Your smile is often the first thing people notice about you. If you’re self-conscious about damaged or missing teeth, it can impact how much you smile. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Dental implants are a modern and effective way to restore your smile and confidence.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are screws that act as artificial tooth roots and are placed in the jawbone to serve as anchors for one or more artificial teeth, known as crowns.
These implants are typically made of titanium, a biocompatible material that naturally fuses with the jawbone. An abutment is attached to the dental implant, and the crown is attached to the abutment.
Dental implants are considered the gold standard in tooth replacement. They offer a long-term solution that closely imitates the function and appearance of natural teeth. With proper care and maintenance, they can last a lifetime due to their durability.
What You Need To Know About Dental Implants
There are many misconceptions about dental implants. These myths may cause some people to shy away from the procedure. If you are going to make a big investment in your dental health, you should know the facts!
Here we cover some important things you should know about dental implants.
Dental implants are better than bridges or dentures.
Implants last longer, are more comfortable and don’t damage surrounding teeth like bridges. Unlike dentures, which can be uncomfortable and look fake, they fit into your mouth just like natural teeth.
Dental implants are nearly painless and do not require any downtime.
The surgical procedure involves minimal downtime, with discomfort levels similar to getting a filling. While you may experience some minor swelling in the first few days, it can be easily controlled with over-the-counter pain medicine.
Dental implants improve your oral health.
Implants prevent bone loss and preserve facial structure, unlike other tooth replacement options. They do not require altering adjacent teeth for support, meaning more natural teeth are left intact. They also make it easier to maintain good oral hygiene as they can be brushed and flossed, just like natural teeth.
Dental implants are cosmetically appealing.
They look, feel, and function like your real teeth. They make eating and speaking easier. They look natural and are matched to your current tooth color, so they blend with your natural teeth. With a beautiful and natural-looking smile, you can feel confident in social situations and never feel embarrassed to smile.
Dental implants are comfortable.
Because the appliance mimics your tooth’s natural root, dental implants are very comfortable and feel like your natural teeth. You won’t experience the slipping or discomfort that is common with dentures. After the procedure is complete, you’ll forget you even have them!
Dental implants are a long-term solution.
With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a permanent solution for missing or damaged teeth. You may need to replace the restoration (the visible part of the tooth) but these also last a long time if cared for properly.
Dental implants are surprisingly affordable.
Your dental implants are designed to last a lifetime, providing long-term value for your investment. With costs typically only amounting to a few thousand dollars per tooth, we offer third party payment options, such as Care Credit and Proceed, to make this investment even more manageable. Depending on the reason for the implant, some insurance policies may even cover the procedure!
Dental implants have a high success rate.
Dental implants have a success rate of 95%. Dental implant failure does happen in a very small percentage of cases. It can be avoided by following post-operative instructions, attending all follow-up appointments, and abstaining from smoking. Smoking significantly decreases the success rate of implants and is a major risk factor for implant failure.
Other Teeth-Replacement Options
Traditional Removable Dentures
Traditional removable dentures, or false teeth, are a removable prosthesis used to replace missing teeth. It can be either partial or complete, depending on how many teeth you are missing. Traditional dentures are the most affordable tooth replacement option.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are an effective alternative to traditional dentures, offering improved retention and stability when eating and speaking. Unlike traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures are not removable.
This option is perfect for patients that struggle to find a denture that fits comfortably. They are more secure than a traditional denture and don’t slip when eating and talking. Dental implants are used to anchor the denture in place.
Single Tooth Implants
A single tooth implant is the best tooth replacement option. They provide continuous stimulation to the jaw bone and prevent bone loss.
These small titanium appliances act as artificial tooth roots, anchoring dentures, and dental bridges securely to the jawbone. Once in place, dental implants allow for easy replacement of individual teeth or entire sets.
Full-Arch Implants
The All-on-4 dental implant procedure is a faster alternative to traditional implants and is suitable for individuals with complete tooth loss or low bone density. A new set of teeth can be secured in just one day!
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
A good candidate for dental implants:
- is in good overall health
- has healthy gums and sufficient bone density in the jaw
- is a non-smoker or willing to quit smoking before and after the procedure
- is committed to maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular check-ups
The Dental Implant Procedure
Dr. Kesecker and your dentist will work together during the implant process. Your dentist will be responsible for providing the final restoration and for placing the restoration. Dr. Kesecker will refer you back to your dentist when the implant has fully integrated with the jaw bone.
Here is what you can expect from the process:
- Initial consultation: Dr. Kesecker will evaluate your oral health to determine if implants are the best option. We will take images of your jaw and mouth using a 3D Cone Beam Scanner. Our treatment coordinator will discuss your treatment plan. and address any questions you may have. If you decide to proceed, they will schedule your surgery.
- Additional procedures: If you need a bone graft, gum graft, or sinus lift, it will be done before your implant surgery. This procedure helps build up the gums or jawbone to provide enough support for the implant. You will need several months for the graft to heal before the implants can be placed.
- Dental implant placement: The implant is surgically placed into your jawbone. A temporary tooth replacement may be provided while you heal.
- Final restoration: After osseointegration (the healing period), you will return to your dentist. They will take new impressions of your mouth and create a permanent set of teeth. Your dentist will then attach the final prosthetic tooth to the implant, completing the procedure and giving you a new tooth that looks and functions naturally.
*This process may look different for each patient. If you require a tooth extraction(s), this will be done before the implant. In some cases, an implant can be placed the same day as a tooth extraction.
Same-Day Dental Implants
The traditional implant process usually takes 5–10 months due to the multiple procedures involved and the necessary healing time. However, Dr. Kesecker’s expertise and our advanced surgical center allow us to offer same-day dental implants.
Being able to extract the tooth and implant the new prosthetic in one visit offers some advantages that many people will appreciate:
- Immediate tooth restoration
- Faster healing of soft tissues and gums, with less chance of recession
- The implant in the tooth extraction site helps prevent contamination and promotes healing
While the process is much quicker, it does not eliminate the need for osseointegration. You will receive a new prosthetic tooth that looks and functions like your natural teeth, but the implant will take about six months to integrate into your jawbone correctly.
To be eligible for same-day implants, you must be in good health and a non-smoker.
Trust Legacy Surgery for Dental Implants
When you choose Legacy Surgery, you are choosing top-quality dental care. Our commitment is to give you a smile that looks amazing and stands the test of time.
- Expertise: After finishing dental school, Dr. Kesecker had additional training, specifically focusing on all aspects of dental implant surgery. His expertise in the structure of the facial and jaw bones allows him to assess long-term implant success and determine the best course of action for each patient. If a bone or soft tissue graft is necessary, the procedure can be conveniently performed in the office.
- State-of-the-Art Surgical Center: We use the most advanced technology, including 3D Cone Beam Scanners, to precisely plan and execute your treatment. Dr. Kesecker uses the X-Guide® Dynamic 3D Navigation system, allowing for more accurate implant placement and faster healing times.
- Patient-Centered Care: Your comfort and safety are our top priorities. Our advanced surgical center is designed to provide a stress-free environment. From the initial consultation to the final restoration, our team will make sure that you are informed, comfortable, and confident throughout the entire process. We are also able to administer various sedation options, including intravenous and oral sedation, for your comfort.
Ready to Get Started?
When you choose an experienced oral surgeon for your dental implants, you’re making the best decision for your dental health.
Don’t wait to reclaim your smile and confidence!
Book a consultation with our experienced surgeon, Dr. Kesecker, to explore the best implant options for you. You will receive a comprehensive evaluation of your oral health, including 3D scans, a detailed treatment plan, and all your questions answered by our expert team.
If you are searching for ‘dental implants in Harrisonburg, VA,’ or ‘dental implants in Staunton, VA,’ call our treatment coordinator to book an appointment today! Call (540) 437-1230 for our Harrisonburg location or (540) 213-8750 for our Staunton location.