Dental Implants Canton

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are the only tooth replacement method that brings back the entire structure of your missing teeth – not just the part above the gumline. The dental implant itself is a titanium post that is surgically placed into your jawbone to act as a new tooth root. Your jawbone will fuse to the post over the next few months through a process called osseointegration. After your jawbone has healed, a connector piece called an abutment is placed on top of the implant to secure your custom-made crown, bridge, or denture. Thanks to their unique three-part structure and sturdy foundation in the jawbone, dental implants are able to function like real teeth and can potentially last for a lifetime! 

The 4-Step Dental Implant Process

The dental implant process is a complex one that can vary from one patient to another, but each treatment consists of the same four basic steps:

• Consultation – Dr. Robison will assess your tooth loss, take X-rays of your mouth and jaw, determine your eligibility for dental implants, and walk you through the treatment process.
• Surgery – You’ll be referred to one of our partnered oral surgeons or periodontists to have the implant posts surgically placed in your jaw.
• Osseointegration – Over the next four to six months, your jawbone grows around the implants, creating a lasting foundation.
• Restoration – You’ll return to our office to have Dr. Robison complete your smile with a personalized dental crown, bridge, or denture.

Benefits of Dental Implants

As the only solution to mimic the roots of missing teeth in addition to the crowns, dental implants provide a variety of benefits over other options, including:

• Dental implants have over a 95% success rate to last for several decades.
• Your restoration is made of all-ceramic material to ensure it looks natural.
• You’ll regain as much as 70% of your natural biting force to enjoy your favorite foods again.
• The implant post stimulates your bone to preserve your jaw’s density.
• They prevent your remaining teeth from drifting out of place.
• They support your facial tissues to maintain a youthful appearance.
• They’re a cost-effective treatment that, with the right aftercare, should never need to be replaced.
• Implants are easy to maintain and can last for several decades with the right care.

Who Dental Implants Can Help

Pretty much any healthy adult suffering from tooth loss can benefit from dental implants, as they can be used to replace any number of missing teeth. Which type is right for you? Dr. Robison can help you choose from the following options based on your specific needs:

Missing One Tooth

A single dental crown can be attached to an implant post using a small connector called an abutment. Unlike with a dental bridge, this new tooth won’t require the surrounding ones to be altered in any way, nor will it need them for support, better preserving a patient’s natural smile.

Missing Multiple Teeth

With just two dental implants, we can replace three or more missing teeth in a row. Two dental crowns will be positioned on either side of the gap in a patient’s smile, and these will support a strong and reliable bridge. Implant bridges not only look more natural than traditional ones but they can be trusted to last longer as well.

Missing All Teeth

Instead of replacing each tooth individually, just four to six implants can be used to secure a full denture directly to the jawbone. Implant-supported dentures have a much stronger hold than a traditional removable prosthetic. Plus, they can help bring back more of a patient’s bite strength, enabling them to enjoy a more varied diet with ease.

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Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants

Dental implants are quite versatile and able to help patients with varying degrees of tooth loss, and because of this, the overall cost of the treatment can be quite different from person to person. Factors such as how many teeth a patient wants to be replaced, where they are located in the mouth, and what kind of restoration is used can all influence the final price.

While dental implant restorations do tend to cost more than other traditional options, they are actually the best financial choice long-term. Why? Largely thanks to their longevity. Regular bridges and dentures typically need to be completely redone every seven to 10 years, multiplying their costs, while dental implants can be expected to last for 30 years or more. As a result, dental implant patients are able to avoid the periodic maintenance and retreatments required by other restorations, saving them thousands over time.

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Types of Dental Implants

Dental implants are a versatile tooth replacement solution that can fill a small gap in one’s teeth or restore an entire smile. The type of implant a patient needs to restore their smile will influence the final cost of treatment. For example, a single implant and crown to fill the gap left by a missing tooth typically cost less than an implant denture, which relies on four to six implants to remain in place.

What Are the Stages of Dental Implant Treatment?

The first step of dental implant treatment is to schedule an initial consultation. Once the dentist has thoroughly examined your teeth and mouth and discussed your smile goals, dental implantation typically proceeds as follows:

• Stage 1 – Placement of the dental implant(s) by a specialist
• Stage 2 – Healing period of several months
• Stage 3 – Possible addition of an abutment to connect the implant(s) with a crown, bridge, or denture
• Stage 4 – Placement of the final restoration

Each trip to the dentist may incur a unique cost that will vary from case to case. Furthermore, it is important to note that candidates for dental implants must be in excellent oral health before beginning treatment. Patients with gum disease, a weak jawbone, or other oral health issues that could impede successful implantation must partner with their dentist to address these issues first. If gum disease therapy or a bone graft is necessary, this will add to the overall cost of implant treatment.

Are Dental Implants Worth the Investment?

The answer to this question is a resounding “yes”! Although alternatives such as dentures and traditional bridges may cost less, nothing can match the maximum stability, natural appearance, and restored function that dental implants provide. Dental implants are the only treatment that replaces both the tooth root and the visible portion of the tooth.

In addition, with proper care, dental implants can last decades – or even a lifetime! Bridges and dentures, on the other hand, typically must be replaced about every 10 years. So, although their upfront cost may be higher compared to dentures or bridges, in the long run, dental implants can represent the most cost-effective restorative treatment! 

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Many dental insurance plans do not yet provide full coverage for dental implants. However, you may be able to take advantage of your insurance benefits for certain stages of the process – such as the initial consultation with Dr. Robison or if you need gum disease therapy prior to implantation.

At Robison Dental Group, we believe dental implants in Canton should be an affordable treatment option for everyone. That is why we are proud to offer flexible in-house financing plans and accept payment plans through CareCredit and LendingClub. If you want to explore either of these options or need assistance understanding your dental insurance coverage, do not hesitate to contact our experienced and knowledgeable team!

Dental Implant FAQs