Patients can experience tooth loss for many reasons including facial trauma, dental neglect, infection, or disease. The gold standard for tooth replacement is dental implants, which restore the function and aesthetics of your smile while preserving your overall oral health.

Why Are Dental Implants the Preferred Method of Tooth Replacement?

Dental implants are widely considered the standard of care for patients who are missing teeth or anticipate the need for tooth extraction, improving their quality of life. There are several reasons why:

  • Full arch treatment with dental implants does not require healthy teeth to be ground down.
  • There is no other method of tooth replacement that is as effective in preventing the loss of surrounding bone tissue.
  • Dental implants boast a high long-term success rate, and for most patients, they last a lifetime.
  • Dental implants are the most cost-effective solution for tooth replacement.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Here are a few reasons why our doctors typically recommend dental implants to patients who are missing teeth or require teeth to be extracted.

Designed to Last a Lifetime

The scientific literature shows that dental implants have a success rate of roughly 95 percent, making them far more successful than other treatments. When dental implants are cared for with proper dental hygiene, they can last a lifetime without requiring replacement.

Preserves Bone and Facial Structures

Tooth loss can result in the surrounding jawbone atrophying or resorbing. This bone loss can cause unwanted changes to the facial appearance. Dental implants provide the stimulation needed for ongoing bone growth, which can help prevent these unwanted facial changes.

A Healthier Smile

Other options for tooth replacement can cause damage to healthy, adjacent teeth. For example, dentures and bridges often require healthy teeth to be ground down to allow the prostheses to fit into place. Dental implants preserve the health of your entire smile, and do not require adjacent teeth to be damaged.

Natural Tooth Appearance

Dental implants are designed to replicate the appearance of your natural teeth, allowing you to maintain a normal and healthy-looking smile. Your dentist will tailor your replacement teeth to match the shape and color of your existing teeth.

Are There Any Disadvantages with Dental Implants?

Compared with other treatment options such as a dental crown, dental implants require several months to bond with the surrounding bone, and thus can have a longer healing period. We encourage patients to view this as an investment in their long-term oral health. When properly cared for, implants can last for the rest of your life.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Implants

Dental implants can transform your smile and change your life. How much that transformation costs will vary depending on several factors:

How Many Implants You Need – You will be paying per tooth. However, you may get a slightly reduced rate for multiple implants at once.  Additionally, full arch replacement to support a denture does not require placing an implant for every missing tooth.

Size and Type of Implant – There are different types of implants each with a different purpose and in varying sizes.

Other Procedures You May Need – Bone or gum grafts, extractions, and other procedures may add to the total cost.

Sedation – Different types of sedation come at significantly varied prices. Your doctor will discuss which option is best for you during your consultation.

Dental Insurance – Dental implants may or may not be covered by your insurance provider. This applies to the other procedures you may need and the sedation option you choose.

How Will My Surgeon Determine Whether I Am a Candidate for Implants?

Your surgeon will verify that you are eligible for a safe and successful procedure during your initial consultation and discuss the proposed treatment plan.

To ensure that you are a candidate for implants, your surgeon will perform a full physical evaluation of your teeth and gums. Using advanced imaging, your doctor will also carefully assess your jawbone, ensuring you have sufficient bone to anchor the implants.

Your surgeon will take the time to discuss any additional procedures needed before having your implants placed, such as tooth extractions and bone grafts.

How are Dental Implants Placed and Restored?

Implant Placement

The dental implant is a titanium screw surgically guided into the jawbone. Your doctor will discuss with you the sedation options that best meet your needs. After a healing period of several months, your doctor will examine the implant before releasing you back to your general dentist for final restoration.

Abutment Placement

Once the implant has fused with the surrounding bone, it will be ready to act as an anchor for your abutment. This titanium piece is specifically used to connect the implant with the prosthetic tooth, and abutments are customized to match the shape of your teeth.

Replacement Teeth

Once the abutment has been attached to the implant, you will be ready to have your custom replacement tooth added. This is typically done by your general dentist, who will use precise measurements and images to ensure that the new tooth looks seamless with the other teeth in your mouth.

You’re in Good Hands with Mid-Kansas OMS

Our practice is known for providing high-quality care to our patients and ensuring a friendly practice environment where everyone is made to feel like family. Our goal is to prioritize your comfort and safety during your dental implant procedure, and we strive to achieve the best outcome possible.

To schedule an appointment, contact our dental office today at (316) 722-0800.