Dental Implants
Dr. Schmidt says the dental implant is by far one of the biggest breakthroughs to come about in dentistry. Dental implants offer a permanent, completely natural looking solution for one or more missing teeth. For many years, people who lost their teeth had several choices for replacing them that simply weren’t as natural looking or long lasting as implants, such as dentures, bridges, and partials. Many denture wearers chose false teeth because they wanted to put an end to their tooth problems, but they didn’t realize that they were causing a whole new set of problems. Dentures can cause pain during eating and often don’t fit properly, leading to pain and poor nutrition. Long-term denture wearers can also lose jaw bone which causes the classic collapsed, sunken in wrinkled face common to many denture wearers. With today’s incredible implant technology, these problems can be a thing of the past. It’s no longer necessary to lack confidence in social settings or to have a reduced ability to chew. Dental implants are the answer! Dr. Schmidt says for the first time, the replacement for missing teeth can also be as strong or stronger than the original. Like teeth, dental implants are embedded in the jawbone. The bone actually bonds to the implants. This allows the teeth to be replaced without placing any pressure on the gums, thus eliminating the pain normally associated with dentures. Using dental implants, the upper teeth can be replaced without covering the roof of the mouth. By exposing the roof of the mouth, the former denture wearer can enjoy the subtle tastes and textures of food and drink that they have been missing out on for so many years. The best news is that the latest breakthrough in implant technology makes implant tooth replacement possible for individuals who previously weren’t candidates before. At Riverbend Dental Center, time is taken to make sure that you have the care that is right for you, and tremendous pride is taken to provide a long term, successful outcome once treatment is completed. During your consultation, Dr. Schmidt can let you know if dental implants are the answer for your particular problem. Feel free to read through our “10 Major Benefits of Dental Implants” section, as well as our “Commonly Asked Questions about Dental Implants,” and contact us at 504-861-9044 to set up your potentially life-changing appointment! |
Magna
Lorem etiam nullam
Ipsum
Nisl sed aliquam
Major Benefits
The dental implants used by most dentists are root-form implants, which basically means that they are replacement, or substitute tooth roots, used to replace natural tooth roots in areas of the mouth where teeth are missing. Since it replaces the tooth root, it creates the stability needed to have much stronger teeth that stay in place and don’t move around.
|
Magna
Lorem etiam nullam
Ipsum
Nisl sed aliquam
Commonly Asked Questions about Dental Implants
1) What is an implant?
An implant is a metal post that replaces the missing root of the tooth. A crown is attached to the post, creating a permanent fixture that looks and feels like a real tooth.
2) What are implants made of?
Implants are made from titanium, a biologically safe metal. They are custom designed in various shapes and sizes to fit a patient’s individual needs.
3) How much do implants cost?
The fee for implants vary according to the patient’s needs. Dental implants are typically a bigger investment in the beginning, but because they can last decades and even a lifetime for some patients. Call our office for a dental implant consultation.
4) How will I benefit from dental implants?
Dr. Schmidt says dental implants can literally give a patient his or her smile back, or create the kind of smile the patient has never experienced before. Today’s implants look and feel just like the real thing, and they allow the patient to once again chew properly and enjoy food. Implants also eliminate the embarrassment and inconvenience associated with removable teeth, and the also allow single missing teeth to be replaced without cutting down healthy ones. Of Americans between the ages of 18 and 64, approximately 49% are missing at least one tooth.
- Dental implants are the most advanced tooth replacement system ever devised.
- More than nine out of ten implants last longer than 15 years.
- Dental implants never develop decay.
- Dental implants never require root canals.
- Dental implants preserve the jawbone, which can prevent premature aging.
- No one can be disqualified for implant treatment solely because of their age — Some patients receive implant treatment when they are in their nineties!
5) Is this procedure painful?
Most patients experience very little discomfort with the procedure. The patient is under local anesthesia during the entire procedure, and most patients do fine with an over the counter pain reliever following the procedure.
6) How long does the procedure take?
The length of the procedure varies according to the needs of the patient. They can be placed in less than 30 minutes for a single implant, or it could take several hours or multiple days if a mouthful of implants is needed. Dr. Schmidt can discuss the anticipated length of treatment time during your patient consultation.
7) Will my insurance cover the implants?
Many insurance carriers do not cover implant dentistry, but it depends on your particular insurance policy. Bring your policy booklet in with you and we’ll be glad to have our insurance coordinator review it.
8) How long do implants last?
When your implant is placed, we have every intention of them lasting you a lifetime. While there is no way we can predict complications in the future, our success rate over the years has been excellent here at Riverbend Dental Center.
9) How long will this take?
While the actual placement of the implant can sometimes be done in less than an hour, depending on your needs, the entire treatment time can range from three months to a year depending on a patient’s specific case. We will make sure you’ll be able to return to work as soon as possible, and function normally at this time. You’ll be able to wear your denture or partial during this time.
10) Is there financing available for my implants?
We can arrange payment plans allowing you anywhere from 6 months to 5 years to pay off your bill for your dental implants.
11) How long will I be without any teeth or my dentures?
In most cases you will be given a temporary appliance (prosthesis) that has the missing or extracted tooth (teeth) so you will not have to go without teeth. If you are a denture or partial user, you will be able to wear your dentures and/or partials for the entire time (except for a few days after implant placement).
12) How many visits will this take?
The number of visits will depend on the type of treatments you will need. Dr. Schmidt will be able to answer this question after your examination appointment.
13) Will I ever be without my teeth?
Immediately following the placement of the implants, we advise our patients to go without their dentures for two to three days for healing. After that time, however, you may wear your denture comfortably until the final teeth are placed.
14) Do you do these procedures in your office?
Our office is fully equipped with all the equipment needed to handle every aspect of the implant placement in house, including the design and mill of the crown that’s placed on top of the implant.
15) How long have implants been done?
Implants are not new to the dental field. Modern medicine began the procedure in 1948, but they have really been perfected over the past decade.
16) Are implants safe?
Yes. The procedure is rarely more involved than having a tooth pulled and most patients do great with over the counter pain medication.
17) Will implants work for me?
The best way to determine this is to have an evaluation. Call us today at (504) 861-9044 to arrange a consultation with Dr. Glenn Schmidt.