While there are many ways to replace teeth, there is currently only one solution that effectively replaces the tooth to the absolute fullest. People don’t realize how large of a role the roots of teeth play in restoring your smile’s basic functions. If you want chewing to feel natural or reduce the premature signs of aging that accommodate tooth loss, then dental implants are likely the most appropriate tooth replacement option for you. Dr. Renkuntla can restore your smile to the fullest, whether you’re missing one tooth or an entire arch. Contact his dental office to learn more about the process!
A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth that’s surgically inserted into the jawbone, designed to replace the entire structure of a missing tooth from the root up to the chewing surface. Since it’s made of biocompatible titanium, it will naturally fuse with the surrounding bone tissue over time via a process called osseointegration. After a few months, you’ll return to our office to have a crown, bridge, or denture attached to your implants. Once you’re all healed up, your results will appear and function just like natural teeth!
Why are dental implants becoming increasingly popular as a solution for missing teeth? It’s thanks to the many unique advantages they provide! Unlike dentures that rest on your gums or dental bridges that use your teeth for support, dental implants are placed inside your jawbone. As a result, they offer several benefits for your health and quality of life that other options simply can’t match.
Below are just some of the reasons why so many people are choosing dental implants.
It doesn’t matter if you need to replace a single tooth or all the teeth in your smile, dental implants offer solutions for many forms of tooth loss. Below, you can learn exactly how it’s done, regardless of the number of teeth you need to replace.
At Saginaw Dental, we want all our patients to achieve their best smiles without fearing outrageous bills. There isn’t a flat rate for dental implants because various factors affect the final price tag, like the number of teeth you’re missing. Don’t let the cost of dental implants in Saginaw stand in your way of a complete smile because they are more affordable than you might realize. We offer the financial solutions you need to enjoy the unmatched advantages of dental implants.
Although no two treatment plans are the same, the steps to replace teeth with dental implants are virtually unchanged. It can take several months to complete the process, which gives you more time to pay because the entire balance won’t be due upfront. Generally, you can expect to pay for:
You’ll know exactly what you’ll have to pay before committing to anything, so you won’t be surprised by any unexpected fees.
A dental implant recreates the entire tooth from the root up. If you’ve lost several teeth, you will require more dental implants, so you can expect to pay more for each part, which includes:
Although there are discounted materials, you’ll get what you pay for. Your implant dentist in Saginaw will help you choose the best materials for your new smile to ensure your investment looks its best and lasts for decades.
Traditional prosthetics need to be replaced every few years, but not dental implants. They can last for 30 years or longer with the right care, so they can pay for themselves over time. Dental implants also improve your oral health to protect against common issues associated with tooth loss. You’ll avoid dental treatments down the road to reduce your overall oral health expenses.
Many dental insurance plans can be used to offset the cost of certain steps in your treatment. After reaching your deductible, your plan can cover up to 80% of the cost until hitting your yearly limit. We’ll help you maximize your coverage to lower your out-of-pocket expenses, so you have one less thing to worry about.
We believe everyone should have a healthy, beautiful smile, even if money is tight. We offer multiple payment options to keep dental implants within your budget, including:
Our team at Saginaw Dental can perform and complete your entire dental implant placement at our office. Once we’ve completed your procedure, you’ll be provided with certain post-op instructions that will help promote a smooth and comfortable healing process. While you’ll be informed on the best practices for optimal recovery before and after your appointment, here are the essential guidelines you can expect to follow.
One of the main priorities during your healing process is to leave the blood clot around your dental implant(s) undisturbed. There are several ways you can help make this recovery period smoother, such as:
While every patient is different, many share some of the same experiences when healing from dental implant placement surgery. Some of the common symptoms include:
Since you’ll want to avoid disturbing the surgical site(s), you’ll need to avoid consuming food that is difficult to chew or that can accidentally harm your implants. Once you’ve healed sufficiently, you’ll be able to return to eating the majority of your usual foods. Until then, be sure to stick with softer meals, such as:
You’ll need to maintain a clean mouth after your dental implant surgery if you want to avoid complications during recovery, such as gingivitis and oral infection. This will also keep bacteria from damaging your connective tissues and leading to implant failure. To avoid this, be sure to practice the following tips:
Once it’s time to get your new pearly whites attached, you’ll already be done with the difficult part of the process! You might feel somewhat sensitive around your dental implant(s), but you can easily manage this with over-the-counter painkillers. There also shouldn’t be any intermittent bleeding, swelling, or soreness. If there is, contact us right away for help.
Now that you know more about the process of getting dental implants in Saginaw, you’re probably more excited than ever to start your journey toward a complete, fully functioning smile. However, since the procedure is invasive and requires oral surgery, it’s completely normal to have a few questions about it. Luckily, we’re here to help you out. At Saginaw Dental, we’ve decided to answer some frequently asked questions about dental implants. If you’d prefer to speak with a member of our team, don’t hesitate to reach out and make an appointment!
Dental implants are considered one of the most permanent solutions for missing teeth. In many cases, they last well over 30 years – sometimes even a lifetime! Of course, their exact lifespan depends heavily on the patient’s health, oral hygiene, and lifestyle. You can help your new smile last as long as possible by taking proper care of your teeth and gums, visiting your dentist every six months, and avoiding bad habits (i.e., smoking, chewing on your fingernails, using your teeth as tools).
As long as your dental implants in Saginaw are placed by a qualified professional, they’re considered to be a very safe and successful treatment. If you have issues like low jawbone density or gum disease, Dr. Renkuntla can fix them to ensure there are no complications during your surgery. However, if you have problems that could make the entire process riskier (i.e., diabetes or cancer), our dental team will explain how that’ll affect your treatment and what steps will be taken to make the procedure safer.
Even though it’s rare, dental implant failure usually occurs for one of the following reasons. Peri-implantitis is a type of gum disease that develops from poor oral hygiene, damaging the bone and gums supporting the implant. Failed osseointegration is exactly as the name implies, which is when the implant doesn’t properly fuse with the jawbone. That often happens when the patient had low jawbone density, to begin with. A few other things that cause dental implant failure are chronic teeth grinding, tobacco use, poor oral hygiene, and certain medications. During your consultation, your dentist will explain how you can minimize your risk of implant failure.
It’s a good idea to stick to a soft food diet for the first few days after your dental implant surgery. Also, you’ll want to stay away from alcoholic, sugary, acidic, chewy, or hard foods as they can damage or dislodge your restorations. Although you can eat almost anything once your implants are healed, you’ll still want to exercise caution when chewing with your new smile.
There isn’t an age limit for dental implants; however, older patients can have a slightly higher risk of complications, like an infection. With age comes certain health issues, such as diabetes, cancer, or heart disease. Many medications used to treat age-related conditions can suppress your body’s immune system. Therefore, your implant dentist may take extra precautions to ensure your safety and the success of your new smile. After learning more about your medical history and any medications you’re taking, they’ll create a personalized plan to rebuild your smile. It’s not uncommon for older patients to need additional procedures, like periodontal (gum) therapy, bone grafting, or sinus augmentation. Although your treatment plan may take a little longer, the added steps guarantee your new smile has the healthy, strong foundation it needs.
Dental implants have over a 95% success rate. They are the most reliable method to treat tooth loss. Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants can thrive for decades with the right care. Although failure is rare, various factors affect their lifespans, like your oral health and lifestyle habits. You can safeguard your investment by brushing, flossing, and using a daily mouthrinse. Don’t forget to visit your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. Your implant dentist will advise you to avoid anything that may damage your dental implants, like using your teeth are tools, chewing on inedible objects, or eating hard/sticky foods. The location of the post can also play a role. Back teeth undergo more wear and tear than front teeth, so they can have a slightly shorter lifespan.
A dental implant is unlike any other procedure because it replaces the root and crown. As a result, only a qualified dental professional can remove them, such as in cases of failure. A titanium post is surgically inserted into the jawbone to mimic the root. This allows your bone to fuse to the post through a process called osseointegration. Your implant can stay in place for decades; however, some implant dentures are removable to make them easier to clean.
After your jaw has integrated with the post, it should never feel loose. Instability can be caused by multiple problems, like a damaged restoration, infection, or bone loss. It’s best to see your dentist right away to resolve the problem. If you wait too long, your dental implant can fail.
The early signs of dental implant failure can be subtle, but you don’t want to ignore red, swollen, or tender gums. Any pain or unusual sensations can indicate an underlying concern, like an infection. Often, your dentist can stop the early stages of dental implant failure, so you’ll want to schedule an appointment right away.