While dental implants are becoming more and more popular, many people have questions about what they are and how they work. We don’t want the dental implant process to sound scary or confusing. Dr. Skinner is an experienced dental implant dentist with years of experience.
Understanding the Dental Implants Process
We start with a digital scan and 3D x-ray to figure out the exact amount of bone we are working with to create a surgical guide to perfectly place the implant and give you the most natural-looking and healthiest long term outcome.
The implant itself is a small titanium alloy post that acts like a tooth root, anchoring your new tooth to your jaw. Your jawbone fuses with the post, creating a stable foundation for us to place the perfect, natural-looking tooth.
A prosthetic tooth is created from the painless ultra-high-definition 3D laser scans we’ll take of your mouth. Your new tooth may be a dental crown placed over an abutment, or you may receive a denture prosthetic for a full arch like the All-on-4® Treatment Concept. No matter which teeth are being replaced, they are made to look just like your natural teeth.
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Preparing for Dental Implant Placement
Before you can receive a dental implant, Dr. Skinner will check the health of your jaw to ensure you have the bone density needed for an implant to be successful in the long term. We may recommend bone grafting or a mini dental implant to replace the missing tooth for patients who may need assistance with bone density.
Dental Implant Surgery
We’ll schedule your implant surgery at a time that is convenient for you. After your surgery, you may need some time to heal and allow the bone to become one with the implant. Dr. Skinner will keep in touch with you to ensure your jaw is completely healed before placing a permanent crown immediately or in the future, depending on your case.
Abutment and Crown Placement
An abutment is like a small metal cap attached to the top of your implant post that holds the crown onto the implant. This abutment provides bonding material for the permanent crown or prosthetic tooth. We also check to make sure your tooth looks great and feels natural before finalizing the permanent placement of the dental implant crown.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
The length of time a dental implant lasts depends on:
- The type of dental implant you choose.
- Whether or not regular brushing and flossing is continued.
- If you grind your teeth and do not wear a night guard or retainer.
- If you avoid chewing on ice or hard candy and other foods that may damage even your natural teeth—it’s best not to eat jaw-breaker candy!
In general, dental implants and implant dentures like the All-on-4® Treatment Concept are made to last 25 years or longer, depending on how well you care for and maintain them.
Why Dental Implants Work
Dental implants have become popular because they act just like your natural teeth. The titanium alloy implant is like your tooth root, and the full prosthetic or dental crown resembles your natural tooth crown. Each implant is designed for durability and stability as well.
What Kind of Dentist Places Dental Implants?
Although most dentists can only put a crown on dental implants that were already placed, Dr. Skinner is trained and certified to perform the entire implant procedure right here in our office. From titanium dental implant placement to bone grafts to bonding your new tooth in place with the perfect smile, we provide outstanding quality and caring service for all of our patients.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
The average cost of dental implants has become more affordable in the last few decades! Your dental implants cost depends on what type of dental implants you need and if we need to grow more bone to place them.
If you wonder how much implant dentures or All-on-4® Treatment Concept dentures cost, you’ll need an exam to determine if you need partial or full dental implant-supported dentures like the All-on-4® Treatment Concept.
During your FREE dental implant consultation appointment, we will diagnose your exact needs, give you a precise cost, and, if necessary, an affordable payment plan that fits your needs.
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