Dental Implants

Are you seeking a natural-looking and secure way to replace a missing tooth? Do you currently have traditional removable dentures but find them to be uncomfortable and inconvenient? A missing tooth can impact more than just the appearance of your smile; a gap in your teeth can lead to more complicated – and costly – dental problems in the future. Even patients with traditional dentures often experience irritation or slippage along the gum line and may have difficulty chewing or speaking with ease. With dental implants, Dr. Robin Rutherford can help you significantly improve the form and function of your teeth, boost your confidence, and maintain a beautiful smile that can last for decades.

• What Are Dental Implants?
• Dental Implant Benefits
• Dental Implants vs. Traditional Dentures
• Dental Implants vs. Dental Crowns
• Dental Implant Candidates
• Dental Implant Options
• Dental Implant Preparation
• Dental Implant Procedure
• Is the Dental Implant Procedure Painful?
• Dental Implant Recovery
• Lifespan of Dental Implants
• Dental Implant Maintenance
• Dental Implant Cost
• Dental Implant Risks
• Choosing an Implant Dentist
• Additional FAQs

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Each dental implant feels and functions just like a natural tooth and requires zero extra maintenance. Implants can rebuild the integrity of your bite, making it easier to speak and chew. They can also help prevent your adjacent teeth from shifting position as well as reduce the risk of bone loss. In addition to enhancing oral function, dental implants from Dr. Rutherford are custom-designed to give your smile a beautiful appearance. The porcelain crowns that finish your dental implants are handcrafted to look just like natural teeth for a seamless smile.

Dental Implants vs. Traditional Dentures

While both dental implants and traditional dentures can effectively replace a full set of missing teeth, dental implants have a number of distinct advantages. A denture is crafted to mimic an entire row of teeth, while each dental implant is individually designed to function just like a natural tooth. Consequently, dental implants can be easily cleaned and require no extra maintenance. With dental implants, messy adhesives are a problem of the past. Once the titanium post of the implant fuses to the jawbone, dental implants can serve as a much more stable and comfortable solution for missing teeth. For some patients, custom-made dentures can be affixed to a set of dental implants that act as a secure foundation for the replacement teeth. These implant-supported dentures allow for an entire arch of teeth to be replaced, offering many of the same advantages that individual dental implants provide.

Dental Implants vs. Dental Crowns

Dental implants and dental crowns often work together to provide fully functioning, natural-looking teeth replacement; however, there are some distinct differences between these two restorative treatments. Dental crowns are frequently utilized to address damaged or heavily decayed teeth. A crown is custom-designed to cover the entire tooth, providing a strong barrier of protection against further harm while enhancing the tooth’s structural integrity and appearance. In that application, the dental crown procedure is typically minimally invasive. By contrast, dental implants are designed to replace missing teeth and require an oral surgery procedure to anchor the implant posts to the jawbone. In many cases, dental implant procedures are complete once the custom dental crowns are affixed to the implant posts; however, some dental implant procedures involve implant-supported dentures, which attach a denture prosthesis to the posts instead of individual dental crowns. Ultimately, when utilized in dental implant procedures, the dental crown essentially acts as the new tooth, while the implant serves as the tooth’s root.

Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?

During the consultation, your dentist will perform a comprehensive oral exam as well as review your medical history to ensure you are eligible for dental implants. At The Art of Dentistry, patients of all ages have successfully improved their smiles with dental implants. In general, good candidates for the procedure exhibit the following:

• Missing one or more teeth
• Adequate jawbone density to support the implant
• Generally healthy gum tissue
• No medical conditions that could interfere with proper healing
• Not currently undergoing chemotherapy or radiation

Some patients with insufficient jawbone density may be candidates for implant-supported dentures or jawbone grafting prior to the dental implant procedure. If you are not considered a candidate for implant surgery, Dr. Rutherford will help you find an alternative solution that can improve both your oral function and smile aesthetics. To discover if you are a candidate for dental implants, please schedule a consultation today.

What Dental Implant Options Are Available?

The dental implant procedure can be performed for a variety of needs. Whether you’re missing a single tooth, multiple teeth, or all of your teeth, Dr. Rutherford can help you find a long-lasting replacement. While some patients may be eligible for an implant to replace each missing tooth, others may be better candidates for dental implants that support a multiple-tooth restoration. In general, our team offers three different types of dental implant options: single tooth implants, fixed bridges, and implant-supported dentures.

• Single Tooth Implants: A single tooth implant is intended to replace each individual tooth that is severely damaged or already missing. These implants are positioned to maximize functionality, and the custom porcelain crowns are designed and color-matched to blend seamlessly with your natural smile.
• Fixed Bridges: A fixed bridge is ideal for those with several adjacent teeth missing, as the dental implant works to support crowns on each side. A fixed bridge may be an ideal solution for patients who do not have adequate jawbone density for multiple dental implants.
• Implant-Supported Dentures: For patients missing all of their teeth, a full mouth reconstruction using implant-supported dentures can be life-changing. This involves replacing both arches of teeth by anchoring custom-made prostheses with strategically placed implants. Implant-supported dentures offer numerous advantages compared to traditional dentures. Benefits include greater support, increased comfort, no slippage, and the elimination of messy adhesives.

All of these implant options provide a more permanent solution compared to traditional restorations, like removable bridges and dentures. As a result, they can help you achieve a more natural-looking smile and enhanced oral function.

How Do I Prepare for Dental Implant Surgery?

Individualized dental implant surgery treatment plans may include pre-operative instructions. These instructions may recommend arranging transportation to and from the appointment, as well as to avoid eating or drinking for a certain amount of time beforehand. You will be provided with detailed guidelines to help you prepare for the procedure so you will know what to expect.

Additionally, for patients who do not have adequate jawbone density to properly support dental implants, a bone grafting procedure may be an option capable of improving their candidacy. Bone grafting is a preparatory treatment that can replace lost jawbone mass in the missing tooth region with a small amount of donor bone material. Over time, the bone graft should fuse to the jawbone and enhance its density sufficiently enough to accommodate an implant. Once x-ray images of your oral structures have been taken upon oral evaluation, Dr. Rutherford will be able to determine whether a bone grafting procedure is necessary.

What Does the Dental Implants Procedure Involve?

The first step of the dental implants procedure is surgically placing the titanium rod or rods into the jaw. Once the jaw has healed and these artificial tooth roots have fused to the jawbone, custom-crafted porcelain crowns are attached to the implants, providing a long-lasting restoration for missing teeth. Dental implants can replace any tooth you may be missing, anchor a set of dentures for increased stability, or even enable you to get rid of a denture or partial entirely and have “real”, permanent teeth again!

Is the Dental Implant Procedure Painful?

Our top priority is patient comfort and safety. To help make the procedure as painless as possible, we will numb the area using a local anesthetic. You may feel a little bit of pressure during the treatment, but patients generally do not feel any discomfort. As the anesthetic wears off, you may experience some tenderness and soreness. Over-the-counter pain medications can help alleviate these symptoms as you recover.

While the dental implant procedure can be performed using a local anesthetic, we also offer sedation dentistry for patients with high levels of dental anxiety. With oral conscious sedation, a single pill can be taken by mouth, placing you in an extremely relaxed state for the duration of your procedure. Although you can still communicate with the dentist, some patients enter a sleep-like state.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

The titanium post of each dental implant is designed to fuse to the jawbone and become a permanent part of your mouth. Once the porcelain crown is attached to this post, your dental implant is complete and will function just like a normal tooth. Dental implants are designed to last for many years, if not one’s entire lifetime, when placed by an experienced professional and properly cared for. The best way to protect and prolong the lifespan of your dental implant is to maintain good oral hygiene and schedule twice-yearly oral exams with your dentist.

How Do I Take Care of My Dental Implants?

Dental implants do not require any extra maintenance beyond what is needed to care for your natural teeth. This means you can brush and floss your teeth without the need for the messy adhesives or pastes necessitated by traditional dentures. Although the materials used for your dental implant are not susceptible to decay, your gums and surrounding oral structures are still vulnerable to harmful bacteria if the right precautions are not taken. In addition to flossing daily and brushing twice per day, it is important you schedule routine dental cleanings and checkups so your dentist can monitor and help maintain your oral health. By following these basic dental hygiene habits, you should be able to enjoy your new, beautiful smile for decades.

What Are the Risks Associated With Dental Implants?

As with any surgery, the dental implant procedure involves some risk. At The Art of Dentistry, we prioritize your safety and comfort throughout the dental implant procedure to help ensure the procedure and your recovery go as smoothly as possible. Using advanced 3D imaging technology, Dr. Rutherford can map out the best location for your dental implants and minimize the chance of complications with an accurate placement and a precise fit. By following our post-operative care instructions closely, you can further reduce the risk of compromising your results. With Dr. Rutherford’s skill and experience in dental implant surgery, you can feel confident that you are receiving the highest quality of care.

Additional Frequently Asked Questions

Are dental implants covered by insurance?

Depending on your unique dental plan, your insurance may cover some of the costs of a dental implant procedure. We encourage our patients to contact their insurance provider to gather more detailed information about their benefits. Our team can help you navigate the financing process, and we do provide dental financing options for out-of-pocket costs. We also partner with CareCredit^®, which is a reputable lending company that offers qualified applicants customized monthly payments, low- to no- interest rates, and extended payment plans. If you have any questions regarding how to pay for treatment, do not hesitate contacting our office. One of our dental staff members would be happy to assist you.

What alternatives are there to dental implants?

Dental implants are usually the preferred option for teeth replacement, but some people may be better candidates for alternative methods. In these cases, your dentist may recommend the following options:

• Dental Bridge: A non-surgical alternative to dental implants are dental bridges. They are composed of an artificial tooth with two crowns on each side. The crowns are securely cemented to natural teeth, making the bridge a permanent solution. Your dentist can customize the bridge to replace just one tooth, or several teeth.
• Implant-Supported Bridge: Unlike a traditional bridge that is attached by crowns, an implant-supported bridge is affixed to dental implants. The number of implants needed depends on the size of the bridge.
• Removable Denture: A traditional denture is a prosthesis that can restore missing teeth either in the upper or lower dental arch, or both. Removable dentures sit on top of the gums and must be taken out every night to be cleaned.
• Implant-Supported Dentures: Patients usually choose implant-supported dentures over traditional dentures since they are more comfortable and convenient. They are anchored into place with dental implants, which makes them permanent teeth replacements.

What should I eat after dental implant surgery?

During the first two weeks after surgery, we usually recommend a liquid and soft-food diet. This helps ensure that the implant effectively bonds with the bone structure. After two weeks, you may gradually start to eat a variety of foods again. To help preserve the outcomes of your dental implant procedure, we suggest that patients avoid eating foods that are sticky, hard, or crunchy for two to four months after treatment.

Are dental implants safe?

Dental implants are considered the “gold standard” of tooth replacement solutions. Choosing the right dentist who is highly-trained in implant dentistry can ensure that you will receive the highest quality of care. When placed by a qualified dentist, dental implants are considered very safe. In rare cases, patients may experience problems after treatment, such as infection or implant failure. Our team does our best to minimize the chances of complications by utilizing state-of-the-art technology and techniques to perform implant surgery as safely and as effectively as possible.

How long have dental implants been used for tooth replacement?

Humans using material to replace missing teeth has been a trend since about 2000 B.C. with early Chinese civilizations using bamboo pieces to fill gaps in smiles. It was later discovered that other countries, like Egypt and France, were using metal implants to replace missing teeth of people who were already dead, as doing the procedure while the person was alive would have been excruciating. Thousands of years later, in 1952, an orthopedic surgeon accidentally discovered the ideal material for dental implants, which turned out to be titanium. The same orthopedic surgeon placed the first titanium dental implant in a human volunteer in 1965, and the rest is history.

What factors can affect the longevity of dental implants?

General maintenance and upkeep by brushing and flossing at least twice a day can help your implants last longer. Receiving regular dental check-ups and getting teeth cleanings every six months can improve the lifespan of your dental implants as well. We also recommend patients to avoid smoking and using tobacco products as they can increase the risk of implant failures.

Does smoking affect dental implants?

On top of the negative effects smoking can have on your health, many overlook one of the most apparent impacts: your smile. Smoking can have negative effects on your teeth including discoloration and yellowing. Scientists have also proven that tobacco and nicotine can prevent the jawbone from properly fusing with the dental implant. Our practice suggests quitting smoking and using tobacco products for general health reasons, but also to maintain the benefits of your dental implants.

How do implants prevent jaw bone loss?

Dental implants can prevent jawbone loss by providing structure and function. Without dental implants, there would be no pressure from chewing and biting to stimulate the jawbone and prevent it from deteriorating. When dental implants are anchored into the jawbone to replace missing teeth, the original function and stability of your mouth can be mimicked and essentially restored.