Hey, I'm Dr. Bryan DiMarco here at Renew Dental. We get a lot of questions from our patients about dental implants. I'm here today to answer a few of the most common questions that we get and hopefully give you a better understanding of dental implants.
What are dental implants and when are they recommended?
A dental implant is an artificial root that sits in the bone and has a false tooth on top to replace a missing tooth. They are recommended whenever we're missing a tooth to replace it and give you a full set of teeth to chew on.
What conditions might disqualify a person from getting dental implants?
A couple of things that may disqualify a patient would be if they've had the missing tooth for a long time and there's been a significant loss of bone in the area. We might not have enough bone to place a dental implant or we may need to build up that bone with bone grafting to make it a suitable site for the implant. Another thing that can disqualify patients would be if they are very compromised medically. For example, if a patient has severe diabetes, they might not be able to heal from the placement of the implant surgery. Lastly, if a patient is a very heavy smoker, that unfortunately doesn't allow the implant to integrate properly and can often lead to it failing.
What are the benefits and risks of dental implants?
Some benefits of a dental implant include that it is the best treatment option to replace a missing tooth. One significant benefit is that because it's an artificial root that goes into the bone, it helps maintain the bone in that area, whereas other replacement options lead to bone loss over time. The benefit of maintaining the bone is that it helps support the surrounding teeth. Generally, once an implant is in place and if you're taking proper care of it, it can last the rest of your life. Another great benefit is that it stays in the mouth and doesn't affect neighboring teeth. You can still floss around the implant and take care of it like a normal tooth. Some risks of not doing a dental implant include causing other teeth to wear down. Teeth work as a team. When you're chewing, they help support each other. Missing some of them causes the others to work harder, potentially leading them to wear down or break in the future, which could cause you to lose other teeth.
What are the different types of dental implants and dental implant procedures?
When it comes to implants, it depends on how many teeth we're trying to replace. For example, if we're missing one tooth, we can do a single tooth implant. If we're missing multiple teeth, we could consider an implant-supported bridge, where we have two implants supporting three teeth. If we're missing several teeth, we could look into an implant-supported denture to replace multiple teeth.
How will a dentist decide if dental implants are right for me?
The way we determine this is during your new patient exam. We conduct a thorough examination to evaluate all the different elements and what's going on in your mouth. Depending on what we find, such as missing teeth and the quality of the bone in that area, we would look at the different factors involved and discuss what might be the best option for you and if dental implants might help your situation.
What are the steps of getting dental implants?
There are a few main steps. The number one step is to first get a 3D X-ray called a CBCT scan, which lets us see how much bone is in the area and if it's a good site for a dental implant. The next step is the actual placement of the dental implant. The procedure is fairly straightforward. We give you a bit of numbing and do a little channeling in the bone so the implant can sit there. Once the implant is in, we let it heal for about four months. The last step is taking a digital 3D scan of the implant to send to a laboratory. They make the crown or tooth part that sits on the implant, and then we attach it to the implant and are done.
What options are available for artificial teeth? Removable versus fixed materials and colors.
When looking at replacing teeth, there are generally three main options. You have either a denture, which is a removable type of option usually used to replace multiple missing teeth. The other two that stay in your mouth are a dental bridge, where we have one missing tooth in the middle, trim down the two teeth on either side, and make three crowns attached together to sit on those two teeth and replace the one in the middle. The last option is doing a dental implant. Regarding the different types of materials available, for bridges and implants, we generally use metals and porcelain materials, which are very strong to replace those teeth. For dentures, it can be a combination of metal and a plastic material called acrylic.
How long does the dental implant procedure last?
Generally, for a single implant, the appointments are relatively quick. The placement appointment is generally about an hour to an hour and 20 minutes. When you come back in four months to design the crown, that's usually two appointments, each about an hour, to first take a 3D scan of the implant to make the crown, and then at the second appointment, put the crown in and make the necessary adjustments.
Is the dental implant procedure painful?
Patients I've had in the past always tell me that the most painful part of the dental implant procedure is the removal of the tooth. They say the dental implant is actually a relatively painless procedure. After the procedure, we prescribe some painkillers and antibiotics to help manage any symptoms. Generally, after a couple of days, the symptoms have gone away, and they're able to return to normal eating.
What anesthesia options are available when getting dental implants?
For every dental implant procedure, we use a local anesthetic to freeze the tissues in the area we're working on. For patients with higher anxiety, we could use nitrous oxide sedation or laughing gas to help their anxiety during the appointment. If you're looking for a stronger level of sedation during the procedure, we don't offer that at our clinic, but we could refer you to an oral surgeon to get that done.
Will dental implants last for the rest of my life?
Dental implants are a highly successful procedure. Like any procedure, it depends a lot on proper maintenance. If you properly maintain your dental implants by doing good brushing and flossing at home and coming in regularly for cleanings, the implant part in the bone can last the rest of your life. The part that sometimes needs to be replaced is the crown on top. Depending on how many years you're using it, generally, materials start to break down, and you may have to replace that portion. However, the dental implant and the crown usually last a very long time.
What are the costs and financing options involved with dental implants?
When it comes to the cost of getting a dental implant, there are many options available to help patients financially. A lot of the time, patients look into financing their dental implant, which can help them access the care they need without a high upfront cost. For example, if you finance a dental implant over a 24-month period, it could be as low as about $290 a month. We also have options for those who prefer not to finance and pay upfront, and we can work with you to find a solution that fits your situation.
Do most insurance plans cover the cost of dental implants?
This varies depending on the plan you have, but generally, if your plan covers major treatments like crowns or bridges, then they often cover a portion of the dental implant procedure. We can help you by looking into your different insurance plans, sending off paperwork, and figuring out exactly what coverage you have.
How can I schedule an appointment to talk to a dentist about dental implants?
The easiest way is to give our office a call or send us an email to set up a preliminary exam. At that point, the dentist will do a thorough evaluation of your mouth, figure out where and what options we might have for replacing some of your missing teeth, and discuss dental implants with you.
I hope I was able to give you a better understanding of dental implants and answer some of the questions you might have. If you have missing teeth or would like to know more about dental implants and are ready to take action, please feel free to give us a call at (204) 817-6768 or send us an email to set up an appointment today.
Hi, I'm Dr. Bryan DiMarco here at Renew Dental. We receive many questions about dental implants, so I'm here today to cover a few of the most commonly asked questions and hopefully give you a better understanding of dental implants.
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a treatment used to replace a missing tooth. Essentially, it is a man-made root that goes into the bone, and then a crown is placed on top to give it the shape of the missing tooth.
What conditions would cause a dentist to recommend dental implants?
The most common reason is to replace a missing tooth so that you can chew better and avoid damaging your other teeth due to increased chewing forces.
What are the advantages of dental implants?
There are a few main advantages. Number one is that the dental implant is the only treatment with a man-made root that goes into the bone. This is important because it allows your body to maintain the quantity of bone in that area, which is crucial for the long-term success of your other teeth. Losing bone in our mouth can make us look older. Another advantage is that by replacing the missing tooth, you increase the chewing area, supporting the surrounding teeth so they don't prematurely wear down, break, or crack.
What is the process I will go through if I decide to get dental implants?
First is the examination, similar to any other dental exam, where we take some X-rays to assess the area. We also examine the inside of your mouth to ensure there's enough space for the implant. If needed, orthodontic treatment may be recommended to create space. We also take a 3D X-ray called a CBCT to evaluate the quantity and quality of the bone in the area where we plan to place the implant.
Why is my medical history important?
There are factors that can affect the success rate of the implant. We look for any uncontrolled conditions such as diabetes and ensure there's no smoking, as both can severely impact the implant's outcome.
How will my dentist come up with a treatment plan that is right for me?
During the examination, we look at the whole mouth to create an individualized treatment plan. Factors include the condition of teeth on either side of the missing tooth and other missing teeth areas that may affect the recommended treatment, whether a single implant, dental bridge, or denture. We explore various options to find the best fit for you.
What are the steps in the process of placing a dental implant from tooth removal to jawbone preparation?
Initially, a tooth is missing or needs removal due to unfixable issues like cavities or cracks. The first appointment involves removing the tooth, often with a ridge preservation procedure, where bone is placed in the area to maintain bone quantity. This helps minimize bone loss after extraction, ensuring enough bone for implant placement later.
Jawbone prep to dental implant placement
After tooth removal and ridge preservation, the area typically needs 3 to 4 months to heal. We then assess the jawbone to decide if we can proceed with the implant or if additional procedures like bone grafting are needed to increase bone volume for implant placement.
Dental implant placement and bone growth and healing
The next step is implant placement. We insert the man-made root into the jawbone during implant surgery, which will support the implant crown. After placement, the implant is left for about 4 months to integrate into the bone and ensure the bone grows around it, making it solid for crown placement.
Abutment placement and artificial tooth placement
The next step is placing the abutment and crown after successful integration. The abutment attaches to the implant, and the crown sits on top.
When will bone grafting be required?
Bone grafting is needed when there's inadequate bone to place the implant. Implants succeed because bone surrounds and holds them in place, allowing them to withstand chewing forces. Bone grafting adds bone to increase volume for implant support.
When choosing new artificial teeth, what options will I have and what are the pros and cons of each?
When missing several teeth, patients ask about options for replacement, whether removable or fixed. Dentures can replace many missing teeth. Removable options include dentures clipped onto a couple of implants, while fixed dentures are screwed into implants and stay in place except during cleanings. Removable options are cheaper but may cause discomfort and require frequent replacement. Fixed options offer high quality, better cosmetic results, and are more like natural teeth but are expensive and require regular cleanings to prevent implant failure.
How long does it typically take to recover from dental implants?
Patients ask about recovery time from dental implant surgery. Generally, recovery is easier than tooth removal. Typically, there's some soreness for a few days up to a week, manageable with extra strength Advil or Tylenol, and recovery is usually uneventful.
How long do dental implants last?
Once integrated into the bone, dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care. They're susceptible to gum disease like natural teeth, so regular cleanings and good oral hygiene are crucial for longevity.
Can dental implants get cavities?
Patients ask if dental implants can get cavities. Fortunately, dental implants cannot get cavities, so there's no need to worry about that.
What are the costs and financing options involved with dental implants?
Patients inquire about dental implant costs and financing options. Costs vary depending on individual needs, bone grafting, and other factors. Implants are done in two parts, allowing time between payments, which helps with financing. We also offer financing options to reduce upfront costs.
Do most insurance plans cover the cost of dental implants?
Insurance coverage for dental implants varies, but they're generally considered a major treatment, with most plans offering some coverage.
How can I schedule an appointment to talk to a dentist about dental implants?
To schedule an appointment, call our office at (204) 817-6768, and we'll be happy to set up a consultation to discuss dental implants. Alternatively, submit a web form on our website, and we'll contact you to arrange it.
I hope I was able to answer some of your questions about dental implants. If you have further questions or are interested in getting a dental implant, please call us at (204) 817-6768, and we'd be more than happy to help you.
At Renew Dental, we understand that the journey to restoring your smile with dental implants is both a significant and personal process. Our dedicated team is committed to providing compassionate dental care tailored to your unique needs, ensuring that each step of the dental implant procedure is handled with expertise and empathy. Here, we will guide you through the critical phases of dental implant placement, emphasizing the importance of each step in creating the smile you've always dreamed of.
The journey begins with a tooth extraction, which may be necessary if the original tooth is severely damaged or decayed. After the tooth extraction, our compassionate dental team will closely monitor your recovery. This period, known as tooth extraction recovery, is crucial for allowing your gums and bone to heal properly. Depending on individual healing rates, this recovery timeline can span from a few weeks to several months. We encourage our patients to engage in regular check-ups during this period, ensuring your healing is progressing as expected.
Once your gums and bone have fully healed, we initiate the next step: the placement of the dental implant. The dental implant itself consists of a titanium tooth root that serves as the new foundation for your smile. During the procedure, we carefully position the implant post into the jawbone, which is a critical phase of the osseointegration process. This process is where the bone fuses with the titanium post, creating a robust anchor for the new tooth. Osseointegration can take several months, and it is essential to understand that during this time, your body is working diligently to create a lasting bond with the implant.
After sufficient time has passed for healing and osseointegration, we proceed to the next step: abutment placement. The abutment is a small connector piece that attaches to the dental implant and holds the crown securely in place. This stage is an exciting milestone as it brings you closer to achieving a functional and aesthetically pleasing smile. We ensure that the abutment fits perfectly, allowing for optimal comfort and support during the subsequent phase of dental crown placement.
Following the successful attachment of the abutment, we take precise impressions of your teeth and gums to create a custom-made dental crown. The dental crown fitting process is meticulously designed to match your natural teeth in shape, size, and color, ensuring that results blend seamlessly with your smile. Our commitment to cosmetic dental solutions means we focus on not just functionality but also the visual aspect of your new teeth. Once your custom crown is fabricated, we will schedule a follow-up appointment for its placement. This final step restores both the function and appearance of your smile, enhancing your confidence and overall well-being.
Throughout your dental implant journey, you can rest assured that our patient-centered dental practice prioritizes regular check-ups to monitor your healing and adjust any treatments as necessary. We believe that regular communication and follow-up are key components of successful restorative dentistry. Our compassionate dental team will be there to support you at every stage, addressing any concerns you may have along the way.
Renew Dental is proud to be a part of your journey towards a healthier smile. We are devoted to providing holistic dental services that encompass more than just the physical aspects of dental care; we focus on uplifting our patients emotionally and mentally, ensuring you feel valued and cared for. Our family dental practice is deeply rooted within our community, and it is our honor to serve families and individuals of all ages.
In addition to dental implants, we offer a comprehensive range of services designed to improve overall oral health. From preventive measures, such as local dental checkups, to emergency dental services, our goal is to provide you with the best possible dental care. We understand that each patient has unique needs and concerns, and our personalized dental care approach ensures that you receive the treatment that best fits your lifestyle and dental health goals.
As you consider dental implants as a solution for missing teeth, remember that you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. With Renew Dental, you are part of a supportive family dedicated to your well-being and satisfaction. Together, we will work toward achieving your ideal smile—one that reflects both your health and your personality.
By choosing Renew Dental, you are accessing a team of professionals focused on restorative dental care with a strong emphasis on compassionate patient experiences. We invite you to schedule a consultation with us today to learn more about our dental implants and how they can change your life. Your journey to a beautiful and functional smile starts here, and we can't wait to assist you every step of the way.