MISSING TEETH CAN MAKE LIFE DIFFICULT

Do you worry about the fact that you are missing one or more teeth? When you’re missing a tooth, you might have problems with the following:

• Food getting stuck in the gap between your teeth.
• Teeth shifting out of place.
• Changes in your bite.
• Jawbone deterioration.
• Problems eating the foods you love.
• Whistling when you speak.

Not to mention the embarrassment you might feel about missing a tooth. You might hesitate to laugh or smile because you feel self-conscious about your appearance.

One of the more severe consequences of a missing tooth is the deterioration of your jawbone. Once you start losing bone density, the surrounding teeth become less stable. You may also start to lose bone structure, especially if you’ve been missing a tooth for a long time.

FORTUNATELY, DENTAL IMPLANTS CAN HELP

Replacing your missing tooth with a dental implant is possibly the most efficient way to restore your tooth. The implant acts like your natural teeth and gives you the strength and stability you need to start eating and speaking normally again.

Because a dental implant is a titanium post placed in your jaw, you can enjoy the following benefits:

• Protection of your facial bone structure.
• Prevention of bone density loss.
• Bone regrowth.
• Stable dental appliances like bridges or dentures (if applicable).
• A full smile with a natural look.
• Restoration of eating and speaking ability.

Dental implants are the sturdiest and strongest tooth replacement option. Each dental implant is customized to your bite and your smile so you look and feel fabulous!

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DENTAL IMPLANTS FAQ

Though dental implants are easily one of the most reliable tooth-replacement options, the decision to get them may not be an easy one. In your consultation with us, we’ll answer all your questions and discuss your possible treatment plans. In case there are a few questions on your mind right now, we’ll answer some common dental implant questions here.

What Are The Benefits Of Dental Implants?

When you get your tooth replaced by a dental implant from Valley Dental Solutions, you can receive the following benefits:

• Protection for Your Other Teeth: When you lose a tooth, other teeth start to move toward the empty socket. This can ruin the alignment of your teeth and bite. A dental implant fills in the gap and stops that process.
• Long-lasting Teeth: Each implant is a high-quality investment because it will never wear out or need to be replaced. It will be a rigid part of your jaw and can serve you well as you age.
• A Return to Normal Life: Possibly the hardest part of losing teeth is losing the ability to speak correctly and eat what you want. With dental implants, you’ll be able to brush, floss, eat, smile, and speak normally.
• Improved Facial Shape: A patient’s face sometimes looks older because of a missing tooth–partly because the jawbone starts to deteriorate when a tooth is missing. An implant keeps the jaw stimulated, strengthening your facial features.
• Gum Disease Prevention: An empty socket encourages bacteria to grow. Filling in those spaces with dental implants can plug up the holes that bacteria can grow in. Keep your gums and teeth healthy with dental implants!

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

The cost of dental implant treatment varies based on:

• The need for other treatments before implants can be placed.
• The number of implants.
• The type of restoration (crown, bridge, implant, etc.) desired.
• The oral health of the patient.

Dental implants are a valuable investment for your oral health. They provide:

• Long-lasting security.
• Support for a variety of tooth replacement options.
• A strong base that can withstand chewing even hard or chewy foods.

These benefits come at a price, but certainly not an undeserved one. Dental implants are crafted to be both beautiful and functional using high-quality materials to provide our patients with high-performing results.

If you have concerns, please contact us about our payment plans.

Are Dental Implants Painful?

Because dental implant placement is a surgical procedure, our team will provide you with the appropriate anesthetics to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.

After your implant surgery, you will most likely experience tenderness and swelling that can typically last around 3–5 days. Our dentist will provide you with after-care instructions for any discomfort you may feel following your procedure.

While some pain is expected after surgery, it shouldn’t last more than two weeks. If pain continues past this point you should consult our dentists.

How Long Do Implants Last?

With proper maintenance and dental hygiene, your dental implants can last for a very long time. The crown attached to the titanium post can last 10–15 years, or longer. The titanium post on which the crown is secured can last upwards of 20 years.

Regular dental visits and good oral hygiene (daily brushing and flossing) will help keep your implants looking their best. Avoid biting down or chewing on hard objects or using your teeth to tear or cut. Like your natural teeth, extensive exposure to certain foods can stain your implant crowns.

Am I A Good Candidate For Dental Implants?

The perfect candidate for dental implants will:

• Be in good oral health.
• Have adequate bone density to support the implant.
• Have healthy gum tissue free of periodontal disease.
• Receive regular dental cleanings and checkups.

Patients with low jawbone density may be able to receive a bone graft to support the implant.

We evaluate each patient individually and will discuss your personalized treatment plan. Some patients who have uncontrolled diabetes, cancer, heart disease, or blood clotting disorders may have to consider alternative treatment plans. Our dentist can give you a full evaluation and discuss your treatment options.

How Should I Prepare For Dental Implants?

To prepare for your dental implants call Valley Dental Solutions and make an appointment with our dental team. You will receive a full evaluation and personalized treatment plan. You will receive specific directions related to your procedure so you will be well prepared for your surgical placement. If needed, a bone graft will be scheduled before the implant procedure.

When scheduling your implant placement consider any downtime you may need after your procedure. Tenderness and swelling are common and generally subside within the first few days. You may want to consider taking 3–4 days post-surgery for recovery.

After placement, you won’t be able to eat many hard foods. It is a good idea to stock up on yogurts, smoothie ingredients, and juices before your procedure so you have everything you need when you come out of surgery.

Do Dental Implants Require Any Aftercare?

At the time of your surgical procedure, you’ll receive aftercare instructions. Follow our dentist’s instructions for pain relief and use ice in 15-minute increments for the first couple of days to reduce swelling and help with any pain.

You will also receive directions on how to care for your mouth as it heals and bonds with your new implant. These instructions will need to be followed until your mouth is ready to receive the restorative tooth or teeth.

At a later appointment, we’ll check your implant and restoration and answer any questions you might have regarding your implant or healing.