What are Dental Implants?
An implant is a small metal screw that replaces a missing tooth. During a brief surgical procedure, the dentist inserts the implant into the bone beneath your gums, precisely where the tooth should be. The implant functions like a natural tooth root and is completed with a restoration, such as a dental crown, to look and feel just like a real tooth.
Getting dental implants is a significant decision. If you’re considering an implant but are unsure what to expect, we explain everything here to help you make an informed decision about your dental treatment.
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Why you might need Dental Implants
Your natural teeth provide support for the height and shape of your smile, and they enable you to eat and speak comfortably.
A gap in your smile can cause your other teeth to drift out of healthy functional alignment, increasing your risk of developing oral health problems. Losing just one tooth can trigger a chain of events in your mouth that negatively impact your oral health, facial appearance, and overall quality of life.
Even if you don’t experience these effects of missing teeth, there’s one issue you can’t avoid: bone resorption. This natural process involves your body breaking down non-essential bone tissue to use the minerals elsewhere.
When you have teeth in your jawbone, they push against it and stimulate the production of new bone tissue. Once those teeth are gone, the bone tissue serves no useful purpose and slowly dissolves away. The result is a shortened jaw and chin, causing wrinkles and giving your cheeks and lips a sunken appearance.
Having dental implants is the next best thing to having natural teeth. By replacing lost teeth with implants, you can prevent or correct these issues.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Losing a tooth can be devastating. A missing tooth can make you feel self-conscious about your smile and lead to various health problems. Gaps can make your bite uncomfortable, cause difficulties eating the foods you love, and may lead to bone loss or shifting teeth.
- Restore your natural appearance with dental implants – They look and feel like your own teeth and become permanent, “perfect” teeth as they are custom-made to blend seamlessly with your smile. Implants look natural because they are sized, shaped, and colored to match your unique bite and natural enamel color.
- Feel confident and comfortable – When a dental implant is placed, your jawbone fuses with the titanium post as it heals. A crown or bridge can be permanently affixed to the post, or the implant can be used to secure implant-supported dentures. One thing is certain: that dental implant isn’t moving. Laugh, smile, and eat your favorite foods without worrying about shifting teeth or sudden pain.
- Improve bone strength – When teeth are lost, the bone that supports them can begin to atrophy and weaken over time. Dental implants stimulate new bone growth around the implant, strengthening the bone structure.
Dental implants are a long-term solution that feels natural and can last for decades with proper oral hygiene.
Dental Implant Restorations
A restoration is the “false tooth” that covers the implant. While the implant itself is not visible when you smile, the restoration that covers it is what makes it look like you have a new tooth.
- Dental Crown – This is the most common implant restoration, designed to cover a single-tooth implant.
- Dental Bridge – A bridge spans the gap in places where multiple teeth in a row are missing. You can replace several teeth with just one or two implants that support a dental bridge. A full implant-supported bridge consists of an entire arch of upper or lower teeth fixed to four or more implants.
- Implant Denture – Enhance the stability of your removable denture by securing it to two small implants.
A New Life With Dental Implants Awaits!
Your smile will be transformed for the better with a dental implant.
Dental implants are easy to maintain. Simply brush and floss your implant daily and protect it from injury during sports activities. Regular checkups with us will ensure your implant remains in great condition.
With proper care, your dental implant can provide you with many years of strong, confident, and beautiful smiles!
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How It Feels
While the idea of having a metal implant inserted into your jawbone might sound painful, the procedure is much more comfortable than you might think.
We use a mild anesthetic to numb your mouth, ensuring you don’t feel any pain during the surgery. With advanced dental technology, we place implants quickly, accurately, and conservatively, resulting in minimal discomfort and downtime during recovery.
Many implant patients report feeling bored or even sleepy during the brief half-hour procedure. The most uncomfortable part may be holding your mouth open for a few minutes at a time.
After the procedure, it’s normal to experience some swelling, discomfort, and even bruising. However, the pain is usually mild and easy to manage. We will provide you with specific instructions to minimize discomfort before the anesthetic wears off. Your surgical site should start feeling better within a week.
It’s reassuring to know that dental implants have a success rate of nearly 95%, making them one of the safest and most predictable procedures in dentistry.
What To Expect On Your Dental Implant Treatment Journey
The actual implant placement process is far more comfortable than you might imagine.
Assessment
First, you’ll undergo a dental implant consultation to determine if implants are suitable for you. Your dentist will take X-rays and a 3D cone-beam CT scan of your jaw to assess the bone tissue and plan your treatment. Additionally, the dental team will take a scan or impression of your teeth to aid in planning the angulation of your implant.
Inserting The Implant
We administer an anesthetic to ensure the surgical site is completely numb. The dentist then creates a small hole in the gums and bone of your mouth and places the implant post in the hole. In some cases, sutures are needed to close up the gums, but not always.
Finalizing The Restoration
After your implant is placed, you’ll go home to let it heal over the next few months. Once healing is complete, you’ll return to our practice, where your dental restoration will be ready. We’ll place the restoration, and you’ll leave with a brand-new, fully functional tooth.
Contact Us Today
to schedule an initial consultation and exam.
Your consultation will include a comprehensive examination of your teeth, gums, and soft tissues, as well as the shape and condition of your bite. We aim to understand how your entire mouth looks and functions. Before planning your treatment, we want to know everything about the health and aesthetics of your smile, and most importantly, your goals, so we can help you achieve them.
Cost of Dental Implants in Cypress
In Cypress, the cost of a single implant typically ranges from $3,000 to $6,000 or more. Full-mouth reconstructive dental implants can vary from $6,000 to over $60,000. The average cost for a full set of implant-supported dentures is around $30,000. It’s important to note that no dental practice can provide an accurate quote over the phone, as the dental implant procedure is complex and influenced by many unique factors.
- The type and number of implants you need.
- The materials and supplies used.
- The time and experience of the dental team guiding you through the process.
- The location and complexity of the surgery.
- Your recovery time. We will support you for as long as you need us.
How is the cost of dental implant surgery determined? Here are some key factors:
Every case is unique, so it’s crucial to speak with a dentist and undergo an oral exam. This allows us to evaluate your specific situation and offer you various treatment options to consider. We would be happy to provide you with a more accurate quote.
Are there other solutions for missing teeth?
Gaps caused by one to three missing teeth can sometimes be repaired with a dental bridge. Multiple missing teeth, whether on the top or bottom, or even the entire mouth, may be addressed with dental prosthetics or removable dentures. When comparing the cost of dental implants to other tooth-replacement options, it is important to consider the pros and cons.
Dental implants may require a higher initial investment, but they are more secure and durable than bridges or dentures. Removable dental prosthetics require different care and maintenance, and you may need to have them adjusted or replaced as you age. In contrast, you care for a dental implant just like your natural teeth, with routine oral care at home and regular dental exams. With proper care, a dental implant can last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely no one has to know that your implants aren’t your natural teeth. While the implants themselves are metal screws hidden beneath your gums, they are covered with lifelike restorations that blend seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
Dentures and implants are distinct options that function differently. Dentures rest on top of your gums and press down on the underlying bone tissue, while implants strengthen your bite because they are fixed well below your gums. Both tooth replacement options have unique pros and cons. We recommend visiting us in person to determine which treatment is best for you.
For patients who are not suitable candidates for dental implants, dental bridges and full or partial dentures may be the best options for replacing missing teeth. The best way to find out what solutions are available for your specific needs is to call and book an appointment. We would be happy to discuss all your options and answer any specific questions you may have.
To be a candidate for dental implants, you must be an adult with good general oral health. Your jawbone needs to be strong enough to support the implant, and your gums must be healthy to reduce the risk of complications. If you’re concerned about your suitability for implants, give us a call to find out for sure. There are usually treatment options available to restore your oral health with the ultimate goal of getting a dental implant, and there are often alternative solutions for replacing missing teeth.
Yes! Your dental implant will be topped with a crown, bridge, or implant-supported dentures that are custom-made for your comfort. These custom-made teeth are shaped and colored to match your existing teeth and bite. Patients often find it difficult to distinguish their natural teeth from their beautiful new dental implants.
The science of dental implants has evolved significantly, making it a very predictable and relatively pain-free procedure. The dental implant process is completed with such care and precision that you’ll experience minimal discomfort. With proper aftercare, you can expect minimal swelling and almost no bleeding. Your physical and emotional health are both important to us. If you feel anxious about visiting us for any reason, please let us know.
In most cases, you can return to work the day after your implant surgery. Once we know the specifics of your treatment, we can provide a more accurate time estimate and inform you in advance if you need to clear your schedule for a longer period. We will always discuss all post-operative care instructions with you to ensure a smooth recovery.
The success of your implants greatly depends on how well you maintain them. Like your natural teeth, they need to be professionally cleaned and examined routinely. We typically recommend a check-up approximately every six months but may suggest more or less frequent visits depending on your specific needs.
Care for your dental implants just like you would for natural teeth. This includes regular brushing and flossing, professional cleanings and checkups, and informing your dentist if you experience any problems.
No, implants do not need to be routinely replaced. Once you get a dental implant, it is designed to stay with you for a very long time.
