Dental implants are small posts that resemble a screw. They are inserted into the gum line where they mimic the natural function of the lost tooth roots. Once implants are surgically placed, they fuse with the gums and jawbone, recreating the lost tooth roots. Abutments are attached to the implant post in order to affix the replacement tooth or teeth. When in place, your replacement teeth will look and feel just like your healthy, natural smile. You can also expect many long-term oral health benefits that you will not find with other tooth replacement options making them a highly recommended and sought-after procedure.

The Dental Implant Process

• Consultation – During a consultation, our doctor will look at every aspect of your oral and overall health to make sure implants are right for you.
• Preliminary procedures – In some cases, separate treatment is needed beforehand (e.g. gum disease therapy, a bone graft, or extractions).
• Implant placement – For convenience and continuity of care, our doctor will perform your implant surgery right here in our office. It usually takes 1-2 hours per implant, during which he or she will make your comfort a top priority from start to finish.
• Osseointegration – Implants generally take 3-6 months to osseointegrate, or fuse, with the surrounding jawbone. Exceptions to this are All-On-4 or Teeth-In-a-Day cases, in which implants are placed and restored on the same day.
• Restoration – The last step is having your implant restored with either a single dental crown, bridge, or a denture.

Who Dental Implants Can Help

Dental implants are ideal for almost every age and nearly all levels of tooth loss. Whether you have been missing teeth for years or you recently had one extracted, chances are dental implants can completely change your life!

Missing One or Two Teeth

Once the dental implant has fused with the supportive tissues, we are able to attach tooth replacement prosthetics. An individual missing tooth is replaced with a single implant connected to a dental crown.

Missing Multiple Teeth

Patients missing three to four consecutive missing teeth will need a fixed bridge supported at either end by a dental implant post. Because of this, there is no need to modify existing enamel of neighboring teeth just to receive a replacement.

Missing All Teeth

Patients with more extensive tooth loss need an implant denture. Like their traditional counterparts, dentures replace numerous teeth along a single arch or a full row of teeth. Usually, dentures can be supported by four to eight strategically positioned dental implant posts and can be either fixed or removable depending on patient preference.

For ceratin patients, implant dentures may be an appropriate treatment option. Given the nature of this copmlex treatment, we will need to perform a thorough exam in order to properly diagnose the patient. Please call us for a complete and thorough evaluation for this potentially life changing treatment!

Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

Dental implants provide countless benefits that other options do not, including superior strength and stability, more self-confidence, and longevity – just to name a few. However, we understand that many additional factors go into your decision to get dental implants. For many patients, cost is one of the biggest considerations. If you would like an estimate that is tailored just for you, contact us to schedule a consultation!

Dental Implant Salvage

Here at Union Dental Center, our priority is to make sure your dental implant process is a success. While the failure rate for the procedure is very low, there are instances where the underlying bone can become injured or infected and the implant needs to be removed. If you notice the signs of implant failure (radiating pain around the post, red or inflamed gums, difficulty chewing, and so on), call us right away so that we can take an X-ray of your mouth and figure out the problem. Ideally, once we have treated the problem, you should be able to safely have implant placement performed again.

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