Dental Implants

What Benefits Do Dental Implants Offer?

Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option to restore both the tooth root and body. Due to the fact that they’re secured to the jawbone, dental implants are considered the restorations that look and feel most similarly to natural teeth. Some of the primary benefits of dental implants include:

• Implants can last a lifetime with proper care.
• Dental implants have a 98% success rate for safe and reliable care.
• Implants may reduce or prevent rapid bone loss in the jaw after tooth loss.
• Each dental crown is designed to look and feel natural.
• Dental implants reduce the risk of losing multiple teeth after tooth loss.
• Your new teeth won’t shift or move out of place.
• Implants do not affect working teeth and can improve your overall oral health.

Implants can replace a single missing tooth, but they can also stabilize a denture — this provides increased comfort for patients who wear a denture, as well as more effective chewing, speaking, and smiling.

Are Dental Implants Right for Me?

Most patients find that dental implants improve their appearance, speech, comfort, and food choices by making it easier to chew. If one or more of the following circumstances applies to you, dental implants may be ideal:

• You are missing one or more teeth.
• You are tired of having broken, hurting, and decayed teeth.
• You have ample amounts of bone to secure implants.
• Your gums and tissues are healthy.
• You are unwilling or unable to wear removable dentures.
• Your jawbone has reached full growth.

In some situations, dental implants may not be the best choice to replace your missing teeth. In order for implants to successfully integrate with the jawbone, patients must have a clean, healthy mouth and an adequate amount of jawbone support. If you require gum disease treatment or bone grafting, these services will be performed before implant surgery. Dr. Libby will listen to your concerns and evaluate the state of your oral health to help you learn whether implants are the best option to achieve your goals.

Robert Implant Story

Dental implant surgery is performed in phases, with the entire process lasting anywhere from three to nine month. This includes time off for healing and the growth of new bone around the implant — a process known as “osseointegration.”

• Phase One: This first stage of the dental implant process involves an oral surgery to place your implant into the jawbone. This is followed by a few months of rest while your implant begins to fuse with your mouth. Sedation dentistry can be used as anesthesia throughout this placement procedure. Our dentists will make the area numb, and create a spot for the implant to replace your tooth root.

We then let the area heal for several months to allow your implant to naturally integrate with your gums and jawbone. Most dental implants are made with biocompatible titanium. The process of your bone healing around the implant is called “osseointegration” — this means that your body actually likes the material and grows around it, making your implant a part of you.

• Phase Two: The abutment is placed. A period of healing follows, after which we can build your new tooth or teeth onto the implant so your entire restoration looks and feels like a tooth was never missing!

Some individuals may require a bone graft surgery prior to getting dental implants due to a lack of available bone support. This is common in patients who have a jawbone that is too soft, or not thick enough to sustain the implant. Whether bone grafting is necessary will be determined during your consultation visit.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants can provide you with a lifetime of enhanced comfort and confidence as long as you take good care of your teeth. Fortunately, implants only require the same regular daily maintenance necessary to keep your natural teeth healthy to remain in good condition. Frequent brushing and flossing, as well as continuing to attend your semi-annual dental appointments, are the only measures necessary to help ensure your implants are effective for as long as possible. We also recommend wearing a mouthguard or night guard if you have a habit of clenching or grinding your teeth while asleep, as unnecessary pressure can accelerate wear and tear on your implants (and teeth in general). All in all, dental implants can last forever if you practice good oral hygiene, do not smoke, and attend your regular dental appointments to monitor any potential concerns. 

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

The cost of dental implants varies based on a patient’s unique needs and the details of your treatment plan. Rest assured that our office will provide you with a personalized quote and related payment information at the time of your consultation. 

Missing teeth are incredibly damaging to your health. You may be unable to eat the nutritious foods you need in order to stay healthy, and your jawbone can even recede due to missing tooth roots. This can lead to further tooth loss, as well as a sunken appearance.

That said, dental implants are an investment in better health. After tooth loss, a dental implant can help improve your ability to chew foods you need in order to stay healthy. It can also protect your jawbone density and help you retain a youthful appearance. All of these benefits add up to a happier and more positive quality of life. With that in mind, we encourage you to seek out experienced, qualified implant providers rather than simply selecting the cheapest option. At Libby Dental, we offer CareCredit^® for qualified patients who would like to pay for their dental implants in a series of smaller, more manageable installments.