Dental implants have changed the way dentists look at replacing teeth. Before, all they could do was fill in the empty space above the gums. Now they have a way to replace the roots that used to rest in the jawbone as well. This is a complete game-changer that allows us to create new smiles that are just as beautiful and functional as the real thing. Dr. Garrad and the rest of our experienced team can smoothly handle the entire dental implant process here at Stone Street Dental. Call today to schedule an implant consultation and learn more about state-of-the-art dental implants in Greenville to replace missing teeth.
Why Choose Stone Street Dental For Dental Implants?
Dental implant placement and restoration are all in-house
Team with over 15 years of experience
Cheerful and comfortable dental environment
What Are Dental Implants?
Made from titanium (or zirconia in certain cases), dental implants are made to be placed in the jawbone. Osseointegration allows the jawbone to grow around the implant post and essentially fuse with it, anchoring it permanently in place so that it can serve as the foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture. You can get one implant to replace a single tooth, but it’s also possible to use multiple implants to replace the entire arch if need be.
The 4-Step Dental Implant Process
Unlike dentures and dental bridges, getting dental implants requires a multi-step process that will take several months. This may seem like a long time, but when you consider all the long-term benefits, you will understand why they’re worth it. While every treatment is unique, here are the four main steps that you can expect during the process of restoring your smile with dental implants.
Benefits Of Dental Implants
Dental implants are versatile enough to replace any number of teeth. They are very easy to maintain, as you can brush and floss them as if they were normal teeth. Also, they keep your restorations anchored in place, and they offer enough biting strength to handle virtually any food. Since they’ve joined with the jaw, they can stimulate the surrounding bone so that it doesn’t break down. And finally, while traditional bridges and dentures have to be replaced every so often, dental implants are known to last 30 years or more and can often remain in the mouth for the rest of a patient’s life.
Cases That Dental Implants Can Help
You may be qualified for dental implant treatment if you have one or more missing teeth, have a jawbone that can successfully fuse with an implant, do not currently have gum disease, and have no medical conditions that would stop you from undergoing surgery. We can discuss your eligibility for implants (as well as potential ways to overcome any existing obstacles) at your consultation. The following situations can all be resolved with a carefully chosen number of implant posts.
Missing Single Tooth
Replacing a single tooth is the simplest implant procedure. All you need is one post and a crown. Because implants are so comfortable once they've joined with the jawbone and our crowns are made out of lifelike materials, you may find yourself occasionally forgetting which tooth is the one you had replaced.
Missing Multiple Teeth
When there are multiple teeth missing, we'll need to give some thought as to the best way to replace them all with implants. For example, if three or more consecutive teeth have been lost, we can place two dental implants and use them to support a fully customized dental bridge.
Missing All Teeth
Did you realize that dentures could be attached to dental implants? This keeps them secured in place at all times, so you can say goodbye to untimely slips that cause you to slur your words. Also, putting dentures on implants makes it easier to eat tough-to-chew foods, and that's good news when it comes to planning a healthy diet.
Understanding The Cost Of Dental Implants
Do you need a single dental implant and crown, or are you planning to replace multiple teeth? Are you eligible for implant surgery right now, or are you going to need some preliminary treatments first? These are just a couple of the factors that go into the final cost of dental implants. No matter what you end up paying, remember that your implants will provide many life-changing benefits that you wouldn’t get from other options.
Dental Implants Post-Op Instructions
You already know that you’ll be numbed and sedated for the surgical placement of your implants, but many patients worry about what comes next. It’s natural to wonder what recovery is like and what you should expect. For example, many patients have questions about what symptoms are normal and when they might need help.
Thankfully, dental implants have an incredibly high success rate of 95%, so there’s not much to worry about as long as you follow Dr. Garrad’s post-op instructions. She’ll let you know how to care for your mouth so you can heal as quickly as possible without developing complications. Continue reading below to learn what our team recommends, and feel free to contact us for more information.
Maintaining & Caring For Your Dental Implants
There’s a good reason that many experts consider dental implants to be the ideal way to replace missing teeth. These resilient restorations have the potential to keep your smile happy, healthy, and whole for the remainder of your natural life. However, it’s essential to care for them properly to continue to make the most of the many benefits they provide. Continue reading to learn our recommendations for maintaining your prosthetics, and feel free to contact us if you have additional questions.
At Stone Street Dental, Dr. Garrad provides comprehensive dental implant care from surgical placement through final restoration, delivering results that look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
Call our Greenville, TX office or book online to schedule your dental implant consultation.
Dental Implant FAQs
Dental implants are an ideal option for replacing missing teeth thanks to their numerous benefits. However, they are quite an investment, so it pays to be well-informed. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we receive about dental implants in Greenville. If you don’t see the information that you’re looking for below, just give us a call. Our friendly team would be happy to answer any questions you have and get you started with an initial consultation.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
The lifespan of dental implants typically depends on the health and lifestyle choices of the patients. To ensure that your implants last, it’s important that you brush, floss, and rinse with a mouthwash on a daily basis. See your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups, and avoid chewing on anything particularly hard or sticky. With proper maintenance, implants can last upwards of 30 years. This is several times longer than the average traditional bridges and dentures.
Does Getting Dental Implants Hurt?
The jawbone doesn’t have very many nerve endings, and your mouth will be numbed with a local anesthetic before the procedure begins. You will also most likely be sedated, lowering your body’s ability to register pain. While the surgery shouldn’t hurt, your mouth may be sore for a few days following the procedure. To manage this, take recommended over-the-counter and prescribed pain relievers as directed. Cold compresses can also help to reduce discomfort. If discomfort worsens instead of improving after two to three days, give us a call.
Will I Have To Take Off Work For Dental Implant Surgery?
Most patients only need to take one or two days off work to get dental implants. If your job is physically demanding, you may want to take at least three to four days off, as heavy exercise can divert blood from the implant site and delay healing. However, every case is different. During your initial consultation, we’ll be able to give you a more specific recommendation to meet your unique needs.
Can I Get Dental Implants If I’m Diabetic?
If your diabetes is under control, your odds of dental implant success are generally comparable to those of nondiabetic patients. Uncontrolled diabetes can slow down the healing process, making it harder for your implants to integrate with your jawbone. If you are interested in getting dental implants but have diabetes, talk to your endocrinologist or primary care physician about getting your blood sugar levels under control beforehand.