Everything You Need to Know About Dental Implants at Reiser Dental
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is what I like to say is a replacement for the root of your tooth. Your natural tooth has a crown and a root that goes down into your bone to support the tooth. An implant replaces that root. It's a titanium screw that gets inserted into your bone, acting as the root of your tooth. We build a crown on top of that implant to replace whatever is missing.
What conditions could cause a dentist to recommend dental implants?
There are multiple reasons. One of the most common reasons for placing a dental implant is a lost tooth. You lose a single tooth, we place a single implant, build that tooth back up on the implant, and replace that single tooth with a single implant and a single crown, restoring form and function as it was before you lost the tooth.
What are the advantages of dental implants?
There are many advantages. Dental implants have become our workhorse over the last 15 years. The longevity is great with them. One of the big advantages is not having to worry about cavities. It's a titanium implant screw in your bone, with a porcelain or zirconia crown over a titanium abutment, which does not get cavities.
However, we still need to maintain cleanliness, treating the implant like a natural tooth by brushing, flossing, and keeping the gums healthy. One of the main advantages is not worrying about cavities while restoring function almost exactly as it was before you lost the tooth.
What is the process I will go through if I decide to get dental implants?
The process is pretty straightforward. We start with a comprehensive evaluation, taking our time to examine your entire health, teeth, and the functioning of your upper and lower jaw. With that comprehensive exam, we transition into a 3D image. Planning is crucial for an implant. We take a 3D image, different from normal X-rays, to get a detailed view of your jaw, roots, and adjacent teeth. We send this 3D image to a lab to make a guide.
All implants at [pracctice:name] are fully guided, relying on computer-generated guides and treatment plans to find the best placement for the implant. We start with a comprehensive exam, take a 3D image for exact positioning, and make a guide that fits over your teeth, giving an exact implant location. After the comprehensive exam, 3D image, and surgical guide, you come in for the actual process.
Who Can Get Dental Implants?
Most people who have lost one or more teeth can get dental implants. However, the best candidates for dental implants are those who have good oral health and sufficient jawbone density to support the implant. Additionally, it’s important for the candidate to have healthy gums and be committed to maintaining good oral hygiene.
People who have certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes or a weakened immune system, may not be suitable candidates for dental implants. It’s important to consult with a dental professional to determine if dental implants are right for you. At Reiser Dental, we can evaluate your overall oral health, discuss your medical history, and help you understand the risks and benefits of the procedure.
Why is my medical history important for dental work?
Your medical history is crucial for all of dentistry, not just for placing implants. It's important for us to know who you are, what's going on with your body, and if there's anything we need to adjust to accommodate your medical history.
How will my dentist come up with a treatment plan that is right for me?
This begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your muscles, bones, joints, and overall function. After the comprehensive exam, we take a 3D image for a detailed evaluation of your jaw, teeth location, and bone size for implant placement. With all this information, we consider you individually. Using our comprehensive exam, dental labs, and computer-animated scanning devices, we create a plan tailored to you and your situation.
What are the steps in the process of placing dental dental implants, tooth removal, jawbone prep, dental implant payments, placement, etc.?
After finishing your preliminary evaluation and 3D guide, we proceed to place the implant. Most implant procedures take about an hour. You come to the appointment, and we discuss how to get you numb, either with local anesthetic or options like laughing gas, nitrous, or IV sedation.
Once numb, I place the guide on your teeth, allowing me to position the implant precisely. We use drills through the guide to remove bone, gradually widening the access point. Then, the implant, a titanium screw, is inserted into the hole through the guide.
After placing the implant, we put a cover screw or healing abutment on it, allowing it to heal for four to six months. Normally, pain is minimal, with little to no bleeding, and you can resume normal activities within a few hours.
After healing, the implant bonds to your bone. You return for a test to ensure the implant is secure. We take a digital scan of the implant's location, send it to our lab, and they create an abutment and crown to replace your tooth. After the scan, you return to the office, we check the implant, remove the cover screw, and attach an abutment and crown. This straightforward process effectively replaces missing teeth.
When would bone grafting be required when getting dental implants?
This is a case-by-case situation. For most extractions, we recommend grafting the bone. The decision for bone grafting is based on the 3D image, showing how much bone you have and what needs correction. If there's minimal bone after the 3D image, we build it out before placing the implant. In certain situations, we add bone during implant placement if needed.
When choosing new artificial teeth, what options will I have and what are the pros and cons of each?
Depending on the number of teeth being replaced, there are various options. For a single tooth, we have porcelain white zirconia crowns or even gold crowns. For more teeth, options include dentures attached to implants, made of porcelain and acrylic, or dentures that don't come out, using a titanium or zirconia bar across implants, with acrylic resembling gums and porcelain or zirconia teeth on top. Removable teeth offer a cost advantage, functioning at about 60% of natural teeth. Fixed teeth restore about 90% of function, resembling natural teeth closely. Both options work well, but fixed teeth offer functionality closer to natural teeth.
How long does it typically take to recover from dental implants?
It's case by case. For a single implant replacing a tooth, there's usually no recovery time. You can return to work or school immediately with little to no discomfort. Ibuprofen and Tylenol suffice for discomfort. For extensive work, like replacing all teeth with implants, recovery times can vary but are generally minimal. Implants are usually painless during and after surgery.
How long do dental implants last?
A big concern is the longevity of dental implants. Dental implants can last indefinitely. With proper care and hygiene follow-ups with your dentist, implants placed at Reiser Dental are expected to last a lifetime.
Can dental implants get cavities?
The simple answer is no. The implant itself is titanium, the abutment is metal and titanium, and the crown is porcelain. These components can't get cavities. However, they still need care like a natural tooth to maintain healthy soft tissues and overall oral health.
What are the costs and financing options involved with dental implants?
Patients often ask about the cost of a dental implant. Costs vary based on the number needed, location, and what's being replaced. Generally, a single implant, including placement, abutment, and crown, costs around $6,000 without insurance.
Although it seems like a significant investment, it's a worthwhile long-term investment in yourself. Reiser Dental offers multiple options to help cover the cost.
Do most insurance plans cover the cost of dental implants?
Insurance companies are often reluctant to pay, but most implants and their restorations are covered.
Dental Implants & Medicare
Some services related to dental implants may be covered by Medicare, but this depends on the individual’s specific Medicare plan. It’s best to check with Medicare directly or consult with your healthcare provider to determine what is covered.
Contact Reiser Dental Today
At Reiser Dental, we prioritize patient satisfaction and providing high-quality dental care in Denver, CO. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and experience the benefits of our dental implants and other dental services.