Why dental implants?

When teeth are lost, bone loss begins to occur, teeth begin to shift, and what we can eat may be affected. However, dental implants can preserve your bone, prevent tooth movement, and can maintain a proper bite to ensure a normal diet. Implants look like teeth, feel like teeth, and act like teeth – they are the only true replacement and offer unparalleled strength and performance compared to traditional options. Whether it's a missing tooth or a loose denture, implants can help restore your smile and confidence once again.

 

dental bridge vs. implants

When replacing a missing tooth with a dental bridge, often we are required to cut down healthy teeth next to the tooth we are replacing. Furthermore, these teeth can be prone to future cavities and may require root canals in the future. The average life expectancy of a dental bridge life is approximately seven years and the bridge will need to be replaced again. However, implants offer the opportunity to save healthy teeth, and can ensure a restoration which is free of cavities and future root canals.

 

dentures vs. implants

Partial dentures and dentures are options for replacing multiple missing teeth. The stability comes from large metal clasps which grab on to teeth, or by the suction between the denture and the gum tissue. This can cause destruction of the teeth, cause irritation to the bone and gums, and cause reduced taste and smell. Furthermore, as our gums and bone change, these dentures can require frequent adjustments and will become loose and move when talking, eating, and smiling. Dental implants can help support these dentures, or can replace the dentures with a completely fixed options.


What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a medical grade titanium screw which is placed into the bone. Titanium is the same material used by orthopedic surgeons for joint replacement surgeries (knees, hips, etc.), so the material is biocompatible and forms a secure bond with surrounding bone over time. After healing is complete, the implant provides a long-term, stable foundation for the restoration - the crown, bridge, or denture to replace the function and appearance of the tooth or teeth you lost.

To replace a tooth or teeth we typically use several parts:

  • The implant – This is a small titanium post that is placed in to the bone. It is allowed to heal for 3-6 months and form a secure bond with the surrounding bone and tissue.
  • The abutment – This is a small connecting piece that is attached to the implant to anchor your restoration (crown, denture, etc.) to the implant 
  • The restoration – This is the crown, bridge, or denture and the part that looks, feels, and functions like a tooth. We can help pick the best material for your mouth based on the strength or esthetics you need.

How does it work?

When we are missing teeth, we are actually missing more - we are often missing bone, gum tissue, and the tooth. When we place a dental implant we often have to work to replace all three. This may require bone grafting, sinus lifts, or gum grafting prior to the placement of the implant to achieve a successful, long-term result.

At your consult, we will do a comprehensive evaluation to determine what you require. We will utilize a Cone Beam CT to measure the quantity and quality of bone for optimal placement of your dental implant. This technology allows us to identify vital anatomical structures such as nerves, arteries, and sinuses. This Cone Beam CT will help determine whether you need a bone graft or sinus lift for a successful result. 

Sometimes, no bone grafting is needed and we can proceed with surgery. Utilizing the Cone Beam CT, a custom made surgical guide is fabricated to ensure the implant is placed in the optimal position to ensure a minimally invasive result so you can heal with comfort. During surgery, the bone is drilled and the and a medical-grade titanium screw is placed and allowed to heal for approximately three months before we put the final crown or denture on top. Click below to learn more about bone grafts and sinus lifts.


How long does it take?

Implants require healthy bone in order to have a long-term, successful result. Similar to breaking a bone - you wear a cast and let the bone heal for approximately three months. After an implant has been placed, we often wait a few months prior to placing the final crown, bridge, or denture. However, every case is unique and healing time can vary based on the conditions present and your health history.

 

Immediate implant

In some cases, we can extract a tooth, and place an implant that same day. Walk in with a tooth and walk out with an implant. This can reduce your healing time by three to six months! It is always our goal to place the implant that same day if possible, but it is determined by the bone available and the surrounding structures. We will always replace the tooth you are losing with a temporary so you can smile with confidence. Typically these implants take approximately three months to heal prior to receiving the long-term crown.

 

Traditional IMPlant

If we have fully healed bone (with or without a bone graft), we can perform a traditional implant placement. This approach has been extensively studied and tends to be 98% successful. Single implant surgeries can be as quick as thirty minutes utilizing a computer fabricated surgical guide. However, surgery time often depends on whether extractions are required and it depends on the amount of teeth we are replacing. We will typically see you 10-14 days after implant surgery for a quick fifteen minute post operative exam.

 

bone grafting

If a tooth is extracted and an implant cannot be placed that same day a bone graft, or socket preservation, is performed. This will ensure the implant has a solid foundation for a long-term result. Depending on the type of bone graft required (socket preservation vs. ridge augmentation) will determine how long the bone graft needs to heal. Typically these bone grafts heal quickly, but take approximately three to six months before the bone is hardened and ready for implant placement.

 

sinus lift

If a sinus lift is required due to a tooth that has been missing for a long time we will typically wait between four to six months for the bone to heal and harden. The healing time depends on how long and how many teeth are missing. The Cone Beam CT will help determine how much bone we must replace to have a successful long-term implant.

 

Implant Restoration

We know that getting your tooth or teeth back is your number one priority. So we will make the process as efficient, and quick as possible - but never at the cost of quality and longevity. Getting your teeth back will depend on what type of restoration you are getting. After the implant has healed, a single implant crown can be completed in one visit - our CEREC technology allows us to make your final crown, in-house that day. However, a full mouth of implants often require multiple visits, and we will typically do a smile test drive to ensure you will love your smile for years to come.


How much does it cost?

Patients often wonder about the cost of dental implants. Each individual case is unique, and so is the overall implant cost which is why we take the time for a personal consult to discuss costs and financing options for this life changing opportunity.

Factors and Procedures That May Affect Total Implant Cost

  • Number of missing teeth
  • Tooth extractions
  • Bone grafting
  • Sinus lift
  • Ridge augmentation
  • Ridge preservation
  • Type of restoration
  • Type of implant procedure

When you need a tooth replacement, dental implants are often the best investment you can make. They not only replace your tooth, but they help restore your smile and confidence.

How we spend our money varies from person to person - some invest their money into vacations and some may invest into a new car. And like car shopping, there are many options available in implant dentistry. However, with Dr. Oliveira's specialized implant training and experience, you can trust that he has the knowledge to help select the best option for you to restore your smile!