What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that provide a permanent base for replacement teeth. They’re an ideal option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, injury, or some other reason.
Dental implants are made of titanium, a material that is compatible with the human body. Once the implant is placed in the jawbone, it fuses with the bone over time. This process is known as osseointegration.
The implant acts as a foundation for a single tooth, a dental bridge, or a denture. A small post (abutment) is attached to the implant after it has healed, and then a replacement tooth (crown) is placed on top.
Kibra's Experience With Dental Implants
My name is Kyra Men, and I’ve been a patient of Dr. Edwards for about 15 years now. So the treatment that I received with Dr. Edwards that made the biggest difference for me were my implants. I needed an implant. I needed a bridge. I mean, my confidence was shot because my teeth had a lot of issues. Your smile is everything. I’m an educator. I teach kids. I sing a lot, and so being nervous about what you’re going to look like on camera, it really is a thing. So I think just the implants, being able to regain that confidence, it was everything. I decided to get the bridge repair and the implants because my teeth, when he went in to try to repair them, they weren’t salvageable, and so we had to do something to replace my existing teeth. I just felt overall restored. I felt a lot more confident.
I was excited to explore the other treatments that he suggested as well. If someone is interested in a bridge repair treatment, I would say definitely choose Dr. Edwards because he takes time to make sure the small details are covered. For instance, the color of the teeth, you could tell the difference between their natural teeth and then the bridge repair. With him, that’s not the case. He takes the time to make sure that there’s a perfect color match. He maintains the integrity of the shape of the tooth, and even any of the spacing that your normal teeth would have.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. With proper care, they can last for many years. The success of dental implants depends on their placement. Implant surgery is a complex procedure that should be performed by a qualified and experienced dentist or oral surgeon.
Additionally, dental implants will last depending on how well you take care of them. Think of a dental implant just like your normal tooth. If you take care of your normal tooth, brush, and floss it, and keep it clean, it can last a lifetime. If you don’t floss or don’t brush, you can still have issues with the implant just like your normal teeth.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Some dental insurance plans may offer partial coverage, and some employers offer dental insurance plans that include coverage for implants. If you’re considering dental implants, it’s important to check with your dental insurance provider to see if they offer any coverage. Dr. Edwards and his office staff would be happy to go over if your insurance covers them or not.
If you don’t have insurance, Dr. Edwards does offer payment plans and also offers a membership plan which gives you a percentage off of the total fee.
Can Dental Implants Be Done In One Day?
Although it is possible to have dental implants performed in one day, there are a few variables that need consideration. If you’re able and willing, then we’d be happy to take CT scans of your jaw to determine whether you have enough bone. If you do, we can plan the surgery while you wait by using the CT scan. The surgery can be done the same day, however, the surgical aspect of the procedure is only one phase. Once the implant is placed, it will need to integrate to your bone. Once the dental implant has integrated to your bone, we can place the crown on the healed implant.
Are Dental Implants Worth It?
Dental implants are one of the most popular tooth replacement options available today. And for good reason – they offer a number of benefits over other options, like dentures or bridges.
If you’re considering dental implants, you’re probably wondering if they’re worth the investment. Here are some things to consider:
- Dental implants look and feel like your natural teeth.
- Dental implants are permanent, which means you won’t have to worry about them slipping or falling out.
- Unlike dentures or bridges, dental implants don’t require special care. You can brush and floss them just like your natural teeth.
- Dental implants are strong and durable, so you can eat all your favorite foods without worry.
- Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care.
If you’re considering dental implants, be sure to talk to your Riverside, CA dentist, Dr. Edwards about whether they’re right for you. Dr. Edwards can help you weigh the benefits and drawbacks to make the best decision for your smile.
FAQs
What is a dental implant?
An implant is an advanced teeth replacement system that involves placing a titanium post in the jawbone. This screw-like titanium fixture acts as a replacement root, providing your tooth with remarkable stability and comfort when eating or talking.Â
In addition to the titanium post, the dentist attaches an abutment, which protrudes above the gum line to link the implant to the prosthetic tooth. A dental crown is usually the topmost component of your dental implant. However, if you’ve lost several teeth, we’ll restore your implants with a customized denture or bridge.Â
How is a dental implant placed?
We place dental implants after a comprehensive dental exam using digital X-rays and scans. The objective is to ensure you have good oral health and that your jawbone is quality enough to support an implant. After consultation, the dentist administers local anesthesia and places the titanium post at a pre-determined location in the jawbone.Â
Next, we’ll suture the surgical site and leave the implant to heal and fuse with the jawbone through osseointegration. Once your implant post fully integrates with the jawbone, you’ll return to our office for abutment placement. The final component of an implant is a customized crown, which becomes the functional and visible portion of your new tooth. Â
Does it hurt?
Although placing a dental implant involves surgery, we’ll ensure you are as comfortable as possible. Before your treatment, we’ll numb your gums with powerful anesthetics. You won’t feel any pain—only slight pressure as the dentist works on your jawbone. We understand some patients have dental fears. Sedation dentistry is available to ensure everyone enjoys a comfortable dental experience.Â
After the procedure, you’ll experience mild pain and swelling. Our team will give you medications and practical home remedies to ensure a seamless recovery.Â
How long do dental implants last?
A dental implant is like your natural tooth—it remains securely anchored in the jawbone with proper maintenance. Although there’s little chance your dental implant may fail, most dental implants have over 95% success rate. Once your dental implant integrates with the jawbone, it remains intact for many years. Dental implants are a predictable and long-term solution for missing teeth, unlike dentures or bridges.Â
What if I don’t have sufficient jawbone?
Your jawbone quality is a key factor in ensuring your dental implants succeed. Your jawbone must have sufficient height and width to ensure a proper osseointegration. However, your jawbone can “shrink away” because of advanced gum disease, dental trauma, or prolonged tooth loss. In such cases, we recommend bone grafting to replenish lost bone tissue. Bone grafting involves transplanting healthy bone tissue to the area with jawbone loss.
How do I maintain my dental implants?
As with natural teeth, dental implants need proper maintenance to prolong their life. The good thing is that maintaining dental implants isn’t different from caring for natural teeth. Brush and floss your teeth diligently to prevent plaque buildup. A bi-annual review with the dentist ensures your dental implants remain healthy.Â
Does a dentist in my area place dental implants?
Ready to restore your smile with dental implants? If you are in Riverside, California, call (951) 614-0033 and schedule an appointment with Neal Edwards, DDS.Â
