Dental implants in West Brookfield are versatile enough to replace any number of missing teeth. For a single vacant tooth, a dental implant and crown is the solution. An implant-retained bridge can be used to replace multiple consecutively missing teeth, while implant-retained dentures provide a full-mouth reconstruction.
Missing Single Tooth
A single tooth dental implant consists of the implant, the abutment (acts as an anchor) and a porcelain crown restoration. The combination of these three parts creates what is considered to be the most reliable form of tooth replacement available. Better yet, the new structure is completely self-sufficient, which means no damage to your surrounding teeth.
Missing Multiple Teeth
For multiple consecutive missing teeth, instead of placing an implant for each one, we’ll create an implant-retained bridge. Like the traditional dental bridge method, this option consists of two or more dental crowns arranged in series. There is one big difference, though. Instead of relying on the surrounding teeth to act as anchors, the structure we create won’t require any alterations to your other teeth.
Missing All Teeth
If you’re missing all your teeth, thankfully, you don’t have to endure the ultra-invasiveness of having each tooth root replaced. You also don’t have to settle for awkward traditional dentures that are subject to sliding and falling out your mouth. By strategically placing four-to-six dental implants per arch that attach to a full set of dentures, our dentist can securely and restore your smile and functionality.
The process for receiving dental implants is inherently longer and more complex compared to traditional restorations like dentures or bridges. However, when you consider all of the benefits that dental implants have to offer, including an impressive lifespan, this wait is a small price to pay! While every treatment plan is different, generally speaking, the dental implant process can be categorized into four distinct steps. Here’s a closer look:
Initial Dental Implant Consultation
The very first step of your dental implant journey is meeting with our team to discuss your smile. We’ll need to assess your tooth loss and oral health to determine if you’re a good dental implant candidate. For dental implants to be successful, there must be enough healthy jawbone tissue present to support them. Likewise, a patient must be in decent oral health and free of gum disease before getting implants. If any preliminary procedures are needed to address the issues, such as a bone graft or periodontal therapy, once they’ve been wrapped up, the surgery can be scheduled.
Dental Implant Surgery
You’ll be happy to hear that we can complete the entire dental implant process here at our West Brookfield office, meaning you won’t have to coordinate with other teams or practices. As for the surgery itself, it usually takes around 1 to 2 hours per implant. After your mouth is numbed, a small incision is made into the gum tissue to access your jawbone. The implants will then be placed at precise angles and locations – usually, anywhere from one to four are used, depending on the extent of your tooth loss. Once they’ve been placed, your gums will be closed, and protective caps are placed over the implants to shield them during the healing process.
Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment
Osseointegration is perhaps the most important part of the entire dental implant process. It refers to the natural fusion between your implant posts and jawbone tissue; this is possible because implants are made from biocompatible materials. This part of the dental implant process normally takes three to six months, and you’ll want to take great care of your mouth during this time to ensure success. Once osseointegration is complete, you’ll return to our office for a second, smaller surgery to receive your abutments, which are connector pieces that are placed on top of your implants.
Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration(s)
Dental implants can be used to replace any number of missing teeth, no matter where they’re located inside the mouth. This means that your dental restoration will be fully customized based on your needs. Once your mouth has fully healed, it’s finally time to return to our office and receive your new teeth. They’ll be attached to your abutments, and they should be indistinguishable from your natural teeth in terms of look, feel, and functionality.
One of the most attractive features of the dental implant process is its impressive level of customization—no two procedures are truly alike! Therefore, the best way to get an accurate cost estimate is to visit our office for a consultation that includes a detailed oral examination. We’ll take into account factors such as the number of teeth you have missing, the condition of your oral health, and the amount of healthy jawbone you have remaining—based on these details, we can give you a better idea of what you’ll end up paying.
Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery
There are a few possible preliminary treatments that might need to be performed before we can clear you for dental implant surgery; these include gum disease therapy, tooth extractions, and dental bone grafting. While these do add to the overall cost of the process, they ultimately ensure that the implants are capable of serving you well. These processes are also typically at least partially covered by dental insurance, but you’ll want to check the specifics of your plan beforehand. As for the actual implant surgery, the amount you’ll pay is typically affected by variables like the location of the surgical site, the number of implants being placed, and the type of sedation and anesthesia being used.
The Parts of Your Dental Implants
When it comes to dental implants, their overall cost is also affected by:
- Number of Implants – Dental implants can be used to replace just one, a few, or an entire missing arch (or two) of teeth; the number you’re receiving will play a part in what you pay.
- Type of Restoration – Crowns, bridges, and dentures can all be used with implants, and they all have varying costs. In most cases, smaller restorations are typically less expensive than larger ones.
- Material – Implants are sometimes made from zirconia instead of titanium, which affects the overall cost.
- Brand – There are numerous implant manufacturers to meet the variety of needs that exist among dental patients. The manufacturer we choose will affect how much you end up paying, but feel free to ask us about what brand you’re receiving as well as any brand-specific benefits!
How Dental Implants Can Save You Money
You may be tempted to save money by choosing traditional dentures or bridges over dental implants, due to their lower cost. But even though implants have a higher up-front cost than other solutions, they actually save you quite a bit of money down the road. One reason for this lies in their longevity; you won’t have to pay for a replacement every 5 to 10 years like you would for dentures or bridges. You also don’t need to worry about purchasing special cleaning solutions or tools for your implants, as they don’t require any specialized care or maintenance—just keep up with your oral hygiene, and they’ll stay clean and intact while helping your mouth stay in tip-top shape!
Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Generally speaking, most insurance plans do not pay for the actual dental implants themselves, though there are exceptions, and parts of the final restoration or preliminary treatments are often covered. In any case, our team can sit down with you to review your benefits so that you can rest assured they’re being maximized.
Dental Implant FAQs
Dental implants are a long-term solution for replacing missing teeth and are widely considered by dentists and patients alike to be the gold standard of tooth replacement. However, it’s likely you have some questions that need answers before you’re ready to commit to a treatment plan. While we will be happy to walk you through the entire process during your consultation, we’ve gathered some of the most common questions we get about dental implants below so you can learn more about them. If you don’t see the information you’re looking of, we’re just a phone call away!
Will I Need a Bone Graft Before Getting Dental Implants?
A strong jawbone is the key for successful dental implant treatment. You’ll need to have enough jawbone density for the dental implant to fully integrate with and be supported by. Unfortunately, there are a variety of reasons why you may not have enough jawbone density, like:
- You’ve lost teeth because of gum disease, which attacks the jawbone.
- You’ve lost teeth due to a bone-weakening disease.
- You lost your teeth a long time ago, and therefore the jawbone has naturally deteriorated.
Thankfully, none of these situations mean that you can’t ever get dental implants. A bone graft is a great way to rebuild your jawbone and get you ready for your new smile. Every dental implant case is slightly different, so the only way to know for sure whether you’ll need a bone graft or not is to come see us for a consultation and evaluation.
Am I Too Old or Young for Dental Implants?
There are very few restrictions on who can get dental implants. In fact, there is no upper age limit! As long as a patient has a strong jawbone, good oral health, and is well enough to undergo minor surgery, we can help them rebuild their smile with dental implants. On the other side of the spectrum, a teenager who is interested in replacing their missing permanent tooth or teeth will need to wait until their jaw is done growing. Typically, this is by the age of 16 for girls and 18 for boys.
Is There Anything I Shouldn’t Eat with Dental Implants?
You’ll need to follow a few dietary restrictions after your dental implant surgery to help your mouth heal. However, in the long-term, you can expect to eat whatever you like with your new teeth. Thanks to their secure placement in your jawbone, you will easily be able to comfortably eat nuts, apples, steak, and any other food on your plate. That being said, you should still limit your intake of very hard foods, very sticky foods, and very sugary foods, which are bad for your dental implant as well as your natural teeth.
Are Dental Implants an Eligible FSA or HSA Expense?
Dental implants are generally considered eligible for HSA reimbursement since they are a restorative treatment. They are also often eligible for FSA reimbursement as well. However, you may have a cap on the amount or other restrictions to navigate. We’ll help you look at the details of your FDA or HSA to determine exactly what you can expect to pay out-of-pocket.
