What are Dental Implants?
Whether it was caused by injury, accident, gum disease, or tooth decay, missing teeth cause quite a number of problems. Obviously, a smile is one of the first things people notice about one another, so it’s not a surprise that many of our patients report feeling self-conscious with missing teeth. However, the problems from missing teeth can go deeper than low self-esteem. Missing teeth can make eating difficult, promote further bone loss, create malformations of the face, and cause future decay.
Dental implants are designed to prevent or stop these problems by replacing lost root structure. The implant is placed literally in the bone of the jaw. After the structure is in place, a crown is added. Once the procedure is complete, only a dentist will be able to tell that a tooth was ever missing.
Are Dental Implants Right for Me?
Just like with any medical procedure, dental implants might not be right for everyone. If too much bone has been lost, then additional surgery may be necessary. Additionally, smokers, diabetics, patients with heart disease, or those who may have undergone any kind of radiation treatment should be evaluated on an individual basis. Our dental implant specialists Dr. Gallardo will evaluate your condition and needs and address your concerns accordingly.
Please note that, just like the rest of your mouth, dental implants will need proper care, tooth hygiene, and regular inspections by a dentist. Otherwise, problems can arise.
If you’d like to know more about dental implants, give our team of specialists a call today or fill out our contact form and one of our professional and friendly coordinators will contact you. We’d be happy to set up a complimentary consultation to see if this procedure can help you.
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Dental Implant Options
Dental implants are tailored to each individual; after all, no two patients are exactly the same. However, dental implants are frequently split into three basic groups:
Single Implants
Single implants are a fairly common procedure. Despite there being only one implant, you’ll still likely need several visits to complete the process as your bone will need a chance to fully heal before the permanent crown in put in place. During this healing process, we can typically put a temporary structure on for aesthetics and to protect the area.
Multiple Implants
Frequently called implant-supported bridges, this procedure can replace a series of teeth while avoiding the disadvantages of partial dentures or multiple tooth supported fixed bridges. This is because the implants will not rely on adjacent teeth. During your visit, Dr. Gallardo can show you where your implants would need to go to restore your smile.
All-on-Four™
The All-on-Four™ procedure is just what the name implies: all the teeth of the upper or lower jaw are replaced with just four implants. This technique greatly reduces the procedure time and cost. However, All-on-Four still brings the benefits of single implants. In other words, you can still eat whatever you want without care. Once the process is done, you just care for the implants like you would your real teeth.
During your free consultation at our Miami dental office, Dr. Gallardo will be happy to go over which of these three treatment options will be best for you.
Dental Implant Types Used
- Neodent
- Straumann
- Nobel
- BioHorizons
- Klockner
Why Get Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a very popular option to remedy tooth loss, and it’s no wonder why. Facial structure malformation can be restored, there are no eating restrictions, your bone loss can be reduced, dental implants provide the most realistic appearance, and the structures are long lasting. Additionally, the surrounding teeth will not be used to anchor the crown. This means that your healthy teeth won’t need drilling. Seeing as how complications can arise from drilling adjacent teeth, patients and dentists alike see this as a major advantage.
Of course, dental implants are a surgical procedure, and surgeries don’t come without risk. Our staff will go over the risks of your specific case with you, but please ask any questions you have. Additionally, it’s important to note that implants can fail. The crown can break, bone loss can progress, or infection may develop. You can greatly reduce the odds of something going wrong by following all care instructions given to you before and after your procedure.
Does Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
We understand that cost can be a real barrier for our patients to have a healthy and bright smile, that’s why we work with a variety of insurance providers. Don’t assume that no coverage is available; our team is happy to work with both your dental and medical insurance to exhaust all options. For customers without insurance, please ask us about your various payment options. We want to help you get the smile you desire. We also work with financing companies to help you finance the cost of your treatment.
When Can I Return to Work After Dental Implants?
Most patients can return to work the next day. The procedure is minimally invasive, and many patients only need over-the-counter pain reliever to reduce post-surgery discomfort.You will be given take-home instructions and our office schedules your follow-up appointments with you to ensure a successful recovery.
Will My Implants Ever Need To Be Replaced?
It’s not uncommon for dental implants to last a lifetime. In fact, the potential longevity of implants is a major advantage over other tooth replacement options.
How Long Will My Bone Need To Heal Before a Permanent Crown Is Put On?
Most patients need 4-6 months to allow the bone around the implant to heal before a permanent crown is put into place. If any bone augmentation was necessary prior to the placement of the implant, then more healing time may be necessary. During your consultation, Dr. Gallardo will be able to give you a tailored treatment plan.
