dental insurance coverage for implants varies. There may be partial, full, or no coverage. To assist patients, we offer various financing options to help cover the treatment cost.
How can I schedule an appointment to talk to a dentist about dental implants?
The easiest way to schedule an appointment is to call (561) 852-7700. Our receptionist will gladly set up a consultation, which may be complementary based on your needs.
Modern Tooth Replacement
If you have lost a tooth, you’re not alone. Over half of Americans have at least one missing tooth, and about 40 million have lost all their teeth. Luckily, edentulism (tooth loss) is not what it used to be – you now have many options to restore your smile without a trace. For those cases in which you might be looking to replace a single missing tooth, Lifeway Dental of Boca is excited to offer dental implants in Boca Raton.
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a restorative procedure used to replace a missing tooth with a prosthesis that resembles natural teeth's shape and color. Implants have three components; a screwlike post made of titanium that serves as a tooth root, an abutment that holds the prosthetic tooth in place, and a dental crown that looks like a real tooth.
Implants can also serve as anchors that sustain more substantial restorative treatment like dental bridges or permanent dentures. Recent advancements to dental science have also made mini dental implants possible, which can be freestanding or work alongside your natural teeth.
What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
- Get your smile back
- Speak and eat normally again
- Enhance your confidence and self-esteem
You now have the choice to restore your smile with an effective procedure that will leave no trace that your teeth were missing in the first place. Trust the expert hands at Lifeway Dental of Boca to deliver undeniable results with our dental implants. Contact us today to learn more!