Dental Implants | Replace Missing Teeth
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium that are surgically placed into your jaw to replace missing teeth. Unlike dentures or bridges, dental implants offer a long-term solution that looks, feels, and functions like natural teeth.
If you're missing all your teeth on the upper or lower arch, specialized options like All-on-4 or implant-retained dentures may be recommended:
- All-on-4 Implants: A full arch of teeth is permanently secured to the jaw using four implants. These cannot be removed by the patient and offer maximum stability.
- Implant-Retained Dentures: A removable denture that snaps into place over implants. These offer better retention than traditional dentures and can be taken out for cleaning.
Implants are often placed in a single appointment, typically under an hour. Initial swelling and discomfort may last 3 to 4 days. If symptoms continue beyond 5 to 7 days, contact our office. The jawbone typically requires 3 to 6 months to fully integrate with the implant before a crown or restoration can be placed.
If you need a tooth extraction, it's an ideal time to consider a dental implant. Leaving the gap untreated can lead to bone loss and facial structure changes. Bone grafting may be required if too much bone is lost, but placing an implant soon after extraction can help avoid that and reduce healing time.
The Pros and Cons For Tooth Replacement Options
As dentistry advances, so do the options, methods, and techniques used to replace missing teeth. Luckily for you, we offer many different tooth replacement options and will recommend one of these options to you based on your desired outcome and budget. Not everyone is a viable candidate for each option though, so, we can discuss which tooth replacement option is best for you during your free initial consultation.
Traditional Dentures
- Low-cost treatment
- Non-surgical
- Easily replaceable
- Qualifies for dental financing
Cons
- Offers minimal support
- Will require relines and repairs
- Often loosens or falls out
- Does not halt jawbone loss
- Must be removed to clean
- Can cause discomfort or sore spots
- Potential for speech and eating difficulties
Snap-In Dentures
- Enhanced stability
- Prevents jawbone deterioration
- Removable for easy cleaning
- Improved chewing and speaking capabilities
- Qualifies for dental financing
Cons
- Moderate treatment cost
- May not look or feel natural
- May need relines or repairs
- Requires surgical procedure
- Higher initial cost than traditional dentures
Fixed Full Arch
- Most natural look and feel
- Long-lasting solution
- Maximum stability and comfort
- Comparable to natural teeth
- Improves oral and overall health
- Fracture and chip resistant
- Promotes jawbone health
- Restores over 98% of function
- Qualifies for dental financing
Cons
- Requires more extensive surgical procedure
- Cannot be removed at home
- High treatment cost
What To Expect From Dental Implants
Dental implant treatment typically requires two main phases. In the first appointment, the titanium posts are surgically placed into your jawbone. After this, your mouth will need 3 to 6 months to heal and allow the bone to integrate with the implant.
Once healing is complete, a custom crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the implant for a secure and natural-looking result.
Some patients may not be immediate candidates for implants due to jawbone loss, which occurs when missing teeth are not replaced. In these cases, we may recommend a bone graft or sinus lift to rebuild the bone before implant placement. We’ll assess your situation during the consultation and provide the best course of action.
Our dentist has advanced training and experience in placing implants precisely and safely. From surgery to restoration, our team provides complete implant care at our office.
The Top Six Factors That Affect Dental Implant Costs
There is no doubt that dental implants are the best solution for replacing missing teeth. They also offer a number of long-term oral health benefits. However, many patients believe that the cost of dental implants precludes them from undergoing treatment. Here are the top six factors that affect dental implant costs:
- Number of Implants Needed
The more teeth you need to replace, the more implants may be required to support your restoration. - Type and Quality of Restoration
- Single Tooth: Crown (least expensive)
- Multiple Teeth: Bridge (moderately priced)
- Full Arch: Denture (most expensive)
Materials like porcelain or zirconia also influence the cost. - Preparatory Procedures
If you need treatment for gum disease, cavities, or a bone graft before implant surgery, these will add to the total cost. - Sedation Options
Local anesthetic is the most affordable, but options like IV sedation can increase the cost. - Type of Implant Procedure
Traditional implants tend to be more expensive. Alternatives like Teeth-in-a-Day may reduce costs and eliminate the need for bone grafting in some cases. - Experience and Location
The experience of your dentist and the location of the clinic can impact cost. At Gulati Family Dentistry, we focus on delivering high-quality care at a fair, competitive price.