Dental Implants

Dental implants are an excellent option for replacing teeth. They are comfortable, and can look and feel like natural teeth. Dental implants are considered state-of-the-art and are an alternative to bridges, partials or dentures.

What are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made of titanium. The titanium integrates with the jawbone to give firm support to the artificial tooth. This integration typically takes from three to six months. Additionally, a fully integrated dental implant will normally last a lifetime.

 After the dental implant is integrated into the bone, your dentist uses the implant to attach a crown onto the titanium implant. This procedure replaces a single missing tooth. Multiple implants can be used to secure a fixed bridge or a specialized device that can improve the hold of a denture.

Dental implant placement requires several steps over a period of time ranging from three months to over a year. This timeline depends on your specific needs.

What are the steps involved?

1.) Extraction of the infected or fractured tooth. Bone grafting may also be done at this time to keep a stable platform for the implant. [2-4 months healing time]

2.) Placement of the implant. [3-6 months healing time]

3.) Molds are taken of the implant site for the construction of the crown and the abutment that attaches the crown to the implant. [4-6 weeks of laboratory time]

4.) Attachment of the abutment to the implant and the cementation of the crown to the abutment.

Insurance and Payment for Dental Implants

For cases with all the steps being completed at our Reflection Ridge Dental office, the fee quoted will include all the components of the planned treatment. 

In certain situations, we may work with a specialist. In that case, we will give you an estimate for the abutment and crown we will do here. The specialist will be able to give you the estimate for their work with the surgery needed. That could include the extraction, bone grafting, and implant placement.

 Typically, implants are not covered by insurance providers. However, the investment for a healthy mouth, with a stable, natural smile can be priceless.

 Some insurance plans have special limitations and allowance for implant treatment. However, it is best to research this ahead of time in a case by case scenario. Predeterminations would be necessary to verify any possible coverage.

 We work with a company that helps provide dental financial options and payment plans. Please let us know if you would like an application for Care Credit and we can help you with the process.

Benefits of Implants

No worrying about dentures falling out—provides a stable foundation
No loose dentures or gooey denture adhesives
Improves biting pressure
Restores proper chewing ability which leads to a better diet and improved overall health
Eliminates tooth shifting
Improves speech
Won’t apply damaging pressure to your natural teeth
Comfort and fit
Implants help preserve healthy vital tooth structure (unlike a bridge)
They look and feel like your natural teeth
Increase your self-confidence when talking and smiling

Risks Associated with Implants

Complications are rare with implant procedures. If infections or other complications occur, additional medications or surgical treatment may be needed. However, such complications are rare. We typically avoid complications with our 3D imaging technology.

The placement of an implant is a minor surgery. Special care is taken to preserve all healthy bone and tissue. Healing times vary from case to case depending on the individuals health. Health conditions such as diabetes, chronic diseases, existing dental or bone problems, smoking and alcohol consumption can adversely affect the process. 

If you have any questions about dental implants or the other alternative treatments, please ask. At Reflection Ridge Dental we believe being informed about the process is critical to positive treatment outcomes.

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