Replacing Missing Teeth With Dental Implants
If you're missing teeth, you're not alone. Tooth loss is a far more common problem than you think. In fact, studiesshow that 178 million people across the United States are missing at least one tooth, and 35 million are completelyedentulous (missing all their teeth). Whether you have lost one tooth or multiple ones to gum disease, tooth decay,or a traumatic injury, the office of Astoria Dentistry can help. We provide state-of-the-art care and offer thelatest solutions to help patients reestablish complete, healthy, and beautiful smiles.
Dental implants for a smile that looks and feels completely natural!
Today, dental implants represent the most advanced system for the replacement of missing teeth. While conventionalfixed bridges and dentures remain effective and satisfying ways to replacemissing teeth, dental implants come the closest to replicating the look, feel, and function of a natural smile.
With dental implants, you can once again enjoy all your favorite foods and speak and smile with renewed confidenceand ease. Because dental implants behave in much the same way as the roots of natural teeth, they provide unrivaledstability for the placement of a broad range of dental prostheses, includingcrowns and bridges up to a complete set ofteeth. For patients who wear full dentures, dental implants provide the added stability andretention required to improve comfort and fit while preventing any embarrassing slippage.
If you are struggling with tooth loss and looking for the best solutions for the replacement of missing teeth, visitthe office of Astoria Dentistry to learn more about dental implants and all the state-of-the-art services weprovide. At the office of Astoria Dentistry, we take pride in creating beautiful and healthy smiles!
Dental implant basics
Dental implants are small, biocompatible surgical posts that behave in much the same way as the roots of natural teeth. Once placed and integrated with the surrounding bone, dental implants provide unparalleled support for single crowns, bridges, and dentures. As the most advanced method for the replacement of missing teeth, they offer satisfying, long-lasting, and functional solutions for rebuilding a complete smile.
Consider all the benefits
Whether you’re missing one tooth, multiple ones, or missing all your teeth, you can rebuild a complete and beautiful smile with dental implants! According to statistics, roughly 3 million people have already received dental implants, with that number increasing at a staggering rate of 500,000 per year! The soaring popularity of dental implants is attributed, in large part, to the numerous benefits they offer as compared with other methods of care.
While conventional fixed bridges and dentures provide effective and satisfying solutions for the replacement of missing teeth, dental implants offer several advantages over traditional methods of care:
- Dental implants come the closest to replicating the look, feel, and function of natural teeth.
- With precise placement, good oral hygiene, and routine care, dental implants can last for many years.
- Dental implants provide continued stimulation to the underlying bone to prevent the bone loss that occurs when teeth are missing while preserving natural facial contours.
- Since implants behave like natural teeth, there is no chance that they will slip or dislodge like removable dentures when speaking or eating.
- Dental implants make it possible to speak with ease and eat and taste all types of food with virtually no restrictions.
- Dental implants do not decay and will not develop cavities.
- Unlike a fixed bridge, dental implants do not require any preparation or crowning of teeth adjacent to the edentulous area.
The Most Versatile Solution for The Replacement Of Missing Teeth
Types of Dental Implants:
Single-tooth implant
When a single tooth is missing, a dental implant restored with a crown replicates a natural tooth in almost every way. It’s no longer necessary to fabricate a conventional three-unit bridge involving the preparation and crowning of any adjacent teeth. As a self-supporting and fully functional entity, a single tooth implant offers patients an excellent solution for reestablishing a complete and attractive smile.Implant-supported fixed bridges
As used to replace two or more missing teeth, an implant-supported bridge preserves the integrity of the adjacent natural teeth while providing the ongoing bone stimulation needed to prevent bone shrinkage and maintain facial contours. Unlike a traditional fixed bridge to replace multiple missing teeth, an implant-supported bridge does not require the preparation and crowning of any adjacent natural teeth. Instead, it relies on a select amount of strategically placed dental implants to support all the crowns and replacement teeth needed.Full arch replacement with four or six Implants
Serving as an alternative to full dentures, a complete set of replacement teeth supported by strategically placed implants successfully reestablishes a smile that looks, feels, and functions like a natural one. Unlike conventional dentures, this approach offers a fixed solution that’s both stable and non-removable. While eliminating the need for messy denture adhesives and having to take any dentures out to clean and sanitize them, it boosts confidence as one speaks, smiles, and chews. It also permits the immediate placement of an attractive set of temporary teeth, with a permanent set to follow once the implants become fully integrated with the surrounding bone.Implant-retained denture
As the name implies, this type of denture attaches to a select number of strategically placed implants in the upper or lower jaw. These small surgical posts provide precise points of attachment for the overlying denture and add a significant measure of stability and retention. This added level of security enables one to smile, speak, and eat with greater confidence and ease.
Are dental implants right for me?
If you are wondering if you’re a candidate for dental implants, it’s easy enough to find out. At the office of Astoria Dentistry, we’re not only happy to look at your smile, but we’ll also answer all your questions and explain your best options for dental implants. We treat every smile as unique and develop personalized treatment plans based on your medical and dental histories, current oral health, cosmetic expectations of care, lifestyle, and budget.
How are dental implants placed?
It’s essential to plan and meticulously execute every step in care, from initial treatment planning and the precise placement of dental implants all the way to the design, fabrication, and insertion of the final crowns, bridges, or dentures.
Surgery to place dental implants is typically considered a minor surgical procedure and performed on an outpatient basis. However, the exact extent of the procedure depends upon the type and number of dental implants and whether or not any additional procedures are required to prepare the supporting bone.
We view communication as a vital part of patient care. Before your dental implant procedure, we’ll discuss dental anesthesia, options for dental sedation, and provide detailed pre-op and post-op care instructions. You can count on our office to keep you well-informed every step of the way.
Once a dental implant gets placed, it takes a few months to integrate fully with the surrounding bone. While a few implant solutions allow placing a same-day temporary crown or bridge, others require waiting for complete healing and osseointegration (fusion with the surrounding bone) to place the permanent prostheses.
Why might I need a bone graft to get a dental implant?
According to clinical studies, dental implants have a demonstrated long-term success rate of well over 95%. However, the long-term stability and success of a dental implant depend upon the presence of sufficient bone at the time of placement. In cases of periodontal disease or following the extraction of a tooth, bone volume is often lost. By placing a bone graft in the extraction site, or prior to the placement of a dental implant, we can establish sufficient bone support for a sturdy and stable dental implant.
Let The Office Of Astoria Dentistry Help You Rebuild A Beautiful Smile
Missing teeth do more than cause embarrassing gaps in your smile. For one thing, they can also affect your ability to speak or chew nutritious food with ease. By not replacing missing teeth, the adjacent ones can shift towards the space over time and change your bite and compromise the health of your smile in many ways.
With all of the advances in dental materials, technology, and treatment methods available today, it’s easier than ever before to replace missing teeth with the most natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing results of care.
At the office of Astoria Dentistry, we’re pleased to offer leading solutions to improve your oral health and give you a smile you can feel confident sharing with the world. We give you back the complete smile you have lost and provide personalized solutions for all of your oral healthcare needs. To find out more about dental implants or schedule an appointment so that we can take a closer look at your smile, give us a call today.
FAQs
Is dentist responsible for failed implant? ›
While dental implants can fail for a number of reasons unrelated to your prosthodontist's competence or performance, some failures are the dentist's fault and the law requires accountability. If you have been the victim of a failed dental implant caused by your dentist's negligence, Lance Ehrenberg, Esq.
Which dental specialist is best for implants? ›Oral or Maxillofacial Surgeon
The most common choices for a dental implant are either an oral surgeon or maxillofacial surgeon. All oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained as general dentists before returning to school to study their specialty.
The Dental Implant process is basically a three phase process, which can be different for each person. Typically the entire process takes from 5 to 8 months. As you will see, this is a little different for people getting full mouth dentures. The process can be faster for those getting a whole new set of teeth!
What are the 3 stages of dental implants? ›In general, there are three steps involved in the dental implant procedures. First, the implant itself is placed into the jawbone. Next, the abutment is added to the implant, which is where the artificial tooth will be connected. Finally, the prosthetic tooth, or crown, is placed onto the abutment.
What they don't tell you about dental implants? ›Implants Fuse Together with Bone
However, many people don't realize that the reason why dental implants prevent bone loss is that they fuse together with the bone. When the implant gets placed, it stimulates bone growth. The bone then grows around the implant and fuses together.
Most dentists will not provide you with a refund for a failed because of the amount of time and work that was put into placing the implant in the first place. Most dental practitioners will agree to replace your implant at no additional cost.
Is it better to go to an oral surgeon or a periodontist for dental implants? ›Periodontists receive the highest level of training of any dental professional when it comes to implant procedures. Dental implants may be the best choice for an individual whose gum disease has reached the point of infection that can not be treated.
Who should not get dental implants? ›- Children and Teens. Age is one of the few factors influencing dental implant candidacy outside of a patient's control. ...
- Smokers and Chewers. ...
- People Who Don't Take Care of their Teeth. ...
- The Very Elderly (with some exceptions)
But not everyone is a viable candidate for implants, and ironically the reason most often has to do with the bone. If a patient has suffered significant bone volume loss, either because of disease or the long-term absence of the natural teeth, there may not be enough bone to properly support an implant.
Are you put to sleep for dental implants? ›Yes, most patients are put to sleep for dental implants because the procedure is so invasive. However, if you're just having one or two implants placed, a local anesthetic may be sufficient. A local anesthetic will temporarily numb the area, so although you're awake during the procedure, you won't feel a thing.
Do you have no teeth while waiting for implants? ›
Because it can be multiple months in between steps, the patient will be left with no tooth in the socket. To correct this, the dentist may recommend a temporary solution. A bridge can help the person maintain a full smile before the dentist can finish the implant process.
Can a dental implant be done in one day? ›Same-day implants can usually be done in a single procedure, ranging from 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the number of implanted teeth. However, it is important to note that you won't actually leave the office with your permanent teeth. But, you will leave with a full smile.
How many implants do you need for 4 teeth? ›Usually, you'll need a minimum of four implant posts for a full upper denture. The lower jawbone is much denser, so fewer implants can provide more stability. In some cases, two implants may be all that is needed.
How long is the healing time for implants? ›After 2 weeks, most patients are fully recovered. The implant site may feel slightly tender to the touch, but should feel completely healed and normal. The implant will continue to heal and bond with the jaw bone over the following 3-6 months, but the initial healing process will be over.
How long does it take for your gum to heal after dental implant? ›Most patients begin to experience significant improvements in their gums within a week of surgery, and their gums will be completely healed within 2 weeks of their treatment. You'll usually schedule a follow-up with Dr.
Does Medicare pay for implants? ›Does Medicare cover dental implants? No, Original Medicare doesn't provide coverage for dental implants. However, some Medicare Advantage plans do offer some coverage for dental implants, so be sure to review your specific policy before pursuing any procedures.
What are the most common problems with dental implants? ›- Loose implant. Probably the most common complication is an implant that has come loose. ...
- Infection. Another common complication of oral implants is infection. ...
- Bleeding. ...
- Micro-movement. ...
- Allergic reaction. ...
- Nerve damage. ...
- Protrusion into the sinus cavity.
The most common reason why dental implants fail is because of an infection in the jawbone around dental implants, called peri-implantitis. Although implants cannot develop tooth decay, they are still susceptible to the implant form of gum disease.
What is the rejection rate for dental implants? ›It should be noted that the success of dental implants is around 97%, which is high. But it does mean that there is a chance that it will fail or be rejected 3% of the time.
How common is dental implant failure? ›Studies have shown that somewhere between 5% and 10% of dental implants fail. On the other hand, that means that there is between a 90% and 95% success rate, which are very good odds in terms of dental and medical procedures.
Why a periodontist is best for dental implants? ›
A periodontist can deal with complications
Since they spend all their time dealing with gum and jaw disease, a periodontist will treat any complications that arise from the implant surgery. They will perform the course correction needed to ensure that the implant successfully integrates with the jaw.
But while advanced technology and their training can help guarantee the success of the procedure, it is often best to seek help from a more experienced specialist. Oral surgeons have extensive training and are intimately familiar with the structural component of your oral anatomy.
Are most dental implants successful? ›Unlike dentures or a bridge, dental implants are permanent fixtures in your mouth and are designed to last your lifetime. Because they're so durable, the success rate of dental implants is as high as 98%.
Is 70 too old for dental implants? ›If you are age 70 or older, you may wonder if dental implants are safe or worth it for someone your age. The answer is that there is no upper limit to how old a person can be and still benefit from dental implants. If you are missing teeth, dental implants are likely the best solution whether you're 27 or 77.
What is the best age for dental implants? ›So when is the right age for an implant? Depends on the patient, but many people should try to avoid placing anterior implants at the age of 18. These studies show that for some people, the best long term esthetics will be achieved if the patient waits until the age of 25 or 30.
Can 60 year old get dental implants? ›There is no upper age limit to having dental implants. In most cases, you can be a suitable candidate, provided you are healthy and able to undergo a routine dental procedure, such as an extraction. It helps not to be a smoker, to have good oral hygiene, healthy gums and enough bone in your jaw to anchor the implant.
How many teeth can one implant support? ›An implant is rarely used to replace multiple teeth on its own, but it can be combined with another to replace up to six teeth. That means an implant on its own can support a max of three artificial teeth.
How painful are dental implants? ›A straightforward dental implant, for a patient with good bones and who does not need a lot of soft tissue surgery, has a pain level between two and three in the first 24 to 48 hours, which means over-the-counter medication like Tylenol or Advil will take care of any discomfort they are feeling.
Can dental implants be done in a week? ›The traditional dental implant procedure can take a few weeks or even a few months. But advancements in technology have made it possible to get dental implants in just one appointment.
How many hours after dental implant can I eat? ›Typically, it takes about one week for patients to return to regular eating habits after dental implant surgery. But if you are a fast healer, you may be able to return to some solid (but not firm or crunchy) foods 24 – 48 hours after surgery. Food consumed during healing should still be easy to chew.
Do same day dental implants hurt? ›
Local anesthesia will numb the nerves surrounding the dental implant area. With numbed nerves, you can expect not to feel any pain during your dental implant procedure. You may feel pressure at times, but it should not cause you discomfort.
What is the typical cost of a dental implant? ›First, every case is unique. In general, however, single dental implants cost $1,500 to $2,000 per implant. Not per procedure—but per implant. Some patients are only going to need a single implant, whereas others will need several because they're missing multiple teeth.
What is the success rate of All-on-4 dental implants? ›The all-on-four dental implant technique is popular among people who have missing or severely damaged teeth. All on four dental implants are incredibly successful and work well for many people lasting for decades. The success rate of these implants is over 97 percent.
Can I have all my teeth removed and replaced with implants? ›Dental implants are the modern dental standard for tooth replacements, but can you replace all your teeth with dental implants? The answer is yes – but the real question is, how do you want to go about it? Modern dentistry offers several ways to replace most or all your teeth utilizing the benefits of dental implants.
What helps dental implants heal faster? ›- Stick to soft foods. ...
- Avoid hot foods and drinks. ...
- Don't use a straw. ...
- Hydrate and cut alcohol and caffeine. ...
- Quit smoking. ...
- Limit strenuous activities. ...
- Keep the swelling down with ice packs. ...
- Take the pain medication you are given.
Swelling After Breast Augmentation
Most swelling will accumulate over the first three days. As time goes on, you'll notice a steady decline in the amount of swelling you have. By weeks two and three, you'll notice a marked difference. By week six, the majority of your swelling should be gone.
Sensitivity When Putting Pressure On The Implant
It should feel just like a normal tooth. Sensitivity when biting may mean that the implant is infected, or that it has not been properly bonded with your jaw and gum tissue.
When it comes to sleeping position following dental surgery, it is a good idea to make sure to elevate the head. A good angle to achieve while sleeping is 45 degrees. You should sleep in the position for the first 36 to 48 hours following the surgery.
Do you need to take antibiotics after dental implant? ›Prophylactic antibiotic for each implant surgery is not mandatory. Antibiotics are however useful in preventing postoperative infections after implant placement. To achieve high long-term survival and success rates of dental implants, antibiotic prophylaxis is required.
What happens if my dental implant fails? ›Failed Dental Implant Treatment
If an implant needs to be replaced, they will take it out and gently clean the area. If the bone is intact around the area of the removed implant, no bone graft will be necessary. If there is bone loss, we may place a bone graft to improve the site for replacing the implant.
Do dental implants come with a guarantee? ›
While most dental practices don't offer any type of warranty on their implant treatment, our team at Preferred Dental Center does! All our dental implants come with a 10-year dental implant warranty in San Antonio, TX that fully covers treatment for chips, cracks, breaks, and failed dental implants.
What is the most common cause of dental implant failure? ›Gum Infection Around the Implant
The most common reason why dental implants fail is because of an infection in the jawbone around dental implants, called peri-implantitis. Although implants cannot develop tooth decay, they are still susceptible to the implant form of gum disease.
Average Implant Failure Rate
Studies have shown that somewhere between 5% and 10% of dental implants fail. On the other hand, that means that there is between a 90% and 95% success rate, which are very good odds in terms of dental and medical procedures.
Other signs of a dental implant that has lost osseointegration can include pain, swelling, or infection, but that's not always the case. If your dentist notices that your implant is mobile, they might recommend an X-ray to check your bone growth.
What medications affect dental implants? ›Common medications that have negative interactions with dental implants are antidepressants, antibiotics, and NSAIDs. Some of these medications can result in bone loss in the jaw and put your implants at risk of failure.
How long should a crown on an implant last? ›Average of 10-15 years
For the most part, dentists have noticed that implant crown restorations can last anywhere from 10 to15 years. Most patients that undergo a dental implant procedure want a restoration or replacement that will last a lifetime, which is not always possible.
Lifespan of a Dental Implant
The crown attached to the implant will generally need replaced every 15 to 20 years, although they can last for several decades in some cases. Compared to other teeth replacement options, dental implants are the most cost-effective treatment overall.
Your dentist may recommend an X-ray to check your bone growth if your implant is mobile. An X-ray of a failed implant will probably show substantial loss of bone around the metal portion. Other signs your implant is compromised include pain, swelling, or infection.
Which oral site has the highest implant failure rate? ›Several studies have tried to compare implant failure rates regarding implant insertion region of the jaw. Studies have reported that implants fail in the maxilla more than the mandible9-13. Furthermore, the maxillary anterior region exhibited the highest rate of implant failure.
Do some people reject dental implants? ›According to the International Congress of Oral Implantologists it is rare that your body will reject your dental implants. However, this does not mean that your dental implant will not fail. A successful dental implant is one that is placed in healthy bone and is properly cared for after the surgery takes place.
Can a failing implant be saved? ›
What causes dental implants to fail? Peri-implantitis is generally the result of incorrect maintenance and poor oral hygiene habits. However, failing implants can be treated and restored.