All Family Dental - Oakdale

Dental Implants in Oakdale

An implant serves as a replacement for a natural tooth root and is topped with a restoration, such as a dental crown, to assist in the restoration of your teeth's function, appearance, and natural feel.
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What Are Dental Implants?

All Family Dental - Can anyone get dental implants?

An implant is a compact metal screw designed to replace an entire tooth. In a concise surgical procedure, a dentist places the implant into the bone beneath your gums, precisely where a tooth should be. This implant mimics a natural tooth root and is then topped with a restoration, like a dental crown, to achieve a lifelike appearance and feel.

The process of obtaining dental implants is a significant undertaking. If you’re considering an implant but unsure of what to anticipate, we provide a comprehensive explanation here to empower you with the information needed to make an informed decision about your dental treatment.

Katie Shook

Found this place when we moved to the area and it’s great! I’ve always been hesitant about going to the dentist but now I go every 6 months like I’m supposed to! They’re thorough, knowledgeable, gentle, and friendly. Dr. Anderson originally took photos and X-rays of my teeth to monitor any changes and reviewed everything with me after the first appointment. They actually care and always ask if you have any questions or concerns with your teeth. I recommend them to everyone!

Jason Urbanski

What a great experience. The dental assistants were amazing. Dr. Anderson is thorough and professional. I recommend All Family Dental to everyone I know. Cannot say enough good things about them.

McCallion Stark

Dr. Anderson, Dr. Tim, and the staff Shayla, Marlena, Mary, Tara, and Melanie, are VERY professional, knowledgeable, and compassionate. I’ve been coming here for a year now and every time I come in they know me by name - very impressive. That’s the high level of attention to detail they provide. Walking into All Family Dental gives me a friendly feeling of warmth, comfort, and confidence that I am right where I want to be for my dental work. I would recommend All Family Dental to any and all of my friends and family.

Why You Might Require Dental Implants

Your natural teeth play a vital role in supporting the form and structure of your smile, enabling you to eat and speak with ease.

The absence of a tooth in your smile could lead to the misalignment of your other teeth, increasing the risk of oral health complications. Losing even a single tooth can set off a series of events within your mouth that can negatively impact your oral health, facial aesthetics, and overall well-being.

Furthermore, irrespective of whether you experience these consequences of missing teeth, there is one unavoidable issue: bone resorption. This is a natural process where your body breaks down non-essential bone tissue to utilize minerals elsewhere in your body.

When you have teeth in your jawbone, they exert pressure on it, prompting the generation of new bone tissue. However, once those teeth are gone, the bone tissue no longer serves a purpose and gradually diminishes. The outcome? A shortened jaw and chin, leading to wrinkles and a sunken appearance in your cheeks and lips.

Dental implants represent the next best option to natural teeth. By replacing lost teeth with implants, you can prevent or rectify the aforementioned problems.

The Advantages of Dental Implants

Losing a tooth can have a profound impact. It can cause self-consciousness about our smile and potentially lead to a range of health issues. Gaps in your teeth can make chewing uncomfortable, hinder your ability to enjoy your favorite foods, and even result in bone loss or teeth shifting.

Restore your natural look – Dental implants closely resemble your natural teeth in both appearance and feel. They become permanent fixtures that seamlessly blend into your smile. Implants appear authentic because they are individually tailored to match your unique bite, shape, and natural enamel color.

Confidence in comfort – When a dental implant is placed, your jawbone naturally bonds with the titanium post during the healing process. Whether it’s affixing a crown, bridge, or securing implant-supported dentures, one thing remains constant: that dental implant remains steadfast. You can laugh, smile, and savor your favorite foods without worrying about teeth shifting or sudden discomfort.

Enhance bone strength – Tooth loss can lead to the weakening and atrophy of the bone supporting those teeth over time. Dental implants stimulate the growth of new bone around the implant, fortifying the bone structure.

Dental implants offer a long-lasting solution that feels natural and can endure for decades with proper oral care.

All Family Dental - Oakdale

Dental Implant Restorations

A restoration is essentially the “artificial tooth” that conceals the implant. While the implant remains hidden when you smile, it’s the restoration that envelops it, creating the appearance of a new tooth.

Dental Crown – This is the most prevalent type of implant restoration and is employed to cover a single-tooth implant.

Dental Bridge – In cases where several consecutive teeth are missing, a bridge can bridge the gap. Just one or two implants can support a dental bridge, allowing you to replace multiple teeth.

A full implant – supported bridge involves an entire upper or lower arch of teeth affixed to four or more implants.

Implant Denture – Enhance the stability of a removable denture by securing it to two small implants, providing a secure attachment.

All Family Dental - Oakdale

What to Expect During the Procedure

While the idea of having a metal implant inserted into your mouth’s bone may initially sound painful, the actual procedure is often far more comfortable than you might anticipate.

We will administer a mild anesthetic to numb your mouth, ensuring that you don’t feel any pain during the surgery. Thanks to advanced dental technology, we can place implants swiftly, precisely, and with a conservative approach. This means less discomfort and reduced downtime for you during the recovery period.

During the brief half-hour procedure required to place the implant, some patients have even reported feeling a sense of boredom or drowsiness. The most uncomfortable part for you may be the need to keep your mouth open for short intervals, but that’s the extent of it.

In the hours immediately following the procedure, it’s common to experience some swelling, discomfort, and possibly bruising. Nevertheless, the pain is typically mild and easily manageable. We will provide you with specific instructions to help minimize any discomfort before the anesthetic wears off. Typically, your surgical implant site should start feeling better within a week.

It’s worth noting that dental implants boast an impressive success rate of nearly 95%. Getting an implant is one of the safest and most reliable procedures in the field of dentistry.

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What You Can Anticipate During Your Dental Implant Treatment Voyage

The process of placing the actual implant is more comfortable than you may envision.

Assessment

Initially, you will undergo a dental implant consultation to determine if implants are suitable for your needs. During this phase, your dentist will conduct X-rays and a 3D cone-beam CT scan of your jaw to assess the condition of your bone tissue and formulate your treatment plan. Additionally, the dental team will take a scan or impression of your teeth to aid in the planning of the implant’s angle and placement.

Inserting the implant

We apply an anesthetic to ensure complete numbness at the surgical site. The dentist then makes a small incision in both the gums and the underlying bone. Subsequently, the implant post is carefully inserted into this opening. Occasionally, sutures may be required to close the gums, although this is not always necessary.

Finalizing the restoration

After the implant placement, you return home to allow your implant to heal over the following months. Upon your subsequent visit to our practice, we will have your dental restoration prepared and ready for placement. The restoration will then be installed, and you will depart with a brand-new, fully functional tooth.

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to schedule an initial consultation & exam.

Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.

Cost Of Dental Implants In Oakdale

How is the Cost of Dental Implant Surgery Determined?

Several important factors influence the cost of dental implant surgery, including:

  1. The type and quantity of implants needed.
  2. The materials and supplies utilized.
  3. The expertise and experience of the dental team involved throughout the process.
  4. The location and complexity of the surgical procedure.
  5. Your recovery duration, with our commitment to supporting you throughout.

Each case is unique, so it’s crucial to consult with a dentist and undergo an oral examination. This allows us to assess your specific situation and present various treatment options for your consideration. We would be delighted to provide you with a more precise cost estimate.

Are There Alternative Solutions for Missing Teeth? For gaps resulting from one to three missing teeth, a dental bridge can sometimes serve as a suitable solution. In cases of multiple missing teeth, whether on the upper or lower arch or throughout the mouth, dental prosthetics or removable dentures may be recommended. When weighing the cost of dental implants against other tooth-replacement alternatives, it’s essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages.

Dental implants may require a higher initial investment, but they offer greater stability and durability compared to bridges or dentures. Removable dental prosthetics necessitate distinct care and maintenance, and adjustments or replacements may be needed as you age. Conversely, caring for a dental implant is similar to maintaining your natural teeth, involving regular at-home oral care and routine dental check-ups. With proper care, a dental implant can last a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions

The suitability of dental implants is less about age and more about the individual’s overall oral health and specific needs. While implants can be a viable option for people of various ages, it’s essential to consider factors like bone density, gum health, and the patient’s ability to undergo the procedure successfully. A dental consultation with a professional can help determine the best timing for implants based on the patient’s unique circumstances.

Dental implants are known for their longevity. With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime for many patients. They are designed to be a permanent and durable solution for tooth replacement. However, individual factors like oral hygiene, lifestyle, and overall health can influence the longevity of dental implants. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices are essential to maximize their lifespan.

Dental implants are exceptionally strong and can withstand the forces of chewing and biting comparable to natural teeth. In fact, dental implants are often considered stronger than natural teeth, as they are made from durable materials like titanium or zirconia. This strength makes them a reliable option for restoring function and aesthetics to the smile.

Unlike natural teeth, dental implants are not susceptible to cavities because they are made of materials that do not decay, such as titanium or zirconia. However, it’s crucial to note that the surrounding natural teeth and gums still require proper oral care to prevent cavities and gum disease, which can affect the overall health of the mouth and the longevity of the implants.

During the dental implant placement procedure, local anesthesia is typically used to ensure that the patient experiences minimal discomfort or pain. Most patients report only mild discomfort after the surgery, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. The level of discomfort varies from person to person, but it is usually well-tolerated. The recovery period is relatively short, and any post-operative discomfort typically subsides within a few days to a week.

All Family Dental - Oakdale

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Call 651-333-7496