Replacing a missing tooth with an artificial tooth is what this procedure is all about. Dental implants are anchored in a hole drilled in the jaw and is capable of holding a dental bridge, denture, or crown in place. Implants are made of titanium, a material that is well tolerated (biocompatible) by the human body and integrates easily (a process called osseointegration) with bone tissue.
Over time, implants integrate into the jawbone and provide the patient with strong and durable support. If it is necessary to replace multiple teeth, a dental implant bridge or a complete can be prepared. In various instances, when there is not enough bone to support the dental implants, a sinus lift or bone graft is necessary.
Implantology will allow you to eat, chew, talk, smile with confidence as if the new teeth were yours from the start. The team of gulf coast dentists is focused on finding the most optimal solution to your dental problem.
Why get a dental implant?
If a person is embarrassed about wearing a removable prosthesis or of not being able to eat the food they love, then a dental implant procedure is the perfect solution for them. We are happy to hear that you’ve chosen to learn more about Gulfside Periodontics, and we invite you to make an appointment and our dental clinic in Ocean Springs. Here are some helpful tips to consider if you need a tooth replaced:
- The adjacent teeth can move into the open space, which means that the teeth are shifting. Teeth are not supposed to move – at all. This can cause chewing difficulties and digestion problems.
- If a patient does not visit their local dental office as soon as possible, the jaw begins to lose bone mass over time. Bone resorption can cause massive changes in the face.
- When eating, food that is left behind could remain in hard-to-reach places, and this can have an adverse effect on nearby teeth (both sides).
- Also, missing incisors can cause people to lose his or her confidence in public entirely, and some could even have difficulty speaking.
Bone grafting is a careful surgical procedure. Each individual must respect the guidelines set by their local dentist before getting into the dental chair. Below are some recommendations and tips when undergoing bone augmentation.
What are the benefits of getting a dental implant?
There are plenty of reasons to undergo implant surgery. Some of these last for decades:
- A perfect solution to replace removable prostheses
- They do not touch healthy teeth
- Strong biocompatibility (the body will not reject the titanium components)
- A solution that will last until for multiple decades, if taken care of
- Considered a non-carcinogenic method
- Dental implants do not corrode and are not toxic
- No allergic reaction
Am I an ideal candidate for a dental implant?
Patients of any age can have implants placed (having a fully developed jaw), provided they have sufficient quantity and quality of bone. Most patients who respect oral hygiene are ideal candidates for dental implants. The conditions under which dental implants cannot be placed, or conditions that present a particular risk (rejection of the dental implant), include:
- Smokers will see the process hindered and will, thus, slow the healing process.
- Excessive alcohol consumption disrupts the healing process of the gums.
- Periodontal diseases must be treated before dental implantation because they can lead to bone loss. If there are issues with the patient’s gums, he or she should consult reputable periodontal associates.
- Immunocompromised patients who take steroids undergo radiation therapy, patients with autoimmune diseases should not get implants.
- In case of bruxism (dental grinding), a dental tray is provided to prevent the erosion of porcelain on the dental crowns.
Tooth grinding and dental implantology
Many people ask their periodontal dentist if they can receive an implant even though they suffer from bruxism. Before you start to worry, it’s vital to know that dental implantation is not denied even if you suffer from this problem. Bruxism is an unconscious movement made by the jaw, either by squeezing or by lateral changes, which will occur most often during sleep.
It is advisable to inform your dentist of the issue before undergoing subsequent dental treatments, even if it is generally visible to the dentist. In order to find a solution to this condition, a local cosmetic dentist will choose from a crown, bridges, or another appropriate dental prosthesis that is made of more resistant material. It might also be essential to place additional dental implants that will adequately hold the replacement tooth. Your dentist may also advise you patient that using a dental splint during the nighttime hours.
How will a patient know if they have enough bone to get a dental implant?
It is not possible for a patient to estimate, by themselves, whether they have enough bone for a dental implant. Depending on the results of a panoramic dental X-ray and a dental scanner, the individual’s bone density and volume can be assessed. In fact, the dentist will look at other information concerning nearby anatomical structures, such as nerves.
Your dentist may indicate that the bone would need support, namely a bone substitute/graft or artificial sinus lift. This step must be done before the installation of the dental implant. Remember that this stage of the treatment, and the whole process, can be done safely provided that you are in good health.
The risks of implant surgery
There is continually a danger of bleeding when a surgical operation is performed, but you must also look at the effects of anesthesia. It is advisable not to drive right after implant surgery, and dentists suggest that patients do not eat for a few hours either. Actually, people who just had oral surgery should not perform intensive physical activities until instructed by their dentist or doctor.
Please follow your dentist’s dental hygiene advice – do not use mouthwash in the first few days, and it is important not to suck the wound – as all this will help to reduce the risk of infection.
How long will your dental implants last?
If the wearer takes care of their body and their mouth, implants can last for several decades. You must make sure to follow all the advice given by your dentist. If oral hygiene is maintained, there should be no problems. Why do dentists offer titanium dental implants?
- Lifetime warranty
- Quality and reliability based on years of research
- 100% biocompatible materials are used
- The procedure is fast and simple to perform
- Excellent quality to price ratio
The process
Based on scientific experiments and proven by countless clinical tests, dental implantation is a 100% pain-free and safe procedure resulting in a durable, comfortable and extremely aesthetic prosthetic reconstruction. The entire process (from dental implantation to final prosthetic restoration) is different for each case. During the first consultation, a dental surgeon or implantologist looks at your panoramic X-ray and examines you in the chair.
This first exam is quite crucial because it helps to establish an appropriate dental treatment plan. An examination is necessary because the dentist must determine if the patient’s general state of health can survive the surgery. They will also look at other conditions (bone and tissue mass). Additional examinations may be necessary in specific instances (for example, a dental scan).
During this 100% pain-free dental procedure, the dental implant is placed in the jaw. After the procedure, post-operative information and documents are given to patients as well as explanations and follow-up tips to ensure proper healing. In case the patient’s bone mass does not allow the dental implant to be placed directly, a bone augmentation (bone graft) or sinus lift precedes the dental implantation to replace the missing bone quantity.
After the implant has been placed, a temporary healing period is required, which ranges from 3 to 6 months. The dental implant mixes with the framework under the gum during this period. It is imperative to follow the oral hygiene recommendations given by the dentist and to take the antibiotics you are given after the procedure.
At the end of the healing period, the final prosthesis is positioned on the dental implant. There are many categories of dental restoration; there are straightforward solutions (individual dental crown on a dental implant or dental bridge on several dental implants) or complete restorations (complete bridge on 6 or 8 dental implants, fixed prosthesis, All-on-4). If there are no teeth in the patient’s lower jaw and their jaw cannot hold several implants, a more traditional and functional prosthesis can be placed, such as overdentures.
The life expectancy of a dental implant depends on the wearer’s oral hygiene. It is therefore essential to respect the recommendations given by the dentist. Please take part in annual checkups, which will ensure the correct function and stability of your dental implant.
How many appointments does this procedure take?
Respecting the implant’s healing time is essential when starting implant treatment. The length of the treatment can be from 7 months up to a year. Our dentists at Gulfside Periodontics are reliable when it comes to estimating the time needed for optimal bone recovery, but every person heals differently, and infections and improper oral hygiene can delay healing.
Each dental implant treatment starts with a thorough consultation and a scan at our dental clinic in Ocean Springs. This allows us to define the necessary timeframe for each patient. Three to six months after the initial consultation, the dentist exposes the dental implant to see how the dental implant has integrated with the jawbone.
If everything is ready, a healing screw is placed. The following two visits are necessary to adjust the crown, bridge or denture. Do not forget that annual checkups are important to the implant’s overall success.
How to calculate the price of a dental implant?
The cost of a dental implant depends on the complexity of the operation, the materials used, and the type of final prosthesis. A bone increase can also affect costs. Patients receive a detailed treatment plan that details the position of their teeth, the care to be performed (placement of a dental implant, bone graft) and laboratory work (preparation of the new prosthesis in the dental laboratory).
Some conservative care and oral surgery procedures are reimbursable in whole or in part through dental plans. Before deciding on implantology, it is strongly recommended to check with your insurance. The financial side of this procedure is not negligible, especially when it comes to more complex medical care options. These kinds of treatments are not necessarily reimbursed or paid for by insurance companies.
How is the final price broken down in the case of dental implantology?
The diagnosis/planning stage covers the clinical exam, consultation, panoramic X-ray, and dental scans. Dentists will then decide what the surgery, itself, will cost. Is there any bone augmentation or sinus lift? Any other necessary treatments that otherwise would not be needed?
Then the professional will determine what materials are needed. This includes the price of the dental implant itself, depending on the type, brand, and manufacturer. What does the pillar cost? Are there any laboratory fees depending on the type of prosthesis (crown, bridge) and material (ceramic, zirconia, etc.)? It is important to make an appointment to discuss the dental implant cost and potential financing options before agreeing to the surgery.
What should patients do after their dental implant is set?
Depending on the operation, the patient’s sensitivity levels may intensify. They may also see some swelling in their mouth or face. This reaction is quite typical after a surgical operation. These signs usually subside within a few days.
In the case of pain, it is advisable to take painkillers regularly (the dentist will sometimes provide a prescription for painkillers and anti-inflammatories), as they can help you manage the pain during the first few days after the procedure. In addition, people can apply a cooling gel pack to the region to prevent swelling. In general, sutures should be removed 7-10 days after the operation, but most dentists use absorbable sutures, mainly so their patients do not have to come back into the office to have their stitches removed.
Not sure if dental implants are right for you? We also offer single tooth replacement options, multiple tooth replacement options, and Teeth in a Day solutions. Give Gulfside Periodontics a call today to discuss your dental health at 228-875-1881.