Dental Implants

What are Dental Implants?

Not only the ideal replacement method for missing teeth but also a form of both restorative and cosmetic dentistry, dental implants restore the feel and function of teeth while creating an aesthetically natural look. They consist of three parts: a titanium screw that is placed in the jawbone, an abutment that connects the implant to the crown, and the crown – the visible part that looks like a tooth.

Feel Confident with your Smile with Dental Implants!

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Are you a candidate for dental implants?

Since an estimated 125 million Americans are missing a tooth, it is quite fortunate that most people are good candidates for dental implants. If you find yourself in this large group, you are far from alone, and dental implants may be the ideal solution for you. Make an appointment with us for an examination, and we will discuss with you the following questions as you consider if dental implants are right for you:

  • Are you missing one or more teeth?
  • Do you have healthy gums?
  • Do you have enough bone to anchor and support an implant?
  • Would you like to prevent further bone loss?

Dental Implant FAQs

How long do dental implants last?

A very long time. In fact, studies have shown that properly placed and well cared for implants can last up to 25 years. As Drs. Doty and Ballard will form a treatment plan tailored to your needs and concerns, implementing cutting-edge technology and the latest techniques, we are confident that we will give you the best shot at keeping yours for life!

What are the negative effects of dental implants?

There are very few. Dental implants have been around for years and have a success rate of up to 98%. Continual improvements and discoveries are being made every day. The potential for negative effects is very low and closely resembles that of other minor surgical procedures – infection, injury to adjacent teeth, etc. It is wise to wait to get an implant until after the jaw has finished growing and you’ve had straightening procedures, such as braces, completed, because the implant’s fusion to the bone makes the toothless mobile.

How long do dental implants hurt?

Never! You will be properly anesthetized at all times during the surgery, so you won’t feel a thing. After the procedure, you may feel a little discomfort but nothing that can’t be easily managed with over-the-counter medications. We’d be happy to discuss any concerns you may have.

What are dental implants made of?

The actual implant—the screw placed in your jaw—is made of titanium. A completed implant includes three pieces: the titanium implant, the abutment (a connector between the implant and crown), and the crown (the part that is visible and looks like a tooth). Once a specialist at an implant center has placed your implant, we will complete the process by placing the crown.

Can I drive after dental implant surgery?

Your after-surgery recovery time depends on the type of sedation you choose, the implant site, and your pre-op health. We usually recommend you have a driver lined up to take you home after the implant surgery, but you should be able to drive yourself after the final crown has been placed.

Cost of Dental implants

While the upfront cost is often more than that of alternatives, such as bridges and dentures, dental implants outlast those approaches by several decades. Clearly, this increased longevity makes implants the more affordable choice in the long run. We know that every case and budget is unique, and we’d be happy to discuss all the details, including financing options and insurance benefits, with you at your consultation.

Additional Information