What is the best method of replacing missing teeth? Are dental implants worth it?

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If you've lost a tooth due to injury, decay, gum disease, or any other reason, we recommend dental implants to replace missing teeth. Dental implants come the closest to replicating the look, feel, and function of your natural teeth.

What Are Dental Implants?

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Dental implants are small, screw-shaped posts, typically made of titanium, that a dentist or oral surgeon places directly into your jawbone. These posts act like artificial tooth roots. As your jawbone heals, it naturally grows around and fuses with the implant, creating a strong, permanent foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture.

What are dental implants made of?

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Generally, dental implants are made out of a biocompatible metal such as titanium. Biocompatible metals are also used for other common bone implants (such as shoulder, hip, and knee replacements). The visible portion of the implant is usually made out of porcelain and is custom-made to match your existing teeth.

Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?

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If you're in good overall health, have healthy gums, and sufficient jawbone to support implants, you may be a strong candidate for dental implants. We perform a comprehensive evaluation—including a full dental exam and advanced 3D imaging—to determine whether implants are the right solution for your smile.

How Long Does the Dental Implant Process Take?

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The timeline for dental implants depends on factors like the number of implants, their location, and whether additional procedures such as bone grafting are needed. On average, the full process—from your first consultation to placing the final restoration—can take several months to allow for proper healing and implant integration.

Are dental implants painful?

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Dental implants are placed into the jawbone and mirror the same function as the root of a tooth. The procedure for dental implants is usually performed while a patient is sedated. Patients who undergo IV sedation must have an empty stomach and transportation home following the procedure. Most sedation patients will have little to no memory of the procedure occurring.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

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Dental implants are designed to be a long-term solution and can last a lifetime with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. The crown attached to the implant typically lasts 10 to 15 years, depending on factors like daily use and overall oral care.

How Successful Are Dental Implants?

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Dental implants are known for their excellent success rate, typically above 95%. Success depends on several factors, including precise surgical placement, the patient’s overall health, and consistent follow-through with post-operative care and oral hygiene.

Do Dental Implants Look Like Natural Teeth?

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Absolutely. The crown placed on top of the dental implant is carefully crafted to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth. This personalized design allows dental implants to blend seamlessly with your smile—both in appearance and function.

Are dental implants permanent?

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Dental implants are designed to fuse to the bone, which makes them become permanent fixtures. Typically speaking, the success rate is nearly 100%. There are few cases in which the implant will not fuse as intended and must be removed. If this happens to occur, the procedure can be attempted again a few months later.

How do I care for my dental implants?

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It's easy... just take care of an implant as if it's a natural tooth! This involves regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. If you have any concerns about your implant, contact us immediately.

Does Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

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Insurance coverage for dental implants depends on your specific provider and plan. Our team is here to help you navigate your benefits and will provide a clear, detailed estimate of costs. We also offer flexible payment options to make your treatment more affordable.