Dental Implants – Marion

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental bridges and dentures are great options for some, but they only sit over the gums. On the other hand, dental implants replace the roots of the missing teeth, stimulating the jawbone to prevent bone loss and offer additional stability, comfort, and longevity. Dental implants are made from biocompatible titanium and fuse with the surrounding tissue in a process called “osseointegration.” A customized restoration (crown, bridge, or denture) is attached to the dental implants via metal connectors called “abutments.” Ultimately, dental implants are built just like natural teeth!

The 4-Step Dental Implant Process

Everyone’s treatment plan is a little bit different, but everyone can expect these four steps:

• Initial Dental Implant Consultation: During this time, we will examine your smile to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants and if you need any preliminary treatments.
• Dental Implant Surgery: Getting dental implants requires a surgical procedure. We work with trusted local specialists to ensure that you get the best possible results. They will place your titanium implants at precise, strategic locations and angles for ultimate success.
• Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment: Over the next 3-6 months, the osseointegration process takes place. This is when the titanium implant fuses to the jawbone. Once healed, abutments will be placed and impressions taken so your restorations can be custom-made at the dental lab.
• Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration(s): One your restorations are complete, you can return to our practice. We will attach them to your implants via the abutments. If everything looks and feels great, you will be free to show off your completed smile to the world!

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants offer all sorts of different benefits that you can’t find with other tooth replacement options.  Here are some of the most prominent:

• Restores your bite force
• Has a natural-looking appearance
• Prevents jawbone shrinkage
• Preserves the health of surrounding bone and gum structures
• Keeps the neighboring teeth from shifting
• Improves confidence
• Lasts 30+ years with proper maintenance
• Long-term investment in the future of your smile

Who Dental Implants Can Help

Whether you are missing one tooth, multiple teeth, or all of your teeth, most healthy adults are able to get dental implants to restore their smiles. Here’s how dental implants can help you in your unique situation:

Missing One Tooth

 A single missing tooth can be replaced with one dental implant and a custom-made dental crown. Unlike a bridge, this option won’t rely on the surrounding teeth for support. It also offers a more comfortable fit.

Missing Multiple Teeth

If you are missing multiple consecutive teeth, a dental bridge can be placed on two strategically placed dental implants. For missing teeth in different parts of an arch, a partial denture can be supported by dental implants.

Missing All Teeth

For patients who are missing all of the teeth in an arch, a full denture can be supported by a number of strategically placed dental implants along the arch. Compared to traditional dentures, implant dentures are more stable and comfortable, and they allow for additional bite force.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

All dental implant treatments are entirely personalized to the patient, so the cost can vary a lot depending on your unique case. Multiple factors play a role, like the number of implants you need, the cost of preliminary procedures, and the type of restoration you get. During your consultation with us, we will go over the estimated cost of your treatment in detail so that you don’t run into any surprises. We will also go over your payment options so we can put together a plan that best fits into your budget.