A beautiful, healthy smile can tell others that you’re open and friendly. However, missing teeth can be a challenging obstacle that limits your confidence and inhibits your desire to smile. As a result, others may perceive you differently than you would like. Plus, missing teeth can cause a number of functional problems, ultimately affecting your ability to chew and speak properly. Customized dental implants from Smile By Design and our experienced implant dentist, Dr. Donian Shen can help restore your teeth with natural-looking results.
We believe dental implants are the only truly effective solution to replace missing teeth. This advanced technique offers numerous benefits, including addressing both the visible missing tooth as well as the missing root beneath the gumline. A replacement tooth works exactly the same way as your natural tooth—it is anchored in place and protects against bone loss that could occur with other treatments or no treatment at all. Furthermore, dental implants can be used to combat misalignment before it occurs. In experienced hands like ours, dental implants can be a smart investment that lasts a lifetime.
- What Are Dental Implants?
- Dental Implant Benefits
- Dental Implant Candidates
- Dental Implant Options
- Dental Implants Procedure
- Dental Implant Exceptional Service
- Dental Implant Results
- Dental Implants Cost
- Dental Implants Risks
- Dental Implants and Pain
- Dental Implant Alternatives
- Why Choose Smile By Design
- Dental Implant FAQs
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are comprised of two parts: the titanium root fixture, or post, and the dental restoration that is affixed on top. The titanium post will be placed into the bone below the gumline for a sturdy foundation. As a result, the implant can be stronger than the natural tooth. Once the healing process is complete, the restoration (dental crown, implant-supported dental bridge, or implant denture) will be attached. Dr. Shen endeavors to provide the most natural-looking outcome possible while delivering exceptional beauty and durability.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Dental implants can offer a multitude of benefits. By utilizing the most advanced techniques and technology possible, our experienced team can often further enhance your outcome. Designed to replace missing teeth, implants can also:
- Enhance your comfort when eating and speaking
- Preserve jawbone integrity and strength
- Minimize the risk of teeth shifting in the surrounding area
- Reduce wear and tear on the gums and soft tissues
- Improve bite alignment and function
- Provide long-lasting, aesthetically appealing results
Additionally, dental implants can be just as easy to care for as your natural teeth. Normal brushing and flossing will help to keep your implants in excellent shape for the life of your smile. It’s important to note, dental implants and implant-supported restorations are currently the only tooth replacement options that can aid in maintaining the density of your jawbone. Without the tooth and root structure, your body may gradually absorb the bone tissue, leading to significant changes in your facial shape and appearance. Dr. Shen will discuss this possibility and how to avoid it during your initial consultation.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Ideal candidates for dental implants will have missing or severely decayed teeth; however, candidates should also be in relatively good overall health. If you suffer from heart disease, we may recommend a different procedure, such as traditional dentures, in order to reduce your risk of complications during surgery. Because implants require adequate jawbone density for support, Dr. Shen will make sure your jawbone is sturdy before moving forward with treatment.
What Should I Expect from the Dental Implants Procedure?
When you arrive for your first appointment, Dr. Shen will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your teeth, gums, and oral structures. This will also include an oral cancer screening. Ideal candidates will be in good general health and free of periodontal disease. Dr. Shen will then customize a treatment plan based on your anatomical needs, such as existing gum and bone support, as well as your cosmetic goals. The number of dental implants will also be determined by these factors to ensure the best possible outcome.
The dental implant procedure typically consists of five parts:
- Consultation
- Implant Placement
- Surgery to Expose Implant (depending on your needs)
- Impression
- Crown Attachment
After the consultation, your surgery will be scheduled. During this procedure, Dr. Shen will implant the titanium post (or posts, depending on your treatment plan), into your jawbone. It will take some time for the implants to fuse to the jawbone after this operation. Once your bone has taken to the implants, Dr. Shen may need to clear away some gum tissue to expose the implants; however, not everyone will need this secondary surgery.
The next step is the impression. She will take models of your mouth to create a customized restoration that best suits your existing bite and your desired aesthetics. Once the restoration is delivered, Dr. Shen will affix it to your implant. The entire process typically takes between four to eight months to complete. Though patience will be necessary, the result should be worth the wait. Your new dental implants are designed to provide the same appearance and function as your natural teeth and to last for many years to come.
How We Provide Exceptional Service
CT Scanning
A CT scan, sometimes called a CAT scan, typically will be used to determine the thickness of your bone and to better guide implant placement prior to bone graft and implant surgery. With the aid of advanced computer software, Dr. Shen plans the dental implant procedure using the information from your scan. When she performs the surgery, she already will be familiar with your unique anatomical needs. For your convenience, we have an in-house CT machine.
Strict Sterile Protocol
Your safety is our primary concern, and we use a very strict sterile protocol when it comes to your procedure—from drapes to bib covers to gloves. We will also disinfect your mouth before the surgery and use antibiotics to cut down the risk of infection. As a result of this diligence, our infection rate is very low. We have three highly-trained surgical assistants to assure a smooth process. Additionally, Dr. Shen has completed advanced training with Dr. Carl Misch at the world-renowned Misch Implant Institute.
Dental Sedation Options
To enhance your comfort and reduce dental anxiety we offer oral conscious sedation and IV sedation options to help put you at ease. If you are nervous about your procedure, we encourage you to discuss your concerns with us. We will endeavor to make your experience as pleasant and anxiety-free as possible.
State-of-the-Art Laser Technology
A Water Laser is utilized in our office to help during soft tissue and hard tissue surgery. In addition, this technique is also used to expose the healed implants during the restoration process, reducing discomfort and expediting recovery. The Water Laser can cut down the treatment and appointment time, since we combine multiple procedures in one appointment. This modern technology plays an important role in dentistry, providing greater comfort and saving time for our patients.
“I have had issues with my teeth since a very young age and always felt intimidated and uncomfortable going to a dentist. Dr. Shen has positively altered my feelings towards dental visits. She is very compassionate and knowledgeable which is a great combination. She performed a bone graft surgery on me a week ago and was very dedicated at ensuring that I got the best care possible. I will also be getting an implant at her office. Her receptionist is also very helpful and responds very promptly to emails and inquiries. The only thing that I was not very happy with was her assistant who showed a lack of experience. I was not sure if she was in training still.”
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime, and with proper placement and excellent oral care this is possible. To get the most out of your dental implants, it is imperative to have them placed by a highly skilled dentist with the experience and training to identify the ideal locations for each implant and to perform the procedure accurately. Dr. Shen is extensively trained and continues to maintain her knowledge with regular conferences and courses. She is well-versed not only in implant placement, but in bone grafting and other elite techniques that can provide an exceptional result for patients who may otherwise not be considered good candidates by other dental professionals. She is dedicated to each patient’s care, comfort, and outcome, and she will work with you to ensure your implants last as long as possible.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
On average, dental implants typically cost between $3,000 and $4,500 per implant, according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. The price of dental implants will vary depending on the number of implants used, the complexity of your case, whether bone grafting is needed, and other factors. During your initial consultation, Dr. Shen and our medical team will review the anticipated cost of your treatment so you can make an informed decision about your care. Please contact us today to schedule a personalized consultation. We can also help you find dental financing if you prefer to pay in installments.
Are dental implants covered by insurance?
Dental implants are typically not covered by dental insurance, even though they are considered in most cases to be the best approach to replacing missing teeth. We want you to have a beautiful smile and functional oral structures that hold up well over time, and we can work with you to find a suitable solution that brings your treatment plan into your budget.
Are Dental Implants Safe?
When planned, placed, and finished by a skilled implantologist, dental implants are not only considered very safe but also one of the best ways to replace missing teeth with lasting, beautiful results. In the wrong hands, as is the case with any medical or dental treatment, complications could arise. Dental implants require oral surgery, precision placement of the implants, and skilled creation of the restorations. You should never seek out the cheapest option when it comes to your health and safety. If you have trouble affording your treatment, we can help you find a way to bring the cost into your budget.
Do Dental Implants Hurt?
Your comfort is one of our highest priorities, and we will make every effort to provide exceptional care during each stage of the implant process. Some soreness during the healing period is to be expected, and you can take over-the-counter pain medications to alleviate this sensation. We also offer sedation dentistry techniques that can minimize or even eliminate discomfort and reduce feelings of anxiety while you’re in our care. We understand that many people experience dental fear, and have a wide range of options to aid in your relaxation.
Are There Alternatives to Dental Implants?
If dental implants are not right for you, we offer a range of options that can help you address missing teeth. Dental bridges can be used to correct one or more missing teeth in a row and traditional removable dentures are a common restoration used for a quadrant or full arch of missing teeth. In some cases, patients who are not good candidates for a full set of dental implants may still be able to use implant dentures. Dr. Shen will review all of your options at your initial consultation, so that you can make the best decision for your needs and goals.
Additional Dental Implant FAQs
Dr. Shen has answered some additional frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you make the best decision about your oral health care. For customized suggestions, please contact our office.
How long does it take to get dental implants?
The process of placing dental implants, integrating with the bone, and attaching the permanent restorations is a long one that requires some patience. From start to finish, this can take six to nine months. However, you will never be without your smile. You will have temporary restorations in place, allowing you to smile, eat, and live confidently during the treatment.
How do I clean dental implants?
Other than maintaining excellent oral hygiene, there are no extra maintenance requirements for dental implants; in other words, implants are designed to match your natural teeth and should be treated with the same care. Moreover, brushing at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and sticking to a generally healthy diet can help your implants retain their shine. In addition, you should attend routine dental appointments for professional cleanings and exams.
How do dental implants feel?
After healing is complete and the dental implants have completely fused with the jawbone, they should feel just like the surrounding natural teeth. The attached restorations are designed to look and function in the same way as natural teeth as well, providing strong and lasting support.
How does smoking affect dental implants?
As you are probably aware, cigarette smoking can be detrimental to your oral health. In the case of dental implants, we advocate that you stop smoking in the weeks before and after your surgery, as smoking can cause implant failure (a condition in which the mouth rejects the implant’s attempt to fuse). The use of nicotine also increases your chances of infection during the healing process. After your implants have fused to the jawbone and been properly placed, we encourage you to curb your smoking habit, as smoking can also cause bones (i.e., the jawbone) to weaken.
Are there certain foods I should avoid with dental implants?
When your implants are placed by an experienced cosmetic dentist, they should have no impact on your ability to eat your favorite foods. That said, we still encourage you to be mindful of your diet and make sure you choose snacks that promote good oral health.
Why do dental implants fail?
When placed by a highly trained and experienced implant dentist, dental implants have proven to be an effective and successful solution for tooth loss. However, there are certain factors that can cause dental implants to fail. Some of the most common reasons include a lack of jawbone density, disruption of the healing process caused by infection, poor oral hygiene, and advanced periodontal disease. Having your implants placed by qualified professionals and adhering closely to their aftercare instructions provides the highest likelihood of implant success. It is also important to avoid smoking, as studies have shown a significant link between tobacco usage and implant failure.
When is it too late to get dental implants?
While there is no set time limit for getting dental implants after tooth loss, it is important for patients to have sufficient jawbone density in order to properly accommodate the implant post(s). In the aftermath of tooth loss, the bone structure begins to gradually deteriorate, potentially causing the treatment area to become too weak to support the implanted posts. Fortunately, a bone graft may be able to restore lost tissue density, and advances in restorative techniques mean that even patients unable to support a full mouth of single tooth implants may still be candidates for an implant bridge or denture.
Dental implants can seem complicated, but we’re here to help. Contact us today for more information about how dental implants can help you. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is happy to answer questions and to help you schedule a free consultation with Dr. Shen.*
