Implant Dentistry
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
What are Dental Implants
Dental implants are a permanent and appealing solution to replace one or more missing or extracted teeth. They are better than other alternatives like bridges because no additional teeth need to be altered to place the new tooth. The dental implant process involves one or more titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone and artificial teeth are attached to that implant to replace damaged or missing teeth. Through a process called osseointegration, over time the bone in the jaw will grow and fuse to the implant making the implant extremely durable while providing a strong anchor for natural-looking artificial teeth.
The entire dental implant process is performed over the course of a few months. The first part of the process is to install the dental implant itself, where a screw is placed into the jaw bone. An incision is made in the gum so that the implant can be inserted. Multiple dental implants can be placed at once if necessary. After the implants are placed the gums are sutured.
The dental implant must be allowed about 3-6 months to heal, and during this time the jaw bone will form around the implant in a process called osseointegration. During this healing time, you can have temporary crowns installed so that you can eat and speak normally and maintain a proper aesthetic appearance for your smile.
After the dental implant has healed it is time to place an abutment on the implant. The abutment serves as the base for your new tooth. One this is placed an impression of the abutment is taken and is used to create your permanent restoration. Some offices have an onsite lab to create the crown, but others will have to send it to an outside lab. Once the restoration is completed you can return to the office to attach the restoration permanently. Your smile will look just like it used to, and after a short period of getting used to the implant, it will feel just like one of your own teeth.
Benefits of Dental Implants
The benefits of dental implants are extensive, which is why dentists often recommend implants over traditional tooth replacements such as bridge or dentures.
- Implants look and function like natural teeth
- A permanent solution – nothing to take in or take out!
- Do not damage adjacent teeth or bone structure
- Allows for normal flossing and oral home care
- Very secure and comfortable
- Significantly improves the ability to chew
- Preserves bone in the jaw
- No adhesive or powders required
- Restores lip support
- Helps maintain facial structure
- Minimizes wrinkles
Implant Supported Prothesis
Implant supported dentures can be very confusing because of the wide variety of options available. For a mouth missing all or nearly all of your teeth there exists four major implant options. An implant supported denture, implant supported bridge, or implant retained denture options. If you are interested in something that stays in the mouth at all times then options 1 and 2 is best. They are the implant supported dentures and the implant supported bridges. The second two options are removable. All costs listed are for Dr. Verban completing both the implant surgery and denture or bridge fabrication phases.
The first two options are completely fixed, therefore you do not have to take them in and out.
Option 1:
Fixed full-arch implant supported prothesis- This consists of 4-8 implants and a fixed dental bridge, bridges, or individual crowns. This is the main way we treat patients now because it is the most esthetic and when we use individual teeth the easiest to repair. One big difference implant supported bridge options and the traditional all-on-X is that this option has a future if you lose an implant. The bridge can survive without all the implants being successful. Furthermore, it is made of porcelain so it looks nicer and holds up better. A second option is implant supported zirconia bridge. Zirconia bridges can break and there is NO fixing it.
- Long term issues with implant supported bridges:
- Porcelain chips/breaks can happen over your lifetime and can sometimes be repaired.
- Implant failure—unlikely to happen. If only one or two then likely that would not be a problem because you have enough implants left.
- The positive of implant supported full arch bridges is good esthetics, great strength, wear and durability.
Option 2:
Implant supported dentures (all-on-X)- Implant supported dentures consist of a denture that usually attaches to four dental implants. Another common name for implant supported dentures is a hybrid denture. An implant supported denture is a cheaper option. They are fixed meaning they stay in at all times. There are several disadvantages compared to an implant supported bridge. First of all, this option usually has less implants and therefore provide 1 or 2 less teeth on each side. Additionally, if an implant ever failed and you only have 4 the whole prothesis may not function properly. Furthermore, implants supported dentures use high end denture teeth and acrylic instead of porcelain. Acrylic is porous and thus impossible to really clean. This can result in unpleasant odor. Breakage and wear of teeth is very likely and you must give up the dentures for a few days to repair. On the plus side it is much cheaper to repair.
Option 3:
Implant supported bar overdenture- This consists of 2 to 3 implants that are connected with a bar. Attachments are tapped into the bar and the dentures snap into the attachments. This gives more stability and less tipping and rocking to the denture. The disadvantage from the previous options is that this is a removable appliance and you take it out at night to clean. It is beneficial for patients with extreme bone loss who need lip support. They are less expensive to repair but give more stability than overdenture without a bar. They will need to be relined and attachments wear out and will need to be replaced which is a cheap and quick fix.
Option 4:
Implant retained overdenture- This usually consists of 2 implants and a denture. This is one step up from a denture. Implant retained overdentures provide more support but you will get some sore spots occasionally. It must be relined every 3 years because it relies on your existing tissue for support and that tissue and bone changes over time. The underside of a lower implant retained denture has attachments that will need to be replaced yearly that give stability to the denture. It is a step up from a denture but not a comfortable as the other options.
How long does the implant-supported bridge process take?
As a general rule the process takes 8-12 months to complete. You will typically always have some sort of teeth to wear thru the entire process and never go without teeth.
Smile Transformations with Dental Implants
I drive 50 miles to visit Dr. Verban for all of my dental needs. I initially went to Dr Verban because he could perform not only general dentistry, but also perform more complex procedures, such as implants. I have had 3 implants completed with Dr Verban and the results were remarkable. I am now in the process of my fourth. I am so happy with the results. I highly recommend Dr Verban to everyone!! – Steve B.
Financing
Dental implants can be a significant expense. We will work with you to understand the costs and options associated with your individual treatment plan so you are able to make the best decision for your oral health and your finances. We offer financing through a number of organizations including Sunbit and CareCredit. In addition, for larger cases we often recommend you contact the bank you do your personal banking through as they may be able to offer loan options with lower interest rates.
Sunbit
Sunbit is used by thousands of people every day to pay-over-time and is designed to approve 90% of people who apply – with fair, transparent rates and no late fees, origination fees, or penalties. Best of all, you can find out if you’re approved in less than 3 minutes when you apply. To learn more about Sunbit, ask our team or complete an application online by clicking here:
CareCredit
Our office also accepts financing through CareCredit. Unlike a regular credit card, CareCredit offers shorter term financing options of 6, 12, 18 or 24 months with no interest on purchases of $200 or more when you make the minimum monthly payments and pay the full amount due by the end of the promotional period. If you do not, interest is charged from the original purchase date. You can use CareCredit for deductibles, co-pays, coinsurance and costs for procedures not covered by insurance. And, once you’ve applied, you can use it again and again.
CareCredit also extends longer term financing for 24, 36, 48 or 60-month periods with reduced APR and Fixed Monthly Payments Required Until Paid in Full. For complete details, including interest rates and terms, see the CareCredit account agreement within the credit applications. All offers are subject to credit approval. Terms and conditions are subject to change and the practice will provide all options that are current at the time of treatment.
The process to apply for CareCredit is quick and easy. Simply click the button below to complete the online application and you’ll receive an instant credit decision.