Dental Implants

The Parts of Dental Implants

Dental implants are designed to feel and function like natural teeth. Each implant has three parts: the implant post, the abutment, and the crown or multi-tooth prosthesis. The implant post is a tiny screw that your periodontist will place into the empty socket. This screw will function like a natural tooth’s root, which holds your tooth securely in place while you chew and bite tough foods. The abutment is a connector piece that will firmly attach your new tooth to the post. Your new crown will be fixed to the top of the abutment once the implant site has healed.

Dental implants are the only tooth restoration option that fuses to the jaw bone and prevents bone loss.

If you have missing teeth, enough jaw bone, and are healthy enough to undergo general surgery, you likely qualify for dental implants.

Our practice uses superior dental implant technology and techniques to produce optimal patient outcomes.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Having a complete smile can improve your confidence and your ability to perform everyday tasks like biting, chewing, and speaking. Other benefits of having dental implants placed include:

1

Long Term Results

Because the implant post fuses to the jaw bone, it is a long-term solution to tooth loss. Your implant does not get taken out during meals or cleaning, unlike traditional dentures and bridges. Many patients even forget they have dental implants!

2

Natural-Looking Replacement Teeth

The crown, designed by a restorative dentist, is custom-made to match the size, shape, and color of your other teeth. Many people are unable to tell which tooth is the implant because of how natural the results look.

3

Preserve Bone

When a tooth is missing, the jaw bone underneath can resorb over time. The implant post fuses to the jaw, providing the necessary stimulation during chewing to keep it healthy. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that offers this benefit.

4

Simple Care Routine

There are no moving parts and no special rinses needed. Practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing every day, just like your other teeth, and attend regular dental checkups to care for your dental implant.

Types of Dental Implants

One major advantage of dental implants is that they are versatile. Your periodontist can customize the number and types of implants to suit your specific needs. The types of dental implants we offer at Greenhill Periodontics & Implants include:

Single Implants. We use one dental implant post to replace one missing tooth, and can repeat this process as needed throughout the mouth.
Immediate Implants. If you’re having a tooth extracted and there is enough jaw bone, we can place an implant post into the empty socket during the same appointment.
Implant-Supported Bridges. Bridges restore multiple teeth missing beside each other. Traditional bridges sit on top of adjacent teeth, causing them damage, while a dental implant can support the bridge, protecting your other teeth.
Full-Arch Restoration. Ideal for patients with many missing or unhealthy teeth, this procedure uses several implant posts to secure a fixed prosthesis, resulting in a brand new, fully functioning, secure smile.

Dental Implant Surgery

The dental implant procedure usually requires a total of at least two or three office visits, depending on the type of implants you plan on getting and the number of implants necessary. During the first visit, your periodontist will review your health condition, take 3D scans, and discuss your treatment and anesthesia options.

The dental implant surgery typically lasts between 1 and 3 hours. After administering the anesthesia, your periodontist will lift the gum tissue and place the implant(s) into the bone beneath. The titanium posts integrate with the jaw bone while you heal, creating a firm and secure foundation for your replacement teeth.

If your implants are immediate loading, your crowns will be attached using the abutments the same day or a day after your initial surgery. With traditional implants, we may provide temporary teeth while the implant sites heal. In either case, you will leave with a beautiful new smile.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

We use several factors to determine the cost of your dental implant treatment. These include the number and type of implants you need, if you require bone grafting or tooth extractions, your dental insurance, and your choice of anesthesia. Keep in mind that for most dental implant surgeries, patients undergo IV sedation.

Removable dentures and bridges may be cheaper upfront, but they can become costly down the road. You must replace these removable appliances every few years and clean them using special rinses. Because there are no pieces stimulating the jaw below the surface, you may require costly and extensive bone repair surgery to treat severe jaw bone loss. With dental implants, you avoid all of these issues and more. Your investment in your smile remains beneficial for years to come, and most importantly, you are able to smile with confidence again.

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How long is recovery?

Recovery is different for everyone, but most people feel ready to return to their normal routines within a few days. The implant site will need time to heal, so it’s important not to chew anything tough around where your implant was placed for a while. Your surgeon will give you a full explanation of your pre- and post-operative instructions to help you prepare for a speedy recovery.
Do teeth implants hurt?

Oral surgeons are the only dental professionals qualified to administer all types of anesthesia. We will help you select the right type for your surgery complexity and level of anxiety. Many patients undergo IV sedation for this procedure, which renders a sleep-like state where you are unable to feel pain. Post-operative pain can often be managed with ice packs and over-the-counter pain medications.
Can dental implants be done in a day?

If there is enough jaw bone to support the implant, our oral surgeons can insert an implant post immediately following a tooth extraction. This saves you time and money, and allows you to leave with a complete smile after just one surgical visit.
Who is not suitable for dental implants?

Patients with extensive jaw bone atrophy, suppressed immune systems, or those who take certain medications may not be suitable for dental implants. During your first visit, we will discuss your health history and determine which type of restorative treatment is right for you.