Dental Implants

What Are Dental Implants?

We offer full dental implant services at The Exchange Dental Group. Dental implants are the pinnacle of modern prosthodontics options for replacing missing teeth. They are designed to mimic the look, feel, and function of natural teeth, providing a long-lasting and durable alternative to traditional dentures or bridges.

Advantages of Dental Implants

One of the significant advantages of dental implants is their ability to provide stability and support to neighboring teeth, preventing them from shifting or becoming misaligned. This preserves the integrity of your bite and helps maintain the overall alignment of your teeth. Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth (with a crown placed on the implant), multiple teeth (with an implant-secured bridge, for example), or a full arch of teeth (with implant dentures). Other advantages of implants include:

• Improved functionality: With dental implants, you can regain the ability to chew and speak naturally, without worrying about slippage or discomfort that may occur with traditional dentures.
• Enhanced aesthetics: Dental implants are designed to look and feel like your natural teeth, enhancing your smile’s appearance and boosting your self-confidence.
• Long-term durability: With proper care and maintenance, dental implants have the potential to last a lifetime, making them a cost-effective solution in the long run.
• Preservation of jawbone health: When a tooth is lost, the underlying jawbone can deteriorate over time. Dental implants stimulate the bone, preventing bone loss and maintaining its strength and density.

The Anatomy of a Dental Implant

A dental implant consists of three essential components: the implant itself, an abutment, and a dental crown. The implant is a small, titanium screw that is surgically placed into the jawbone, acting as an artificial tooth root. This biocompatible material allows the implant to fuse with the bone over time through a process called osseointegration, providing a stable foundation for the replacement tooth.

Once the implant integrates with the jawbone, an abutment is attached to the implant. The abutment serves as a connector between the implant and the dental crown. It is carefully positioned to ensure proper alignment and support for the crown.

Finally, a custom-made dental crown is created to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth. The crown is securely attached to the abutment, completing the dental implant restoration. The result is a prosthetic tooth that seamlessly blends in with your existing teeth, providing a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing solution.

Why Choose The Exchange Dental Group for Dental Implants?

Many general dentists provide dental implant services, but what makes us different is that, unlike most dental offices, our team includes an in-house periodontist & implantologist and an oral & maxillofacial surgeon. We have actual specialists in our office, which means we are able to perform the entire implant procedure — from diagnosis to placing the implants to placing the permanent crown, bridge, or denture — right here in our office, and we won’t have to refer you out even if your case is complex. We are also able to offer IV sedation for oral surgery, if needed.

We use a CT scanner to get a full understanding to determine the best placement of the implants. We will create a surgical guide so the actual placement of each tooth implant in the patient’s jaw is exactly where it needs to be. If there isn’t enough bone to support implants, we can perform bone grafts and sinus lifts. We also have expertise in cosmetic dentistry, which results in beautiful restorations (crowns, bridges, dentures). The result won’t just have the function of natural teeth, but also the appearance of natural teeth!

Other Tooth Replacement Options

There are several other options for dealing with a missing tooth besides dental implants:

• Flipper (removable partial denture): A cost-effective, non-invasive option, but may feel less stable and require daily removal for cleaning.
• Bridge (fixed dental bridge): Provides a stable restoration, but requires alteration of adjacent teeth and has a limited lifespan compared to dental implants.
• Traditional dentures (complete or partial): Affordable and non-invasive, but can feel less stable, requires removal for cleaning, and does not prevent atrophy in the jaw bones.
• Not replacing the tooth: Leaving a gap is the cheapest short-term option but potentially the most expensive option over time. It may lead to misalignment, increase the risk of gum disease, and have negative impacts on facial aesthetics and oral health.

Am I a Candidate for Implant Dentistry?

While each case is unique, there are several factors that determine whether someone is a suitable candidate for dental implants. Here are some considerations:

• Sufficient bone density: Dental implants require a solid foundation of healthy jawbone, which is crucial for the successful integration of the implant through osseointegration. Fortunately, at The Exchange Dental Group, we can perform bone grafts and sinus lifts if there isn’t enough bone to support implants initially. 
• Healthy gums: Healthy gums ensure proper healing and support around the implant site. Any gum disease will need to be treated and brought under control before implant placement.
• Overall health: Certain medical conditions and medications may affect the healing process and increase the risk of complications. It is important to discuss your complete medical history with us to ensure dental implants are a suitable option for you.
• Non-smoker or willingness to quit: Smoking can negatively impact the success of dental implants as it can hinder the healing process and increase the risk of implant failure. 
• Commitment to oral hygiene: Regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits are necessary to ensure the long-term success and longevity of the dental implant.
• Patience and cooperation: Candidates should be patient and willing to follow their dentist’s instructions closely to ensure optimal results, as this process involves multiple stages and healing periods.

Ultimately, the best way to determine if you are a suitable candidate for dental implants is to consult with our team. We will thoroughly evaluate your oral health, review your medical history, and discuss your specific goals and expectations. With a comprehensive assessment, we can recommend the most appropriate tooth replacement options tailored to your individual needs, ensuring the best outcome for your smile and oral health.

How Much Does a Tooth Implant Cost? 

While dental implants may have higher upfront costs compared to some other tooth replacement options, the long-term benefits and cost savings they offer make them a worthwhile investment. By choosing dental implants, you can maintain proper alignment and prevent the need for costly orthodontic treatments or additional dental work in the future. 

Take Advantage of Our Expertise in Implant Dentistry

If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implants may be an excellent option to restore your smile’s function, aesthetics, and overall oral health. Schedule a consultation to discuss your specific needs and discover how dental implants can transform your smile. Our experienced team members will assess your oral health, evaluate bone density, and determine if dental implants are the right solution for you.